How is it going? September 2024

 What progress is being made in our written language programme? What challenges are there to over come? What can we do?


The biggest challenge at the moment is the diversity in the learners. I have some children ready fly in terms of writing and are doing so. They can take onboard the individual goals set and work towards them. I have some children ready to fly but held back by their handwriting. I have some children plodding along with encouragement and I have some that are still unable to write any words independently. Some children see it as a chore and resist writing.

There is a large continuum in terms of children's desire to learn and improve.

25 children is a lot for a junior class and with so many big personalities and challenging behaviours some days it is hard to get traction. Attendance is an issue for some.

I need to do all literacy prior to lunch as I have no TA Monday, Wednesday or Friday in the afternoons. Our class has 2x 40 minutes of TA support in the afternoon on Tuesday and Thursdays which is used to support the children who will hopefully benefit from the boost a small group focused session gives them.


  • Is this what I expected?

Yes and no... I would love to be able to make some moves with my target kids.

  • Should I be concerned Why?/Why not?

I am really concerned about 4 boys. They have made limited progress this year even with explicit teaching, writing every day and following a structure that is predictable. They do not have all their letter/sounds secure and blending and segmenting is a challenge. On a positive note they are beginning to see themselves as learners but it is still a big challenge.


  • What further feedback do I need to refine what I am doing?

I am going to do some more reading and seek advice from my peers. I have RTLB support for the class too but at the moment that is focused on supporting the behaviour of 2 boys and not learning focused yet.

  • What is it about my practice that I need to have a closer look at?

At the moment the groups are put together to spread behaviours. I feel that maybe a group of higher achievers would benefit them however that stacks the other children in the remaining groups.

  • Do I need to make changes to what I am doing or plan to do?

At the moment the groups are put together to spread behaviours. I feel that maybe a group of higher achievers would benefit them however that stacks the other children in the remaining groups.
Whaea Jane is taking out a group x2 a week to give them some more opportunities.

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