Week One SBL

My first week at my SBL has been an incredible and eye opening experience! I can't believe I waited a year to start my teaching degree, but now I'm here I am enjoying every second. The teachers and students have been wonderful to work with and my MT is just outstanding. She has really taken onboard everything we've said and done everything in her power to make the SBL experience so much more enjoyable!

To begin our SBL experience, the school welcomed us in a small 10 minute outdoor assembly where we were welcomed. The school all sang a song for us which was such an awesome way for us to be welcomed as part of this incredible community based school. We also went on a tour of the 7 class school to see everything it had to offer, and for us to discover what we could give back.

On Tuesday I started with junior school, going round 3 classes with years 1, 2 and 3. It was a real eye opener to see the vast variety of skill levels throughout each year in regards to literacy and math abilities, as well as social skills. I was able to observe and also be involved with the activities the children were doing. The children loved "Miss Williams," and I even had a couple of them write stories about the new teacher in the class.

During my Tuesday class I was able to watch a swimming lesson as part of the health and PE program my SBL has currently got going. It was awesome to see how enthusiastic the students were at a different way of learning and being able to have fun in a totally different outdoor environment.

Wednesday brought me to the senior classes. I was able to observe year 5-8 students. I really enjoyed the older classes and found it more stimulating with the students challenging me more and questioning me as to what/why/how I did things. I, again, was able to see a swimming class, this time with older children, which showed me the complete difference in confidence around water. I was also able to participate in an end of day game of non-stop cricket. I am definitely not a sporty girl, so the push outside my comfort zone was great; especially when the students were amazed at how far I hit the ball.

Overall I had a brilliant  2 days and I cannot wait for next week!