Week 1 at SPS

Week 1 - Amazing is the one word summary. Was scared at the thought of not having a real "purpose" in the Innovative Learning Environment as all the other mentors are carrying on as normal, but my fear did not eventuate.
Day 1, Blue pebble Maths group
Day 2, Starlings and Waxeyes Reading groups
Day 4, Sparrows Reading group
Week 2 will be planning for Ben 10 writing group and teaching Ben 10 and Thunderbirds groups.

SPS really do walk-the-talk of collaboration. We're each planning different writing groups but not teaching all the lessons, PE we've decided on a theme and will follow the same lesson plan, reading groups are taken from each mentor group, as are maths groups. Concept time is a time to dig deeper and cover multiple curriculum areas, and there is still space in the week for a "joy"session - doing what you love as a learner / mentor. What more can you ask for?! 

It's the little things that help too.... SPS use hangouts to communicate with each other so there aren't 15 new emails every time you look at your computer. Discussing students is easy as all mentors are accessible, open and right there when you need them. Feedback is immediate, if you make a mistake and another mentor is there it is easily fixed (such as phonics - it's mmmmmm, not m m m!).

Then there is also the bonus of being surrounded by amazing mentors, absorbing what, why and how they do things to add to your repertoire. It is easy to feel somewhat daunted by this too, as they are incredible, but with a growth mindset I know my beliefs, principles and practices will just get refined and improved which can only be a good thing for the learners.