Life in Year 1

Spending the majority of your first year of primary school doing remote learning at home was certainly a unique way to start the formal school journey. We ask Year 1 teacher, Lauren Crockett, and one of her students, Mumu Kang, how they have found returning to school this year.

LAUREN CROCKETT Joined Fintona as a Year 1 teacher at the start of the 2020 school year. MUMU KANG Is six years old and started at Fintona in the ELC.

How are you enjoying teaching, back in the classroom this year? It is an absolute delight being back in the classroom with the Year 1 students: teaching face to face, being able to see the girls thriving in the learning environment, interacting socially with their peers, and working together on activities. In addition to the girls, it is wonderful to be able to welcome our parents back to school. As this is only my second year at Fintona, I am also enjoying the opportunity to collaborate and share ideas with my colleagues.

Have you noticed differences between these Year 1 students and other cohorts you have taught in past years? The girls exhibit a love of learning with their classmates each day. Their excitement and joy are palpable, particularly when there are opportunities to participate in special events at school for the first time, most recently Mother’s Day, but also weekly assemblies and even playing in the playground at lunchtime. These are the things they missed last year.

Have you had to adapt your teaching style for this year? My teaching always aims to develop the whole child: their academic achievement as well as their social and emotional wellbeing. Cognisant of remote learning, I continue to encourage my students to collaborate and co-operate, to understand and perform different roles in a team and encourage all girls to ‘have a go’. Are there ways in which your students are surprising you? I continue to be impressed by the Year 1 students’ flexibility and adaptability when there are changes in our daily routine or within the day. Last year they experienced glitches online and things that did not always run smoothly, and the girls now know that change is okay and not to be concerned by it. More than ever, the girls are keen to have a chat and enjoy having the opportunity first thing each morning to share what has happened overnight or something about themselves.

Are there some positives that have come out of remote learning? Last year provided the unique opportunity for students to learn in a relaxed environment at home sometimes in their pyjamas, and to spend more time with their parents, siblings, and pets. This year, the girls just love being in the Junior School and being part of their House family. They are eagerly looking forward to new experiences including incursions and excursions and celebrating milestones as well as interacting with their friends and buddies from the Junior School. What do you enjoy about Year 1? I enjoy that every morning we do a morning circle. I like morning circle because we pass around a soft toy wombat called Wommy, when we share things about ourselves. I enjoy going to Girl Guides on a Friday afternoon and spending time with my friends. I like that we get to do fun activities in Maths where we play games with cards such as Snap.

How did you find remote learning? I liked that we had remote learning because I knew that we were safe at home. During class time, we played games online and we were matched with a partner. We learnt lots of things and it was very fun.

What do you enjoy about the Junior School Campus? I enjoy that we can be back at school and play in all areas of the playground. I like that we have more opportunities to do colouring and make things.

What are some of the things you are looking forward to this year at school? I am looking forward to swimming lessons at the end of the year. I am very excited because it has been a long time since I have done swimming.