Ms. Raquel Fenech Smith (Maltese) Junior 6B Ms. Raquel Fenech Smith (Maltese)

Seating Students will be seated round tables – 4 students per table. This will facilitate group work and encourage the children to work together. Places will be shuffled every two weeks. I feel this is important so that the children learn how to interact with everyone in the class. (A useful skill for later on in life) I would appreciate parents’ cooperation with this. However do let me know if you feel there are any particular situations which might require re-organisation and I will look into it.

Classroom Jobs Regularly, students will be given duties to carry out so they can help out and be responsible for the smooth running of the classroom. I feel this helps to develop the children’s sense of responsibility and ownership of the classroom. Duties include general helper, book handler, board monitor etc. Duties will be changed every two weeks so that all students will have an opportunity to carry out different duties throughout the year. I also encourage the students to remember that the class belongs to everyone and therefore everyone is responsible to keep it clean and tidy, not merely those with that particular duty at the time.

Blog I have my own personal blog which I invite you to follow. I will post important lesson points covered in class as well as interesting video clips and general information. This will help you, as parents, to better understand certain methodologies we are using and be in a better position to help your children during HW and revision, as well as keep you updated with all that is happening at school. Ms. Raquel – msraquel2014.wordpress.com

First day On the first day of school, I will be spending the first three lessons in this classroom. I will dedicate this time to: Getting to know the students and allowing them to get to know me, as well as allowing them to get to know each other better (particularly for the new students) Explaining classroom duties and responsibilties, golden rules and classroom arrangement Reviewing the time-table Reviewing classroom / school procedures (e.g. HWs, breaks etc.) Understanding the roles of different people in the school so they will know who to turn to for what

A few general points... I encourage students to take care of their own property, as well as that of others and of the school. Items should be clearly labelled. I propose that students do not carry all their books of each subject every time they have a lesson. The students can take home those books which they need for HW / revision while leaving others stacked neatly on the shelves This will help reduce the weight of their school bags.

Students can always come to us if they have any difficulties, both academic or otherwise. We will advise them where possible or else direct them to other persons in the school who might be more able to help them.

Thank you for your kind attention