The first two weeks, by the Class Teacher

Jimmy has been in his new class for two weeks now.  I have to say I see a big difference in how he is now and what he was like when he first came in to my class, a fortnight ago.  I really felt for Jimmy that first morning, as he chanted away and ran around the room, clearly unsettled.

However, over the past week I have noticed that Jimmy responds to what I ask him to do and is sitting for longer periods of time. He won’t sit on the carpet preferring a chair but that’s fine. He has a small piece of plasticine that he enjoys playing with and it seems to calm him. 

On Wednesday this week Jimmy went to music.  He sat on my knee and joined in with the games.  It was obvious he was enjoying himself.  Today Jimmy came to our infant assembly again on my knee and managed to stay for the whole time, something he had never been able to do before.  He was enjoying the songs we are learning for our Christmas play and it was good to see.

Jimmy has also started joining in with our little Check-in, in the mornings. That’s where the class sit in a circle and say "Good morning!" to each other and tell how they are feeling that day.

While all this is good, I really hope for Jimmy’s sake that a place is found for him soon in a special unit.  I agree with what the team determined at his review meeting: mainstream is not for him at this time. 

Meanwhile - roll on next week!

Written by Mrs Mouat

The first day of school, by the Class Teacher

Robert settled very well in his new school environment and felt familiar with the surroundings, I think it helped a lot that Miss Brodie had been bringing him over for a visit to my classroom (whilst he was in nursery) before the summer holidays.  He joined in during our circle time and told the group that he liked going to the park.  We then had a colouring task to do and Robert chose red - his 'favourite'!  He asked if he could use all the colours and was delighted when I said "Of course!"  Robert was considerate of his peers and understood that when someone else is talking, he needs to wait his turn.

Jimmy had a good first day at school, he was a little unfamiliar with what to do with himself at first but he followed direction from the other boys and girls.  He happily sat on the carpet but I am not sure if he was really paying attention to what I was saying (even though I would remind him etc).

During circle time Jimmy wasn't sure what to say and repeated what the person next to him had said, although he did remember to say his name.  He was happy to colour his picture and when he was finished he chose to do a puzzle (which he did very efficiently!).  His communication may be a problem and at the moment I sometimes have difficulty understanding what he is saying.  He tends to just speak using single words and not in sentences.


Written by Mrs Irvine