Top Tips for Teachers - Getting Ready for School
As teachers, TAs, and SENCOs, you’ll know the drill when it comes to little ones starting school. With the additional challenges that learning difficulties bring, these efforts have to be adapted. Teach Me Too’s ‘Getting Ready for School’ pack is here to provide you with a range of materials to support learners ahead of joining in September.
In this free online pack, you'll access three videos (from Mathematics, Language through Play, and Exploring Language), the associated downloadable resources, and a ‘Getting Ready for School’ Guide, where we provide top tips for parents and educators, as well as guidance on accessing the rest of the Teach Me Too project.
But how can you help? Here’s some information directly from our ‘Getting Ready for School’ Guide which can help you better support your incoming learner and their families at this transitional time.
Collaborating with Families
Read their EHCP: Take the time to really digest their EHCP and supporting documents. Make a list of extra questions or clarification you want to make when meeting the parents.
Individualised Education Plan (IEP): Collaborate closely with parents to develop a tailored IEP that reflects their child's unique strengths and needs.
Specialist Support: Ensure access to specialist educational professionals who can provide targeted strategies and support. It’s vital that you get the training in the learning profile of a child with Down’s syndrome and specifically supporting reading in the early years. While our children should fully be included in all areas of the curriculum you will need to ensure you have a DS specific reading programme in place and ready to go.
Open Communication: Maintain regular communication with parents to monitor progress, share successes, and address any concerns.
Use Teach Me Too in the Classroom
Enhancing Learning: Integrate Teach Me Too into classroom activities to support diverse learning needs and provide valuable resources for new staff to understand differentiation strategies. Research has shown a huge improvement in staff confidence when working through the Teach Me Too materials helping them go on to improve their own support skills.
Useful Resources and Contacts
Local Support Groups: Join local Down's Syndrome support groups for peer support and advice. Have a look at the Down’s syndrome Association materials for more in-depth information.
Educational Resources: Explore recommended books, websites, and apps that cater to the learning needs of children with Down's Syndrome.
Contact Information: Keep a list of key contacts, including school staff, specialist educators, and support organisations.