Thetford
Reception
All teachers had photos of each child and spots on the carpet for talk partners. Lolly sticks are used for choosing. Children with SEND are learning to communicate better and this is spreading to other areas of the curriculum and classroom.
All teachers used threes when children were absent which was a good rule to work with, avoiding anxiety.
One teacher found that having ability groups made the system harder to manage.
Two teachers had talk partner success criteria laminated as a poster and had been impactful for teachers and children.
Compliments were done orally on the carpet by all teachers which had been positive for building children’s self-efficacy.
All teachers were using working walls and children use these for language and to remind themselves of cross curricular links.
Year 1
All teachers had random talk partners, rarely threes, mainly changing on a Monday. One school uses spin the wheel. It has given children a chance to talk to different children so they make new friends, which carries through to the playground. They have become more confident and learnt how to adapt to others’ needs and become more understanding of each other. They look forward to their new partner. SEND children are more engaged.
Talk partner success criteria are displayed on the wall for all teachers with a chart of expectations for learning. The success criteria have been modelled with the TA and co-constructed. They are referred to when giving praise. Children are now clear about expectations and see their partners as a learning tool. Partner talk has improved.
Compliments are given to each other verbally, linked to the success criteria, which makes them happy.
All teachers had working walls with relevant vocabulary and WAGOLLs. This led to increased independence as children could refer to these.
Silent modelling enabled great focus with children eager to feedback. It was used to co-construct success criteria.
Retrieval was used in all subjects, with quick quizzes and concept questions. Children enjoy the quizzes and are able to recall their knowledge and vocabulary. There has been a great improvement in retrieval across the curriculum.