Mathuri Jeyaseelan

I have worked with a group of students with learning difficulties in my Sixth Form, in a programme that focuses on teaching and developing their life skills to make them independent. I was fortunate enough to be involved in helping them develop their reading and writing skills, express themselves through creating posters, as well as assist them with general health and fitness. Working with this group has proved my enthusiasm for caring whilst developing my communication skills and determination in finding ways to improve care and teaching. I have learned to adapt my style to accommodate the needs and abilities of the people I am working with. I have done placements in primary school and had the opportunity to teach KS2 children. Through placement, I have discovered various methods and techniques to provide an engaging lesson. For instance, I will utilise mini whiteboards, visualiser to model an example, resources, and videos to create an interactive environment for the children. I will commence the lesson with a starter activity, a main activity, and a plenary and each lesson will be an hour. The National Curriculum covers learning for all children aged 5–16 in schools and provides guidance on: which subjects should be taught. the knowledge, skills, and understanding a child should achieve in each subject.

I will help the students to reach their learning goals by allowing the students to set goals. Setting goals is a crucial critical skill, and the earlier children learn the value of accomplishing what they planned out to do, the earlier they understand they have the ability to make things happen. I will recap to the children why setting goals is important and that it will help them to:
- Determine what is most essential to them in life.
- Will help them to motivate themselves
- Increase their self-esteem and confidence.

To help the students during the lessons, I will provide various strategies to keep the students engaged. I will start the lesson with an interesting fact and encourage connections that are meaningful and relevant. I will also address various learning styles to help the student with their learning and understanding. I will make sure that I always listen to the student and that we have clear communication with each other. This will help the student to ask me any questions and have conversations confidently. I will gradually turn lessons into games, as some students learn best and are more engaged when they are having fun! Lastly, I will provide choices for the students. It is important for children to understand that they have control over some aspects of their learning.