A walk down memory lane...
Today, was the first time in 20 years that I have visited Canterbury Christchurch University. It really was a little trip down memory lane, as I walked from the train station to meet my tutors. So many memories came flooding back, nights out, crashing on friends floors and learning my trade. However, this was also a period of great sadness for me as my mum, the most caring, loving and kind person anyone could ever meet, sadly passed away at the end of my first year. When I look back, I'm not sure how I continued with my studies as I was completely heart broken as were my dad and sister. Times were hard, tears were shed, time seemed to stop for a while and sadness engulfed us all. I will always be eternally grateful to my dad, sister and my Anchorians Family, they are without doubt the reason why I finished my studies.
So here I am 20 years on, returning to uni to start my journey on becoming a Specialist Teacher and Assessor for Dyslexia. The facilities look amazing, the halls of residence look inviting (cinema room and gym - yes please) and the coffee is cheap! I'm excited what the next 18 months will bring.
The end of year 1...
Wednesday, July 17, 2024 by Sarah Webb | Uncategorized
I have now reached the end of this academic year at Canterbury Christ Church University and as much as I would like to say that I've finished everything for the summer I haven't as I still have my portfolio to complete by next week. I have however passed my latest assignment which means that I can now focus on the 'becoming an assessor' aspect of the course. This means that the end of the course is insight, my final deadline is 6th January 2025, but I am aiming to get everything completed before Christmas so I can enjoy time off with my family. To help me reach this goal, I have planned my diary from September to December, all I have to do is stick to the plan!
In September, I am going to be using the specialist teacher skills that I have learnt to deliver a small group session which will focus on reading and spelling. All of the children will be assessed and personlised targets will be set. I am really looking forward to this new chapter of support as I know that the children will all benefit from my expertise. I've got so many ideas about how I can support dyslexia students but I need to wait until I have finished my qualification. We've been told that we need to complete approximately 200 hours of studying before Christmas so all those ideas have been jotted down and I will pick them up again in January, when I have time to plan them properly. The photo on the left shows the different assessments that I have got to learn how to administer and interpret before the end of September!
At times, this year really has been a juggling act with uni, tutoring and a school contract but it has all been worthwhile and I hope that my own children are learning that it is never to late to learn.
If you are concerned that your child may have dyslexia or are considering an assessment then keep me in mind from Springtime next year.
On a slightly different note, a number of parents have asked if I am going to continue with my 11+ support once I'm qualified as a Dyslexia Specialist Teacher and Assessor and my answer is YES. Gaining my qualification will mean that I can support more of the lovely families and children we have in the Medway towns. Exciting times!
Where have the last 9 months gone?
Thursday, June 20, 2024 by Sarah Webb | Uncategorized
Yesterday, I tentatively logged on to my university account for the hundredth time to see if my assignment had been marked and thankfully it had and I passed - YIPPEE!! I was so relieved as I honestly thought that it wouldn't meet the standard required. This course has really pushed me out of my comfort zone academically, the teaching practice side of it has been great, it is what I do day in day out and I know I am a good teacher but academic writing has always filled me with dread. I think, actually I know, it's because I prefer to verbally talk about things rather than write it down and this is a skill which made me a good SENCO. I have always had the ability to connect with families and colleagues and I have taken that skill into my tuition business. Connection and communication is so important, in fact I recently spoke to Susie, Twinkl Private Tutors, to discuss the importance of connection and communication and connection.
Anyway back to my dyslexia course, I'm currently sat here working on my next assignment. This assignment isn't so scary as it's based on my Action Research Project which is focused on 'Improving TAs knowledge and understanding of what multi-sensory learning,' this assignment is a presentation. Of course I have to meet the criteria and show that I've read around the subject but I feel more confident with this. The deadline for this assignment is Tuesday so wish me luck!
Enjoy the sunshine everyone!
I'm 8 months in.....
Thursday, May 16, 2024 by Sarah Webb | Uncategorized
I've just looked back and seen that I haven't written about my dyslexia course for ages - I'm really not sure where the time has gone.
Since my last post I have had my first block of specialist teaching signed off and I achieved the highest mark in all areas - go me! I worked with the most wonderful pupil for 10 weeks; she was completely engaged with her learning and was so happy to see me each week, which is always such a great feeling. I was a little sad to stop working with her as I could see that it was having a positive impact on her but unfortunately, the course requires me to work with another child after 10 weeks so we can gain as much experience as we can.
Late night essay writing
I have not only been teaching but essay writing as well...
If you follow me on social media, you probably saw my post last Friday night when I was working hard on my essay. I honestly can not tell you how challenging I find essay writing, it was tough going, all 4000 words of it! I think this is the longest amount of time that I have ever spent on writing an essay, I wouldn't like to say how many hours I spent planning, drafting writing and rewriting it. I am just so relieved that it is over and submitted.
Action Research Project
Anyway, I must run as the school run is calling and, for once, the rain has actually stopped in time!
