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.
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!
Feeling proud
Friday, January 12, 2024 by Sarah Webb | Uncategorized
Happy New Year!
It's been a while since I wrote my last update as I took all of the Christmas holiday's off - yes I know...a whole 2 weeks! It was bliss after a busy November and December with coursework, essay writing, tutoring, being a mum and Christmas!
I am writing this post with some good news....I passed both the essays I submitted in December, with a merit - I can't believe it! I was convinced that I would have to resubmit at least one of them because I found them so hard. This has really given me a boost at the start of the new year.
My next day at uni is 30th January but I start my teaching practice next week, which I am really looking forward to. Hempstead Junior School are supporting me with this side of my course, which I am extremely grateful for. For this block of teaching I have to record myself and upload it so my tutors can mark it - I better make sure I use my posh voice!
I'm also starting to plan my Action Research Project which will see me deliver training focused on multi-sensory learning to some super TAs are Parkwood Primary School. Thank you for putting your trust in me!
I think it's going to be a busy spring term!
Deadline day is looming...
Monday, November 20, 2023 by Sarah Webb | Uncategorized
A little update...
I have spent the last 3 weeks focusing on essay writing for my course and it is so hard! I have had writer's block numerous times and have been working on ways to help myself before this happens.
I am so grateful to Lorette, a good friend and ex colleague, who gave me a couple of tips to get me started because in all honesty I couldn't even get started a month ago. I just kept looking at my screen, reading a few bits and then I would get distracted because I just didn't know where to start. Anyway after I met up with Lorette, for a good chat and a walk, I managed to write about 1000 words in the following couple of days. I was so proud of myself and felt I had made a good dent in assignment 1. A few writing blocks later, ensuring I get a walk and fresh air before writing and spending sometime writing in my local Costa means that assignment 1a is almost finished - I just need to check my referencing and maybe add a couple more quotes.
Let's not get too excited though because assignment 1 part b...is a completely different ball game! I've got to write a critical review of 2 dyslexia papers, something that I have never had to do before and the writer's block is well and truly back. I have spent the day reading the first article again, 'What is dyslexia? An exploration of the relationship between teachers' understanding of dyslexia and their training experiences.' I have made more notes and written some sentences which most definitely won't be in the final version - I don't think I can write 'this is a pointless statement!' Tomorrow is another day and I will need to dig deep to keep focused. Wish me luck!
On a positive note, I had my tutor meeting at the end of last week and my lesson plans and 10 lesson over view was good. In fact my tutor told me my lessons plans were that of a model student! It's these little moments that remind me about why I am taking the course - will I have to write an essay in a year...no...but I will need to produce lesson plans to a specialist standard so getting praise for these means a lot to me.
Roll on Tuesday 5th December when both assignment 1a and 1b are submitted and I can relax for a month before the next assignment starts.
Sarah
