Reception and Assemblies

[pporteus]

I haven't taken my Reception children into assembly yet. My Year One children go and we carry on having a lovely time to ourselves! We have one every day; whole school singing, house assembly, key stage assembly, class assembly and a Smart assembly (weekly celebration). I did plan to have them going in by now and I think the rest of the school think I probably should, but now that I'm getting into the term, I'm not so sure it's right for them. Singing assembly wouldn't matter as we do loads of that in class. Smart assembly will be nice eventually as they will get their moment of glory as we celebrate their achievements in front of the whole school. House assembly...not so sure about. Do they need to be there to get their sense of house identity....I'm not sure. Key Stage...I don't think it is right for them anyway!

Interested on other people's thoughts.

Thank you.

Pauline

Edited September 28, 2014 by pporteus

[Guest]

i used to take mine to celebration only in last school. current school insist on the reception teacher taking to all assemblies. have started with celebration one, and will build up to the others gradually. she hates it, and they are hyper afterwards. if you can why not stay out of assembly. i don't feel they get much out of it. celebration one would be okay when you feel ready to sit. fight your corner x

[Guest]

We have 'class assemblies' this half-term, then year group assemblies once a week after that and 'class assemblies' on the other four days.

Just occasionally we get the whole school together, not often because just getting in and out of the hall can take up to 10 minutes which has a huge impact on teaching time.

Class assemblies are based on Values, stories from the Bible or another Faith book, an issue particular to the class that needs to be addressed.

Year group assembly is SEAL based, specific to Year R, very visual and interactive and, crucially, lasts no more than 10 minutes including coming in to and leaving the hall.

I really don't like children waiting around, so argued the 'impact on teaching time' to excuse us from whole school assemblies a few years ago. Good luck!

[Guest]

In one of my previous posts I was told my class had to go to all assemblies. Even the celebration one was too long for them in my opinion, often lasting for 30-40 mins last thing in the week. It made getting ready for going home a nightmare!

After other assemblies, usually always mornings, I just went ahead of them back to the class and opened the door to the outdoor area as I quickly learnt there was no point in asking them to sit again for an input.