Structure. A dirty word in some EHE families, a survival technique in others. I'm the planning type and so structure is my friend but avoid the rest of this post if you follow an unstructured approach as it may offend.
I love structure because I love stationery. Labels, dividers, lever arch files ... There's nothing quite as satisfying as well ordered paperwork, organised in files and lined up on a shelf.
Side note - good tip for stationery / stationary is that the one with the A is for Adjective (a stationary car) so the E must be the noun.
Approaching a full curriculum can be a bit overwhelming if, like me, you haven't taught the primary NC before. I've been through how to start tackling the big-picture objectives (if you're following the NC) here : http://uncommonlyeducated.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/200-pages.html) so this post is just to briefly share our organisational approach to the day to day business of planning and teaching .. through the wonder of A4 folders.
Produced Work
> One or two folders per child, with dividers by subject for them to keep their worksheets, drawings, notes, etc.
English and Maths
> One folder of Applied Maths worksheets, organised by topic. Perfect for when you need a bit of extension, reinforcement or practical application of a particular skill.
> One folder of English scheme notes, arranged by term or topic - mostly lists of which electronic or book resources to use alongside some worksheets/activities.
Topics
> One folder of exciting topic work ideas, unformed - bits and pieces, things I've found on wanders through the internet or from Facebook links from friends and forums. The place to go when I need inspiration for a theme day or scheme of work.
> One folder of stand alone activity lessons : science experiments, cooking games, challenges, etc. Perfect for when I need to pull something out of the bag after a 'bitty' morning.
Transfer Test
> One folder for 11+ skills sheets, examples, practice questions, etc.
Magazine Files
> By subject, with workbooks for spelling, handwriting & particular maths skills, plus leaflets for exciting outings.
Electronically I keep files by subject with powerpoints, useful links, activities and worksheets - as soon as I'm planning to use them I'll print out any necessary resources and add to the folders above, ready to grab.
Our curriculum choice is our own so although we follow the NC we're under no legal obligation to do so - having a record of the work we've done also isn't a requirement. From a personal perspective, I find it reassuring and gives me a measure of progress and continuity, putting the boys in the best position to slot back into mainstream when the time comes.
And it means I get to buy loads of stationery. Yay.
