Calling Primary Teacher colleagues - if you don't mind

[mickeyforpresident]

I hope no one minds me posting this. I'm wondering if any of the many, many Primary School teachers might be able to answer this for me?

Is there any research or recomendations anywhere for how old children should be sat on the carpet for? I'm getting concerned that a couple of my teachers are keeping them sat down for far too long and aren't reading the children for signs of unsettled bottom rustling. I remember reading something somewhere like chronological age + 2 minutes, but i could be making that up as I can't find any research anywhere!!

Thanks.

Michael.

 

[Verity Chambers]

What year group are you thinking of? In F2 I go for a max of 20 mins (can't really be less as phonics sessions have to be 20 mins).

 

[mickeyforpresident]

I was hoping for a general type of formula for all year groups as a guidance to give my teachers.

 

[Verity Chambers]

Sorry I can't help with that. I think it's one of those things that depend on the activity/lesson. I completely agree though that if children are sat too long they will be inattentive, therefore NOT be learning. I always use my judgement, sometimes you just have to cut short!!!

 

[ScotsMinnie]

Ok just newly qualified so really don't know that much in comparison but I would plan to stop any session and change it if children become restless. Surely if they are restless and shuffling they are perhaps not really learning anything. Not sure I understand why the children have to be on the carpet for 20 mins for phonics.

 

[Verity Chambers]

It is what is set out in the letters and sounds document. 20 mins of discrete phonics teaching per day.

 

[ScotsMinnie]

It is what is set out in the letters and sounds document. 20 mins of discrete phonics teaching per day.

ah ok. Teaching in Scotland so different guidelines. Why though does it have to be on the carpet - can't you vary it or does it have to be in that type of setting?

 

[FloFlo71]

Found this:

child’s normal attention span is three to five times his age.

Grade by Grade: What To Expect
For a two-year-old child, this means six to 10 minutes. By the time your child enters kindergarten, he should be able to pay attention for about 20 minutes.

Being able to concentrate is an important skill to teach your child.

http://www.schoolfamily.com/school-family-articles/article/4273-stretch-your-childs-attention-span

 

[Verity Chambers]

ah ok. Teaching in Scotland so different guidelines. Why though does it have to be on the carpet - can't you vary it or does it have to be in that type of setting?

No it should be carpet time and then "apply beyond session" activities after or throughout the day.

 

[Danauk]

I currently teach year 4 and my class could spend up to 20 minutes on the carpet in a lesson although often it is less (more like 10 - 15 mins). If we are looking at a powerpoint or doing work on the interactive board it might take 20 minutes, enough to look at the powerpoint, answer questions and discuss the topic. Next year I am moving to year 6 so we won't have any carpet time, bigger kids and bigger tables and chairs so not enough space!