How can I convince other adults that Golden Time is a valuable use of time?
Q: The headteacher at the school where I work is concerned about putting time aside for Golden Time - or playing, as she sees it. She is concerned that we will not have enough time for curriculum activities, and that the parents will see it as their children not receiving their entitlement of formal lesson time. I am keen to introduce Golden Time as I need help with behaviour management in my class. Can you offer any advice?
A: You must explain to your headteacher that time is being wasted in class because of lack of structure for behaviour management and an effective sanctions and incentives policy. Why not ask your headteacher if you could run a pilot, using it for a term to see how well it works in your class? You could offer to talk it through at a staff meeting where all the staff can ask you questions. It would be much better if another teacher, preferably of an older or younger age group, could run a pilot alongside yours. You could share ideas and let the children carry out Golden Time activities with each other.
You could start by asking to be able to take fifteen or twenty minutes on a Friday afternoon. A letter could be sent to parents to tell them what you will be doing and why, and linking it to the Golden Rules. You could even invite them infor a Golden Time to see for themselves how the system works. Most parents are happy with what you decide will help with behaviour management, once they realise that there is a method in your system and that it is fair for their child. It will also help if they hear that the lost thirty minutes on a Friday afternoon are more than gained during the week. In fact, research has shown that teachers lose 20 per cent of teaching time if they do not have, and use, a clear, consistent and agreed incentives and sanctions system.
Tell a friend
Enter yours and a friends name to send them this page.
