My son does not like his new P5 teacher. Last year he idolised his teacher, who had a good sense of humour and often played his guitar with the pupils in class. He loved going to school but this year he says his teacher is a lot more serious and very strict. I am worried that his enthusiasm for school will deteriorate.
Teacher Julie McGuire replies:
The transition from one teacher to another in primary school can initially be a tricky one. A year is a long time to spend with a teacher and a strong relationship can be built over that time. This is magnified if the pupil feels a particular bond with the teacher. However, most students are fairly adaptable and are able to move on once they get used to the routines and quirks of their new teacher. This is not to say that they will necessarily like them as much.
It is still early in the school year. Try to help your son feel positive about this situation. Encourage him to be patient, get to know his new teacher and give her a chance, despite his initial disappointment. Remind him that teachers are invariably stricter at the start of a new class in order to gain respect and set high expectations.
Of course children will bond with some teachers more than others due to personality traits and their response to differing teaching approaches. Teachers have different strengths, interests and personal talents, which will appeal to different students, such as the musical ability you mentioned with your son's last teacher and these can be a great addition to the learning environment.
Although teachers in the same school should cover the same curriculum it will be delivered in a variety of ways. Certain teaching styles will suit some pupils more than others. It is widely accepted that children learn in different ways and teachers should be trained to use the range of teaching strategies including visual, aural or kinaesthetic so all children are catered for.