Page 17: The influence of 'teachergram'

 Page 17 - The influence of 'teachergram' ... (@_missyeoman)

Over the last few weeks, I have really tried to build my teachergram (instagram account for all things teaching) to the next level. I try to post multiple grid posts a week, and lots of stories in hand with increasing interaction with other teachers as much as I can. In terms of contacting and taking influence from fellow practitioners both from trainees and qualified, I feel the community created on this platform is fantastic. With teachers sharing resources, lesson ideas and as well lots of motivation, it really helps to keep on track in what can feel overwhelming as a teacher adapting to these changing times. With the large shift to online teaching recently seen, I have throughly enjoyed watching videos of other teachers, reflecting and sharing their tips. 

There are multiple accounts I adore and love engaging with daily, but these are just a few of my favourites for different categories that I use this platform for. I have decided to share a few of my top accounts for a range of teaching year groups as well as books and stationary. 

1. Student teacher - (@trainee_miss_m)

Miss M is a second year student who is training to be a primary teacher. What I particularly love about her page, is the inspiration and motivation she shares with others to better yourself and the benefits of this for your mental health. Truly inspirational. She shares lots of detailed notes and reflections from her studies. One thing I have taken from her page and adapted to my academic studies is her "what I think I know", "what I want to know" and "what I have learnt" tables that she uses during lectures/when learning new content. Additionally, she has created some wonderful resources for teachers too that are great. I especially found the music curriculum knowledge cards extremely useful! A postive environment to support your training is vital, and this is a page I definitely recommend following!

2. EYFS - (@eyfs_fun_missd_)

With my current placement in EYFS, I have been spending majority of my free time exploring EYFS accounts for lesson ideas and inspiration. It was hard to just share one as my list could be endless but for sure this is one of my favourites! Miss D is a deputy head and the EYFS lead of the school. The account shares a range of content from classroom displays and how to fully utilise these in this setting for instance through talk for writing 'writing walls' to incorporating outdoor provision and focusing on further specific skill areas such as numeracy and fine motor skills. The great content is saved on highlights as well as on Miss D's grid feed so you are able to refer back for further reference. 

3. Teacher KS1- (@happywithmissh)

I was first introduced to Miss H through a fellow student teacher recommending her youtube channel. From this, I stumbled across Miss H's instagram which I now love equally as much! She shares outfits, classwork, recommendations and resources. Miss H shares the realities of teaching excellently and through the face of being the computing and science lead, I really love the inspiration and expertise when it comes down to these areas, in particular, computing as this is an area I need to further develop through a personal lack of skills and confidence. With over 12k followers, the account is loved my thousands which really highlights the high quality content she shares. When it comes down to KS1 this is for sure the account to be following.

4. Teacher KS2 - (@misslilleysclassroom)

Miss Lilley is a year 5&6 teacher, who is the literacy lead of the school. Miss Lilley's account is fairly new (started in January), and I am throughly enjoying seeing the account and content grow and flourish. What I particularly love about this specific account is how Miss Lilley is a read for pleasure advocate (like me!) which from my experience last year on placement in a year 6 class, I understand how critically important it is to drill and create the passion and for enjoyment reading for pupils at this age. It hugely beneficial to pupils development not just in terms of vocabulary and writing styles but also in terms of becoming an educated citizen when regarding non-fiction genres. One of my favourites quotes shared is 'be the person who believes in them' - (Miss Lilley). Reading and sharing motivating words such as these at times you are may be overwhelmed/struggling is why I love teachergram so much.  

5. Books - (@booksfortopics)

I am always using this platform to look for 'things' I can use in class and books is something I am always on the lookout for. There are many classic traditional tales that will have been used in the classroom for years, but there are also many new equally fantastic books, and through instagram you are able to get great first hand reviews and prices. Booksfortopics is paired with Alison's website, sharing book recommendations for ages as well as topics. On grid posts and captions, competitions are shared which are always great to enter and great books and specific ideas. With over 5500 followers the account is largely growing and it is obvious why!

6. Stationary - (@nifty_stationery)

I love stationary! When THE Ryman stationary followed me, I was ecstatic and an immediate message was sent to the family group chat! From Ryman to paper chase I am in awe at these big brands, but there are equally excellent smaller stationary chains that I love and wanted to share, one - nifty stationary. From stationary to organisers to planners, this account has all stationary needs covered. From the reviews all products are high quality and I will be sure to make a purchase in the future when I have my own classroom. I really love the great desk organisers that all you to stay on top of your 'stuff' whilst still looking good and fitting with your classroom theme. They also hold many great giveaways! 

7. 'Fun Ideas' - (@childrens.story.spoons)

A little extra account that I could not not mention is children's story spoons! I did not know how to classify this apart from fun ideas but this is so true! The account shares painted wooden spoons and alongside creative scenes that can be used when story telling in school! I particularly love the series creating for The Hungry Caterpillar which is 100% one of my top EYFS stories. The spoons are available to purchase through an ETSY shop, as well as being able to take inspiration from the images shared and tips to make your own. You are also able to buy the book in a bundle alongside the spoons and resources, which is great for discovering new stories that you are not familiar with to share with your class. (you are also able to request custom orders for only £3!) On placement, to support our class read of the Gruffalo I have observed and helped structure provision activities around using story spoons and seen how they are hugely beneficial for the children's learning. Remembering and beginning to be able to re tell stories is a key area for 3+4 year olds in the New Development Matters document so resources like these are perfect for encouraging and supporting this!

When I started my insta account, I had around 50 followers (majority made up of friends and family), after beginning to profile with other teachers, now (at the time of prewriting this as I am on placement now) I have reached 240 and today, the day of posting I am on 425! I am over the moon and extremely grateful for all the support recently, building the account alongside the blog. I am passionate for all of my teaching socials and excited to see where it will lead me - past qualification too. To end todays page, as a teacher, you may often feel like you have to always create and source your own resources and ideas. Taking influence and ideas (with credit given) from others teachers is an essential part of your development and also beneficial for the class who might get a 'fresh' approach (similarly to planning and sharing resources with other members of your year group in actual school). In particular, in areas you feel the weakest, taking influence and connecting with other teachers who are experts in this area is ideal. To share and highlight this further, the quote does not only represent the sharing of knowledge to pupils, but between teachers too which is just as important:

"Teaching is the act of sharing the knowledge we have been given by others with the hope that someday, in someway, it again will be passed on" - Kathy R Jeffords 

- Miss Yeoman