Improve the support you provide for children's learning in primary school

Giving children in primary school the right support is vital.

On this course you’ll hear from education experts, school staff and school children who provide insight into how children learn, the learning environment, and communicating in school.

You’ll explore some of the theories underlying people’s behaviour that could impact learning in school, and you’ll reflect on your own experiences in the classroom to help build on your confidence and working practices.

By the end of the course you’ll be better equipped to improve the support you provide in the education of children.

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Skip to 0 minutes and 1 second University of Reading Grow your skills in supporting teaching and learning

Skip to 0 minutes and 9 seconds Build your confidence and understanding in the classroom

Skip to 0 minutes and 15 seconds Join the debate with teaching experts

Skip to 0 minutes and 20 seconds Hear what primary school children have to say

Skip to 0 minutes and 25 seconds A free online course on FutureLearn: Supporting Successful Learning in Primary School

Skip to 0 minutes and 29 seconds Sign up now: https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/supporting-learning-primary/

What topics will you cover?

Week 1: You and others

An introduction to values, beliefs and attitudes
Understanding the unconscious
Looking at your own biases and reflecting upon them
Reflecting on your own values

Week 2: How people learn

An introduction to how people learn
Exploring a child’s view of their environment through their eyes, as well as hearing about their world views
Looking at the expectations we have of children
Building on what children know and what they should know

Week 3: The environment for learning

An introduction to the learning environment and what consists of
Exploring misconceptions about managing a classroom and finding out what teaching is like in reality
Introduction of student behaviour through a case study: The sofa
Understanding the psychology behind primary and secondary behaviours

Week 4: Communication and language

Introduction to aspects of communication within teaching
Learners to take part in activities that include communicating and listening
Exploring the importance of asking the right question
Share examples of good practice
How to plan effective questions for the classroom

When would you like to start?

Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.

Available now

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

Demonstrate knowledge and confidence to work more effectively in supporting and teaching children in early years and primary.
Apply the course as a tool for teaching and classroom support.
Demonstrate an understanding of the advice available to consider teaching as a career.

Who is the course for?

This course is for teaching assistants and support staff in early years and primary school. It will also be of interest to teachers returning to work, newly qualified teachers, as well as providing a refresher for current teachers. Parents of children in schools may also find this course useful in helping them to support and encourage their children’s learning.

This course focusses on teaching and learning in primary schools. If you work in a secondary school, you may like to join: Supporting Successful Learning in Secondary Schools.

Who will you learn with?

Helen Bilton

I am Professor of Outdoor Learning and Play at the University of Reading. I am also Director of the Postgraduate Certificate in Healthcare Education.

Who developed the course?

University of Reading

The University of Reading has a reputation for excellence in teaching, research and enterprise.

Learning on FutureLearn

Your learning, your rules

Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

Join a global classroom

Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

Want to know more about learning on FutureLearn? Using FutureLearn