Springboard 4: Catch-up programme for children in Year 4

Involving children in their learning and target setting

Children are better motivated when they understand what they are to achieve and recognise the progress they are making. Teachers can help them improve their performance by discussing with them what they can do, and what they need to improve.

Children can also be encouraged to assess their own progress. The recommended individual target sheet brings together the child's assessment and that of the teacher. The teacher's assessment should be based on the child's ability to apply what has been learned and consolidated in the Springboard sessions when answering questions and carrying out written tasks in the DML. Information from the teaching assistant should, of course, also be taken into account. It would help to introduce the children to the targets linked to a particular unit before that unit is taught, and then for the child and teacher to make the necessary judgements immediately after the unit is finished. Where a child is still some way from reaching a target, the teacher will need to decide what action needs to be taken.

Involving parents and carers
The support and interest of parents and carers is also important in motivating children to succeed. Teachers should aim to keep them informed about the catch-up programme from the beginning and to discuss their child's targets and progress with them when there is a suitable opportunity. It is helpful to send home a copy of the child's individual target sheet so that parents and carers know what the current priorities are. The homework tasks are designed for the child to share with others at home. They involve simple activities and games that do not take too long to do.