The R time Approach
R time is an exciting and dynamic development in Personal and Social Education. R time enables everyone in a class or group to relate well. This will accelerate learning, emphasise respect and raise self esteem.
Much of the emphasis in R time is on good manners and co-operation creating a whole school ethos of mutual respect. As teachers we place great importance on academic study and there is a need to place equal importance on teaching social skills. A school where respect and courtesy are high on the agenda will be a community that fosters good relationships, as well as accelerating learning.
The essence of the R time approach is the combination of 5 component parts within weekly sessions lasting between 15 - 20 minutes:
Random Pairing
The children work each time with a different partner enabling them to work with all of the children in the class.
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Introductions
Once the children are in pairs they greet one another with a positive statement e.g. "Hello my name is Simon. I'm glad you're my partner today Tarik ".
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The Activity
There are 30 short, easily achievable, age appropriate activities for each year group for the children to do with their partner.
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Plenary
The children feed back their experiences to the whole group and the teacher helps them reflect on their learning.
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Conclusion
At the end of the session the children thank their partner and say something positive to finish. R time is proving to be enormously popular with children, teachers and Headteachers. Schools throughout the UK and America are using the programme.
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R time is proving to be enormously popular with both children and teachers. There are schools in thirty three counties of England, plus schools in Scotland using the programme. In addition there has been interest from Norway, Iceland and Australia.
Note: The video clips on this page are from the R time training DVD.
