Today was my first day teaching all four periods. I think period 2 had a hard time accepting me as the teacher./ My CT and I decided that we should have let me teach once or twice before I tried it full time. We seem to spending all our planning time trying to figure out what to do with three of our boys. Today we had two counsellors and the administrative facilitator come up and brain storm with us.
My patience with one of my periods wore thin today, and they saw a different side of me. However, they were quiet after that. I think my frustration stemmed from period one because they were very non compliant.
Today was my first early dismissial and I found it difficult to time my lesson.I didn't want to start something that we wouldn't be able to finish, but I didn't want to lesson to be a waste. The discussion in one class went really well and one boy mentioned how fun it was.
Once again we are plauged with a weird schedule due to the beginning of a magazine sale. I was able to sit with some kids in the auditorium and they enjoyed that. All day i have been trying the lower one technique for classroom management and it seems to work pretty well. Fourth period had an intense discussion on gangs and it was good to see some of the quiet ones get involved.
Today I tried out a game that I had invented. Secoind hour was the first ones to recieve the directions so it was a little rockly, but there were winneres in every class so i guess they enjoyed it.
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ReplyDeleteIt sounds like things are going very well for you. Being full time is a crazy thing. I have been close to full time for two weeks now and the 1st graders still don't see me as the teacher. It is difficult to be in the position that we are in because the kids know that we aren't the real teacher and they continuously try to push their boundaries.
ReplyDeleteAre the three boys behavior problems? I have a girl in my class who we're pretty sure has a BD. She gets frustrated very easily and freaks out. This last week she has escalated to the point of throwing chairs at people (Yes, this is a little 6 year old girl). My CT and I have talked with the counselors, other teachers, and the principal to figure out what to do about this situation, but no one can really figure anything out. The point is, it is great to have those other people around to help brainstorm ideas and get some extra help if needed.
Good luck with your last few weeks!
I have to give you props. Getting to know four different groups of students must be challenging. I think it's hard just getting to know one! Teaching can be very challenging and I've been learning that it's challenging going from one thing and having it end not so great then having to change not only to a new subject but to change mindsets because as a teacher you can't just dwell on what went wrong. It was awesome that you knew that there was a time constraint and you had to adapt the lesson. Often discussions are more engaging than having an activity or trying to teach a concept. I love when you hit the right topic and you can begin to see those shy students start to break out of their shell!
ReplyDeleteWhat do you mean by "i have been trying the lower one technique for classroom management"? I'm not sure if I have heard of this before but would love to know about it!
Zach--
ReplyDeleteAh, sometimes it is so hard to let each class be over and done with. I have a class 6th period that puts me in a bad mood sometimes, and it's hard not to carry that over into 7th period. Thankfully, the students in 7th are really awesome, so usually I am relieved to see them, and class goes well. Glad to hear, though, that your sternness worked with the students. Sometimes they need a reminder that they need to respect you when you're speaking. And I'd imagine that one experience with frustrated Mr. C might be all they need. :)
Timing--ahhh. It is difficult. And just when you think you've got it all figured out, students surprise you. And then the school throws homeroom schedules and pep assemblies at you. Congratulations on a great class discussion, despite the weird schedule.