Technology in the Classroom: A Professional Blogfolio

I was happy to return to the school on Monday fully recovered from various cold and flu bugs, but I felt something was different right away. We’re past the introduction and the get-to-know-each-other period. Now that they’re settled, students seem to be more comfortable with themselves, peers, and teachers. I’ve also realized that the more subjects I pick up the less of a novelty I am in the classroom. The students are no longer trying to be the teacher-pleasers they were to begin with.

A few were less motivated and others much more disruptive this week. I tried my best not to let it affect the others in the class (and me too!), but this proved to be very difficult. I was going home at the end of each day feeling emotionally and physically exhausted and I’m not even in my block yet! My co-operating teacher advised me to try to keep my emotions out of it, but I’m having a hard time so far. I suppose that must come with experience. Don’t get me wrong though… I’m not saying the entire week was disastrous. I simply mean that I noticed a shift in the atmosphere of the classroom and the attitudes of the kids at the beginning of the week.

In the middle of the week my co-operating teacher had a sub in for part of the day. The sub turned out to be one of my grade six teachers! It was wonderful to be able to have him observe my teaching and give me such positive feedback. I hope I have more opportunities to work with others who have been able to watch me grow from a student to a professional. 

Another positive experience I had this week was when I implemented a very active game during my French class. We have been working on vocabulary and I finally felt confident enough to take a risk and play the game I had come up with. The students were on teams matching pictures cards with the correct French vocabulary. The kids LOVED the relay race type game, but the bell rang for home time right in the middle of our game. I suppose I learned I had better keep one eye on the clock. The students were just as upset as I was when I had to stop the game and send them off to the buses.

That afternoon I took part in a meeting regarding one of the students in my room. I was fortunate enough to be able to communicate with the parents and other teachers regarding this student. It was wonderful to hear some background information to really get a sense of who this student is. As a group, we talked about what kinds of things could help this student to be successful throughout the year. Throughout the rest of the week I was able to apply some of the strategies for this child that we had discussed. I was also able to watch for some things that I was not aware of before. Being actively involved in the PPP process has been an incredible learning experience for me.

Finally FRIDAY arrived. I think the students were just as excited as the staff was.. Today was Rider Pride day! Students and staff were covered in face paint, watermelon helmets, and various sizes and styles of green and white jerseys. Everyone seemed to be excited and cheerful throughout the morning, but as the day wore on one could tell that people were aching for the weekend to arrive.

I had to teach the last hour of the day and I was noticing the kids’ exciting with each passing minute. Students were restless, anxious, and VERY chatty. I did my best to reign them in, but sometimes (even for adults) it’s hard to contain the excitement. I was able to complete my two week conflict manager mini-unit today and I presented each student with a certificate. In a couple of weeks their skills will be put to the test as they will adorn themselves with the yellow pinnies and set off to solve the playground problems.

I can’t believe I’m saying this on a Friday, but I’m actually excited for Monday! My faculty advisor will be in to observe for the very first time. I’m also beginning a new Health unit that day on the Multiple Intelligences, which I have been looking forward to for a LONG time. I will have plenty of time to think about that, but for now TGIF!

I have recently been informed of the teacher’s immunity – something I clearly have not developed as of yet. Most teachers are naturally immune to the illnesses dragged into the classrooms and, as an intern, I have found that I’m not so lucky.. With 32 students in a classroom someone is ALWAYS sick and I have had my first opportunity of the school year to experience the dreaded head cold/flu. (I’m just happy it happened now instead of my three week block coming up in November!)

After feeling under the weather for a week or so I can finally focus more of my attention on teaching instead of cough syrup and sinus medication. I have been teaching Health since the beginning of the year and now I have picked up French. I was terrified to have to teach another language, but it’s turning out quite well so far. The kids surprised me with their excitement to learn and have a song to sing for just about every topic! As elementary French classes are mainly focussed on vocabulary, I have found that games and activities are much more engaging than the “repetez s’il vous plait” that I experienced in elementary school.

Teaching Health has also been a good experience thus far. I began the year with some hands on activities and games in an attempt to build relationships with one another. As cheesy as it sounds, we made friendship pins for our shoes. The kids enjoyed themselves and were able to build and exchange pins with others in the classroom. We have also been conducting classroom meetings where we get to know each other a little bit better. Seated on the floor, in a circle, each person has an opportunity to compliment another students in the classroom. We have focussed on giving “inside” compliments rather than “outside” compliments this past week. Students began their compliments with “You’re good at…” or “Thank you for…” It’s refreshing to hear positive words from these students because we’re often so focused on ”what NOT to say.”  

I feel like I’m off to a good start this year and I appreciate the positive experiences I’ve had so far. My co-operating teacher continues to surprise me with her supportive nature and willingness to learn with me. The staff members have been helpful and take a genuine interest in my internship. The students are more than happy to share their smiles (and sickness) with me!