A Long and Eventful Week
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!
