1. Describe your teaching day.
To be honest, I did not expect to feel so connected and invested in the students so quickly. I knew all thirty students' names by the second day and I really care about them already. I go to the school sometimes for the mornings from 9 to 12:30 and sometimes in the afternoons from 11:45 to 3:15. I have enjoyed both parts of the day. The students do language arts and math practice in the mornings and science and rotations (art, drama, library, computers, etc.) in the afternoons. They aren't really even doing social studies yet, but the teacher has allowed me to teach my unit lessons on Rome anyway. I sometimes do things like copies or cutting or coloring that the teacher needs but mostly I observe, help students, and do some reading instruction.
2. Describe your favorite part of the day.
My favorite part of the day is in the mornings when the students are first arriving. I love talking to them and listening and watching them interact. I have really liked teaching my lessons too even though class management with a bunch of 11 and 12-year-olds can be kind of intimidating.
3. What went well, what didn't work well, and what would you change?
I think I have done a fairly good job of planning lessons that keep the students interested and engaged, but for some reason when I do my assessments I realize that they aren't understanding the concepts as well as I had hoped. I'm wondering if I'm expecting too much or not clear enough in my instructions. I'm not sure. My very first lesson I didn't speak loud enough and wasn't very good at keeping everyone quiet so they could hear, but I'm getting better as I go. So I am hoping to change my management strategies so I can be more effective when I teach.
4. To help your students you would...
Make sure they understand exactly what is expected of them and how important they are in my classroom. I'm also realizing how huge social issues are for sixth graders. I have seen lots of examples of student behaviors that need addressing, and my cooperating teacher does a good job of handling them. Things like name-calling, bullying, pouting, irresponsibility, laziness, tardiness, etc. have been issues. Even though I really like the students, I am thinking I may not want to teach sixth grade for this very reason. I know you encounter the same things in younger grades, but sixth graders have attitude and that can be emotionally draining to deal with.
Robyn,
ReplyDeleteI really like that you mentioned that you were surprised how connected you were by the second day. I felt the exact same way! It was easier than I thought to learn names and to really get to know the students! I think that it is interesting that you have seen a lot of social issues at your school. I have not had that problem hardly at all while I've been in the classroom. I am in 5th grade so maybe it gets worse in 6th.. It sounds like you are enjoying your time in the classroom and are doing well in your lessons! Let me know if you find out how to help the students better understand the material when it comes to taking assessments!
Robyn,
ReplyDeleteThat is awesome that you get to teach your unit on Rome, I am also able to teach my social studies unit but I have re done the whole thing. I am very loud so my students can hear me but I am not always certain I present things in the best way. I think I am getting better. I am in 6th grade also, but the students are so respectful and supportive of each other it is amazing. I have no idea how the teacher made each student feel comfortable and supportive of one another but she has created an AWESOME learning environment. I hope to leave with some knowledge on how to create the same atmosphere in my own classroom one day.