... have been pretty incredible! Wednesday was early out day, so the sixth graders I'm with were being a little crazy and my teacher was more than a little frustrated by it. I was really nervous going in, but the teacher is very nice and so willing to work with Karen and me so we can accomplish everything that's being asked of us.
The students weren't as crazy on Thursday, but I'm quickly starting to identify which students are constantly testing the boundaries of how far they can push their teacher. One student consistently refuses to do work in class, and seems to be enabled by his mother, although not exactly on purpose. It's a complicated situation; his family moved across town and he started attending this school, but apparently the teachers at the previous school almost coddled him in a way, and insisted he needed certain accommodations that my cooperating teacher says she doesn't think he really needs. He has ADHD and has yet to find the right meds with the right dosage. I want to help him, but I'm not exactly sure where to start. He's smart, I can see it, but I don't know how to help him apply himself.
Anyway, today my teacher was out sick, so there was a substitute. She was really nice, but the classroom was a tad chaotic again due to the fact that the students' normal teacher wasn't there. All the same, we managed to get everything done in the time given us. It was good, I feel, to be able to see what the class is like without the teacher there.
I'm definitely enjoying field so far, and I am looking forward to next week!
I love your comment about students trying to push boundaries to see what they can get away with and what they can't. The students in my class have done the same thing with my partner and I. I almost feel bad when I don't let them get away with some stuff but if I were to start, I think we would have some behavior problems when I begin teaching. Good luck in 6th grade! I am in 5th and I feel like they are really old!
ReplyDeleteI hope you are able to make a difference for that student, it is hard to know what to do that will be helpful. My students are trying to find their boundaries with me also, it is hard to find a good balance of respect and autonomy.
ReplyDeleteYou are learning some good experiences. How would you handle the child who just started in your class? Take lots of good notes so you can use them later.
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