I cannot believe this semester is almost over. It feels as though I am just getting settled in and it is already time to move on to the next chapter. Well, this I do know, there is still so much more I want to learn. The first several weeks I spent most of my time observing my CT and becoming familiar with her teaching methods. I did my lesson a few weeks ago and ever since then I feel so much more comfortable in the classroom. I feel like I have made connections with the students and I learn something new every day.
My CT has been very supportive during these last few months. She is always willing to help answer any question that I may have, and she is quick to reassure that everyone questions themselves, especially when first getting started.
My CT also incorporates a lot of technology into her classroom. I love the fact that she does this and is not afraid to try new things. She uses her smart board everyday for some type of activity. She mainly uses it for power points and review games. The students, even though they are seniors, really do enjoy the review games. She is really good at mixing things up as well. The last few weeks we have been reading Hamlet and she always finds different ways to learn the text. We will read out loud as a class, we will listen to the play off of a CD, and she will also show video clips of the play being performed. I find this method to work really well. It is easy for students to lose focus when the only thing they do is read out of a book, but with the different methods it helps keep the students more intrigued.
The one concern I do have is that my kids are too good! Of course they can be talkative and you have to remind them every once in awhile to stay on task, but otherwise I have not seen one discipline problem. This is a senior English class so I know that they just want to get their work done and graduate, but I also know that this is not the norm. Does anyone else have a similar situation? I am glad that my kids are well behaved and for the most part participate rather well, but I do know that I am not getting the advantage of seeing how teachers handle discipline problems.
It is a problem, but I wouldn't mind!
ReplyDeleteI have had this issue before - my past two semesters before pre-student teaching in fact. I was assigned to a Senior AP English Lit. class at one of the "better" high schools (not naming names...).
Anyway, they were motivated, attentive, co-operative... what could I learn?
However, after the innitial shock - "This is nothing like the school at which I tutor?!" - I did begin to learn in addition to admire.
First, I learned from the lesson plans of a wonderful CT. She was supportive, attentive - everything her students were. Her modeling skills were, I am sure, contributing to the work of her class.
Second, I learned strategies to get stressed students to relax! As the AP exams loomed closer, I began to see the tension in the students faces as my CT would talk through it, but she always had relevant practices and informed, calming words for them.
And, of course, they did great.
Good luck with the rest of your semester, thanks for sharing! :)
~Elena
Heidi,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your post. I absolutely agree with you, where did the semester go? I too feel that I have settled in and made a better connection with the students and especially those who I thought I wasn't getting through to. And now it's almost time to move on, crazy.
I also like the use of technology in the classroom and my CT makes good use of her smart board. The students do respond well to the interactive tools she uses and it seems to get through to the students.
Glad to hear your seniors are so well behaved and work well for you. Any chance they could talk some sense into my 8th graders? Good luck the rest of the semester and I wish you continued success within your classroom.
Kyle