Oh snap. Yesterday, I did an Interactive Writing lesson where the students "share the pen". Basically, they help write something on a big piece of chart paper. And that lesson went amazingly! It was pure goodness. The students generated fantastic ideas, actively participated, and then were so quiet during independent work. I came home feeling like I had accomplished something great, plus it made a very cute wall display :)
Then today happened. I taught my first math lesson. Math stresses me out because I don't feel like I actually understand the concepts as well as I should. But that wasn't really the problem because my students understood things really well, but my management was unfortunate. At one point, I had to look at my cooperating teacher for help because I was talking and no one was listening. I did my attention grabber and they looked at me like "why are you talking" and then kept playing their game. So, I looked at my teacher and said "help me" with my eyes. She had to just quietly say, class you need to be looking at Mrs. (my last name). And then, they gave me their undivided attention. I felt like such a loser. It's so tricky when you're teaching in someone else's classroom because I don't want to do anything she wouldn't want me to do with her kids.
So, long story short, I'm really glad I wasn't getting officially observed today. That sounds more positive, right? However, my next observation, I will be teaching another math lesson. Fingers crossed that it goes well.
3 comments:
YO!!! I miss you!! It is very exciting you will be done with school this year! Woo hoo! Good luck with the next math class. I teach the sunbeams and just LOVE them but sometimes like last sunday one little boy told me he didn't like me!!? I was like umm okay I like you. =) ha ha I just have to laugh because I know he really does like me!...at least he better! j/k It is soo good hearing from you!!
It just takes practice. Practice and confidence, which comes with practice :) I know that it doesn't really mean much right now, but it also helps when the class is your own. I was amazed at how much better my teaching became when the class knew what I expected of them. It does get better. (and sometimes worse...but lets just focus on the better times :) And, you also have to face the fact that not every minute can be a teaching moment to every child-sometimes it is purely survival! You just have to hope that the times that the professors choose to observe coincide with the teaching moments!
I did elementary education, and I hate to admit this, but I totally bribed the students right before I was going to be observed. It worked--almost always. Extra recess, treats, games, whatever. But I'm sure you'll do fantastic and I bet you're a fun teacher :) Hang in there.
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