This week was wild from start to finish. With having MLK Day off, to having my first 2-hour delay, to having a visit from the State FFA Officers, to my first school cancellation, this week was one wild ride!
Learning to Adapt
As I mentioned above, my week did not go as planned. Due to the 2-hour delay and the school cancellation, I was only able to teach for one day this week. Right now I have only taken over two classes and due to other scheduled things and surprise plans by the weather, I have only been able to teach for three days since the start of my internship. This has caused me to adapt and overcome the many challenges I have faced so far.
How Do You Know if Things are Working?
Since I have not had many days teaching in front of my two classes, I am struggling to figure out if things are actually going well, or if the students are still warming up to me. Classroom management isn't an issue but I wonder if students are actually enjoying the content I am teaching? Everyone stays on task and participates in class but I can't help but feel that things just aren't jiving as well as they could be. My cooperating teacher has been supportive of how things are going and we are able to talk about certain things that have flopped but also things that have gone really well but I can't seem to shake this feeling that things should be better between me, my lessons, and the students.
Advice Wanted!
I would greatly appreciate words of wisdom to help answer the questions below!
- Should I continue my plans and see if this week gets better?
- What should I change to help overcome this issue?
- Am I just over thinking things?
- Is this a common feeling when student teaching?
- Should I be this worried about what my students think of me?
Olivia, what you are experiencing is not uncommon as it takes time for students to warm up to a new teacher and to form those connections that allow for rapport to develop naturally. It is great to see that you care so much for you students and want to develop the best and most positive relationship you can with them. Look for ways to engage and connect with your students whenever possible and to plan activities that promote the creation of a learning community.
ReplyDeleteKeep the course.
ReplyDeleteTeach, Teach Bell to Bell, Teach Them Well.
Students need great teacher (not more friends).
Be a human. At the end of next week, ask: What did you enjoy most about this week in class? What could we do better? (spend like 3 minutes on a written piece of paper and collect - not oral discussion)
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I agree with the advice above. Just like a germinating seed, all good things take time and grow through the dirt. Continue your plans, be you, and do your best to get to know them. They will warm up give it time. I find it helpful in these situations to ensure that I'm not talking over talking when teaching. Think about your lessons are you varying activities and giving the students a chance to engage I small groups or partners/ getting them up and moving? Then keep the course!
ReplyDelete