First, I would like to say that the more I am teaching, the more I feel like a teacher. The time I spend knowing the students more and feeling out how comfortable I am becoming in front of my students is making a world of difference. I have branched out this week and have been teaching spelling lessons along with grammar.
I did hit one wall this week, which Mrs. Blick had already mentioned. We had a substitute Wednesday. I walked into the classroom seeing only the back of a head and assumed Mrs Blickenstaff had gotten highlights. Well, the blonde in the hair in fact was not hers. I met Miss Snider and reviewed with her how the morning usually works. I didn't feel nervous about a substitute at first. As the students piled in, I was asked many questions about where Mrs. Blickenstaff was and why I wasn't the teacher.
After introductions and journaling the students left for specials and we conferenced about the schedule for the rest of the day. We mixed up the schedule for better transitions and less chaos. Unfortunately, the chaos still occurred. Students continued to talk and not work throughout the day. Our usual method of classroom management did not work that day. I cannot even count the number of times I had to use "fingers up, mouths closed." I feared moving stars down to loss of recess because half the class would have been in detention. I hate to admit this, but I wondered how I could do this in my own classroom if two of could not handle it together.
But...I survived! This was just one learning experience I have overcome. The rest of the week was more normal when Mrs. Blick returned. I did feel the students liked my spelling review and my visualization grammar lesson. I am ready to see how my next week will be with teaching at 50%.
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Well, I had my first sick day which involved having a substitute in my room. I've heard that it was a crazy day. However, the sub left a note commending the job that Kimberly did while she was there. Several times, she mentioned that she was extremely helpful and enjoyed her lessons.
ReplyDeleteKimberly continues to progress in all teaching areas. Next week, I am anxious for her to incorporate more of her own ideas when she's at 50%. The students enjoyed her spelling review game. WOW!! Review and fun.....
Kimberly, are students beginning to see you as the teacher? Respect takes time. sounds like they are warming up to you. This will be a good objective to meet when you hit 100% so you can concentrate on teaching decisions related more to content learning.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like a scarey experience but, one day you may be the lone teacher walking into this classroom as the substitute teacher. What the students did with you both watching is what they will try to pull with any substitute teacher. You got to see it firsthand.
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