This week has definitely been a better experience. It really takes several weeks to just get the hang of classroom management and behavior, especiallly at the beginning of the school year. I felt like this week I had to show a lot of tough love! I really do love these kids, but had to really crack down this week and ask many students to put their bears in the basket. The students have three colored bears, and has to put a bear in the basket if they can't behave correctly. At first, I gave a lot of warnings, but my CT encouraged me that they have had plenty of warnings and are pushing the limits. So this week I was much more strict, and overall it did greatly help. I think the children are finally starting to realize that I am serious and will not put up with their behavior.
The assistant principal is coming to observe me on Tuesday morning for Language Arts. I am very nervous, but am glod that I waited for him to come until I had bevaior more under control. I will be teaching all day again this week! I really am starting to be able to enjoy it and can't believe there are only two weeks left! I told some of my students that I will be leaving in two weeks, and I had a lot of sad faces. They couldn't understand why I didn't just stay there forever!
I had my first real parent-teacher conference on Friday. I have spoken to many parents, but this was the first time actually having a scheduled conference about the child and their behavior. It really is enlighting when you can find out about the background of the child. It really helps you put things in perspective and why they may be bahaving the way they are. It is amazing how some of these children are able to function with the type of home life or past they have had. After the conference, it made me realize the importance of being a teacher and helping a child whose most stable and loving part of the day may be at school.
I am looking forward to two more weeks with my class and will miss them greatly! Though it was a rough start, I am so thankful for the experience God has allowed me to have and has taught me in this time. I pray that behavior continues to imporve and that this week will be the best one yet!
3 comments:
So glad you got the classroom management under control. Sometimes you have to put the planned lesson on the backburner and work on discipline. Calling parents when behavior problems first occur is a good way to nip things in the bud and let the students know you are serious. I know that parents in the Bayside community aren't always the most helpful, but they want their children to do well like any other parent.
Sorry, I know you are not in the Bayside community!!!
How did it go with the principal? I think it would be neat if we were able to watch each other teach for a day. I would love to know what you all thought about my teaching.
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