Classroom Management

I had yet another enjoyable day at school today.  I did, however, take note of some behaviors exhibited by the freshman students.  As the teacher was going over the rules and expectations, several of the students in the back row became disengaged from the discussion by placing their heads on their desks, or pulling hoods over their heads.  I went to the back of the room to let the students "feel" my presence and when that didn't work, I tried tapping their shoulders and quitely asking them to take their hoods off and to look at the teacher when she was speaking.  In the end, this strategy was not effective. 

After class, I discussed these behaviors with my cooperating teacher and she informed me that she noted the behavior, but since it was not "disruptive" that this is one of those times when we, as teachers, need to pick and choose our "battles."  She went on to let me know that once we are able to establish relationships with our students we will be in a better position to address the students undesirable behaviors.  In addition, for several of the students, the disengaging behaviors could be an attention seeking behavior.

In short, what I learned today was that before we can correct a students undesirable behavior, we must first establish a positive relationship with the student and then determine what needs the student needs to have filled in order for an engaging learning experience to take place.

The First Day

Met my freshman students today.  What an amazing bunch of kids they are.  They reminded me of a string of pearls, each one unique but very valuable. 

My cooperating teacher facilitated each block of students while I pretty much observed.  What struck me was how she was effectively able to make a personal connection with each and every student and her ability to laugh at herself when she would make a "goof."  I believe these traits help ease the anxiety of the students, simply because as I was observing her, the anxiety I had been experiencing over the summer all seemed to fade away. 

So, my first day of student teaching has come and gone without incident and I am feeling much more at ease about this experience and am looking forward to all the adventures this semester holds for me and all of my "pearls."

A Bundle of Nerves!

No more papers to write.  No more exams to take.  All of my undergrad classes have been completed.  Now it's time to sit and wait.  Sit and wait until I report for my first day of student teaching.  This summer has been the longest and most anxious time of my life.  So many people have told me so many different things about their student teaching experiences, what I should be doing, what I should not be doing, what to expect, what kind of cooperating teachers they had, what kind of cooperating teacher mine will be.  I'm amazed I haven't gone absolutely batty yet!  I seem to recall a song from so long ago called, "Anticipation."  Not sure who sang it, but it accurately describes how I have been feeling this summer. 

I want so badly to be an amazing teacher.  To be able to reach my students and help them become literate in so many ways, so they will be equipped to be effective citizens in tomorrow's world.  Everyone keeps telling me that I will do great, or that I will be fine, and while I appreciate their support, I still question my abilities to be effective.  So, at this point, I have decided to not stress about the "unknowns," instead, I will just enjoy these last few weeks of summer and come August 13 I will jump whole-heartedly into the unknown world of student teaching!