Block I - Make it or break it time!!

First week of block is done!!! Time really does fly!! No longer are we students, but now this is where the transition to being a teacher takes place. After my first week, I now feel like a teacher more than ever! I do have to mention that the group I am with at St. Vincent de Paul is just great, and it would be wonderful, although unlikely if we could in the future be on a staff together. It is nice to walk down the hall or into the staff room and have someone there to keep you going! I have to say, those before and after school coffee breaks are the best!! This first week I am teaching math, something I really liked when I was in school but it is a subject that in the beginning gave me the most stress. Would my students understand the concept I was trying to get across? Thankfully, they did! As the week progressed I felt more comfortable in my role as the classroom teacher. I did have to establish a class management strategy, the RECESS method. It was something that was used when I was a student. The idea of the RECESS method is that, the word is put on the black board, when the students are too loud, not doing their work or constantly getting out of their seat, a letter comes off. If all the letters are erased the class as a whole stays in for recess. The students do however have the chance to gain letters with good behavior. I was surprised how well the grade 7 class responded to this, they soon were able to self monitor themselves, and I quickly gained their respect as a teacher. This first week gave me my first taste of the real world of teaching, at first it might have caused me some heart ache, but ultimately I realize that I can only continue to learn more and practice my skills as a teacher!!...I wish everyone only the BEST in their block!!!!

GOD BLESS

MICRO TEACH - FINALLY!!!!

Finally after a long time I was able to complete my Micro teaching. I can honestly say, and I am sure that my peers will vouch for me, that I was incredibly nervous leading up to the lesson. I wasn’t nervous about teaching the children, but instead at the quality of my teaching abilities and my lesson plan (which the first one I’ve ever written was, but certainly not the last). Luckily I have a great group of peers with me at St. Vincent de Paul, and a great mentor who were quick to calm me down and assure me that I would do fine. I decided to teach a math lesson during my micro teaching mainly because it is a subject I will be teaching during my block, and I love when students use hands on materials such as manipulatives in their learning, it only enhances the quality of their learning. After viewing my video (which was quite an experience in itself) I have come to realize that the lesson did not quite go as badly as I thought that it did. I did realize that the nerves calmed right down once the lesson began, and I was able to block out some of the extra bodies in the room and focus only on the students and the task at hand. Some things that I know I must work on is of course my language skills-pronunciation of words, my speaking volume (which I am usually told is quite loud), and the use of certain words like Can you tell me…and of course the word ‘ok’. As much as I reminded myself before the lesson not to use this type of questioning it came out in my video, especially my “okay’s”. I did however catch myself once when I almost said “you guys”, I quickly stopped myself because I remembered my mini-micro where I let it slip out a few times.
Taking all the comments I received into consideration, I will definitely try to bring some of the positive aspects of my teaching into my block, while continuing to work on the part of my teaching that could be improved. As a side my micro teaching day fell on Halloween, after my lesson I was able to join my fellow 'pink ladies' and enjoy the days festivities!!

Guest Speaker on Classroom Management- Welcome Colleen!!!

Like everyone else I'm sure, one of my biggest fears before actually stepping in front of a class is classroom management, and most importantly How will I get the students to respect me and listen to what I have to say? A few weeks we had the opportunity to get some insight on what works in a classroom and what may not. One thing I learned is that communication is key! this does not only apply to the students, but also to parents and the school community. It is essential to be positive with your students, humour is good :), but sarcasm can be hurtful.Do not tell your students 'not to' do something but instead, provide positive statements such as "at our school we listen when the teacher is speaking".
I have always known how important respect is in a classroom and in life in general, therefore it is key that as a teacher I respect every one's opinion, and I will in turn gain the respect of my students. As a teacher you are not meant to be a drill sargent, but also you are not their best friend. your class needs to learn how to behave and respect you, but also respect others, including fellow students, teacher and anyone who might enter the classroom. all students have a right to learn, and it is your duty as a teacher to provide them with the essential information to learn and expand their minds. All Students also have the potential to succeed, they just need to be given the chance to do so!!...thank you Colleen for all the great information!!!