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