ln the fifth grade, they are still having a lot of challenges that are not getting better, and while I know it is still early in the year, I find it rather discouraging.
The math class and sixth grade social studies classes are going well, even with the occasional rowdiness of the math class. It seems that the fifth graders in general are quite immature (as noted by my Cooperating Teacher) so their rowdiness and disorder is almost the norm. One of the benefits of seeing and teaching kids at this age is of the benefits of seeing and teaching kids at this age is that I am beginning to think that I would rather teak older students. It will be interesting to see how or if that will change after I begin my second placement.
I'm learning a lot of of different note taking strategies, as well as how to better ask questions of the students to help engage them in their learning as well. Sometimes I feel like I am learning the lessons right along with the sixth graders, mostly because I am teaching the skills for the first time, but it has also been a long time since I learned to do these skills.
Next week, I want to continue to become mon comfortable in front of the classes, but also to be more confident when interacting with other teachers. I need to work on being more open with my cooperating teacher when I'm not comfortable or confident about something, and worry less about what I think she will think of me personally if I admit these things.
I think your last comment sums up the best way to help you get through your last minute lesson jitters. I sense that your CT will be more than willing to help you out. If you sense she is hesitant and seems like she's not giving you support along the way I would blame it on the fact that she has/had so many overwhelming changes at the start of the school year. Continue to watch how she is working with the 5th grade students to teach them her behavioral expectations. When I visited last week I could see where she is headed with them. She's trying to stay firm and consistent, yet positive and supportive.... Lots of characteristics to juggle, and a little more unusual with this group for her probably due to all the last minute CPS changes thrown at her at the start of the school year. I bet if you were with her the entire semester you would see tremendous growth even within the next few weeks. By the time you get to your next placement, the teacher will already have her classroom management in place, similar to what the 6th grade is already following through with on a daily basis.
ReplyDeleteTime will help with curriculum expectations. Unfortunately you don't have much to give since you'll be leaving in just a few weeks. Keep absorbing all that you can!
I'm glad my visit helped eliminate some of your stress. I hope to be able to continue to do this for you.
Have a great week!
I think your last comment sums up the best way to help you get through your last minute lesson jitters. I sense that your CT will be more than willing to help you out. If you sense she is hesitant and seems like she's not giving you support along the way I would blame it on the fact that she has/had so many overwhelming changes at the start of the school year. Continue to watch how she is working with the 5th grade students to teach them her behavioral expectations. When I visited last week I could see where she is headed with them. She's trying to stay firm and consistent, yet positive and supportive.... Lots of characteristics to juggle, and a little more unusual with this group for her probably due to all the last minute CPS changes thrown at her at the start of the school year. I bet if you were with her the entire semester you would see tremendous growth even within the next few weeks. By the time you get to your next placement, the teacher will already have her classroom management in place, similar to what the 6th grade is already following through with on a daily basis.
ReplyDeleteTime will help with curriculum expectations. Unfortunately you don't have much to give since you'll be leaving in just a few weeks. Keep absorbing all that you can!
I'm glad my visit helped eliminate some of your stress. I hope to be able to continue to do this for you.
Have a great week!