Observe: So a pleasant surprise would be that I realize that I DO have control over the classroom. This week I have been on-my-own (for the most part) for 3 days! I have been able to lead my students in lessons and through transitions; we got everywhere in a timely manner, and everyone survived! I also observed that when the going gets rough, I can rely on my principal and vice principal to help me out. On Wednesday, my CE wasn't in the room and I could not control one of my students. The days he is on his meds, he is fine. When he's not, it's as if all hell breaks loose. He was uncontrollable and I felt way out of my comfort zone. He made me feel uneasy and for a while I was actually afraid he was going to hit one of my students. I called in the principal and he came into the room, pointed to the student and said "pack your bags, you're going home." Turns out he was near suspension anyways. He was wild on the bus and from my complaints, that last straw tipped the scale. It was awesome to see that my administrators had my back! See you in 3 days, buddy.
Reflect: I have learned that the more thoroughly you plan, the more you'll find that you still actually missed. I felt prepared for this week, yet it came and went in what seemed like a heartbeat.
Focus: WEEK 5 IS COMPLETED WHOA. this realization just hit me like a really nice brick covered in chocolate and yummy smelling flowers. This is wonderful that I am halfway through... My that means I have 5 more to go... Oh man. Keep my head down and keep trucking.
Be Productive: Well I haven't watched a full season of Grey's Anatomy since student teaching started, so I'm doing okay in that department. However, I did watch 3 episodes last night and my lack of preparedness for next week's lessons is showing.
Have Courage: I realized I should have called the office sooner for my suspended student. I was trying to keep my classroom under control for too long it took away from the lessons being taught in the classroom. Have courage that just because you're a new teacher, that doesn't mean everyone thinks that you're incapable of teaching or controlling your kids. What that student was doing in your room could have (and has) happened to anyone.
Begin Anew: Start fresh with students and realize that this week is NEW. This means we have turned over a new leaf and they have an opportunity to grow. So do I!
Brittney,
ReplyDeleteYou are indeed a good reflector and I am so glad you see the necessity of putting the reflections into actions. Thank you for your honesty and opens to suggestions for growth. I wish for you enjoy and success in your remaining weeks of this student teaching experience.
Take care,
Donna
Brittany,
ReplyDeleteI love the Grey's comment, and unlike you I have watched wayyyy more than I should. but I do it while I lesson plan, so its more like background noise. You are going to be a wonderful teacher, heck you already are :) Can't wait to hear about your adventures next year, KEEP TRUCKING!
BRITTANY. My sweet friend that I miss dearly! And yes it's Lauren Capps here! I got married over the Christmas though, so I am officially Lauren Hamilton (:
ReplyDeleteI cannot believe that you are already student teaching, but even more than that, you are half way through. That's pretty amazing! You made it through 307, you made it through 410, you can make it through this! It does sound like a pretty tough week however. Makes me a little scared, I'm not going to lie. I am thankful to have some experience and practice with my pre-k students in the classroom management department. There have definitely been times when I have had to call down my principle. It doesn't make us bad teachers, it just means that we have twenty-something-other students to think about at the same time. Especially if we fear the safety of our students.
When you get a little discouraged, just look towards the light at the end of the tunnel, but also think about all that you have already accomplished! You got this, girl! Always praying for you! Love you and miss you!