Its nice to be settling into a groove. I am really getting to know not only the students that I see regularly but students in the halls too! All my students are asking if I'm going to get a job at Glenview next year... that I should...and I should be their teacher! What a fantastic compliment!!!! Its very rewarding to knnow that I've had a positive influence!
My AT is giving me more and more freedom and trusts me to handle the students and provide engaging lessons. I think the confidencee in me stems from my adherence to time management and week long planning. He gave me a blown up schedule which he encourages me to use to lay out the lesson progression i plan, and also to track what I have done with what class. It has proven to be an invaluable tool....maybe even the most important thing I will take away from this experience.
Couple specifics about this week. It was a pretty short week. I was away at a Baskteball tournanment on Wednesday. The girls did very well (3-1) but I experienced some frustration on Thursday when I found out that my AT had failed to asssign the homework that I had planned to give them. The lessson I had planned for Thursday was dependent on that work being assigned. I was forced to think on my feet and juggle my planned schedule (the calendar helped immensely). The lesson went well enough and I will survive!
Of course Friday was a PA day and I sat in on some interviews. My AT really interacted well with the parents relaying any positives or conceerns in a respectful and helpful way....no blame was assigned and strategies were talked about.
I felt a little overwhelmed at points this week. So much to keep track of...marking...lessons...practices...games....I have a completely new respect for what teachers do!!!
Looking forward to the last week
Hi Simon!
ReplyDeleteI hope your last day of practicum went well!
It was great reading your post "The story of week three." Regarding the Basketball tournament that your school was a part of, I believe that was the same one our girls went to, on Wednesday, November 16th (Humewood: does the school name sound familiar?)
I understood completely when you wrote: "I had to think on my feet and juggle my planned schedule." I found that to be the case on a number of occasions during my practicum placement. There are so many obstacles that may get in the way (announcements, last-minute meetings, workshops, students being away) that can directly impact your plan for a particular lesson. It sounds like you learned a great deal from this experience!
Looking forward to seeing you next week.
Eva
Simon! It was awesome seeing you at the basketball tournament in week 3 :) Although I was ostracized for fraternizing with the enemy it was great to hear about your experiences at Glenview. Being at the tournament really made me realize how much fun being involved in extracurricular activities could be! It's really got me thinking about how I will be able to contribute to my future school? Cake club? ;)
ReplyDeleteP.S. BAM in your face Glenview! Go Deer Park! hehehehe