After reading through Maggie and Sam's posts I can definitely relate to this past week being a bit more exhausting. After not being in the classroom on Monday, Tuesday was very eventful. My students were not listening to my expectations and treating more like a student teacher and less like lead. This internship continues to be a humbling experience where I continually have to reflect on my decisions.
On Wednesday I had a conversation with my students about how much longer I had left at Burton. We talked about how much I still had to teach and experience with them. They seemed to really respond to the conversation and the rest of the day went really well. I've been focusing on students making sure they're respecting their own learning and those around them. It feels like I am constantly saying, "respect your friend by listening to them." There has been some personal issues with some boys in my classroom so I've had a lot of one on one or one on two conversations with them about my expectations for them and what their personal expectations are. I'm hoping that it will make this week go smoother.
One of the many things I've learned so far in lead teach is the importance of having things to do in case of extra time, or to fill the 15 minutes before lunch or at the end of the day. As I fill in my lesson plans, I make sure to write down activities to do or things that need to get down throughout the week. Classroom management is connected to what the students have available to do at any given time. Students now keep a book on the top of their desks throughout the day to make sure they read during any down time or in transition. I agree with Sam that it would be great for the students to know what is going on during the day, week, month and year. I think they should be able to see what they are going to learn in the upcoming month and year.
As lead teaching comes to an end I find myself becoming more frustrated with not having my own space and knowing that I will have to give the classroom back soon. It's hard to implement new ideas when you know they will end in a couple weeks. I'm making sure to reflect on how I will bring these ideas into my classroom next year.
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