Teaching - Week 1 Recap
Ok, so, first thought on my mind is, will I win teacher of the year? I realize full-well I should be focused on student learning, but even at 31 years of age I would prefer it be all about me.
I love this class. They are bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, alert and engaged. I couldn't ask for more. Day 1, though? they hated my cell-phone policy (which is, I don't want to see or hear them). Girl innocently asks "But what if there's an emergency?" - "Well, you won't know about it, because your phone will have been off." Half the class laughs, the other half audibly says "Geezzz!!" No points won there.
Today? Cell phone policy put to the test..Activity, some people done early, guy in the back row whips it out. I carefully walk back there, stretch my hand out - he puts it in my hand, saying "but I wasn't texting." I just walk away and place it on the front table. The activity? Mission statement and action plan. He shares: "My mission is to make As and Bs. My action plan is (1) not to use cell phones in class anymore. (2)..." The whole class is laughing, me included. I don't think I'll see cell phones again. He comes up afterward and I say, "we covered this on Monday." - "I didn't think you were serious. In high school we were allowed.." - "And where are you now?"
I am very excited about the diversity of the class. I have male and female African Americans, Asians, Caucasians, Latinos (alphabetical order). Some never on a plane, some lived abroad for years. What do they have in common? Study abroad!
And I think they love me, too. Not the 'laying down the law' part, but they are learning, engaged and active. Smiling, nodding, asking questions during and after class. I could not have an easier entry into the field.
PTL!
I love this class. They are bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, alert and engaged. I couldn't ask for more. Day 1, though? they hated my cell-phone policy (which is, I don't want to see or hear them). Girl innocently asks "But what if there's an emergency?" - "Well, you won't know about it, because your phone will have been off." Half the class laughs, the other half audibly says "Geezzz!!" No points won there.
Today? Cell phone policy put to the test..Activity, some people done early, guy in the back row whips it out. I carefully walk back there, stretch my hand out - he puts it in my hand, saying "but I wasn't texting." I just walk away and place it on the front table. The activity? Mission statement and action plan. He shares: "My mission is to make As and Bs. My action plan is (1) not to use cell phones in class anymore. (2)..." The whole class is laughing, me included. I don't think I'll see cell phones again. He comes up afterward and I say, "we covered this on Monday." - "I didn't think you were serious. In high school we were allowed.." - "And where are you now?"
I am very excited about the diversity of the class. I have male and female African Americans, Asians, Caucasians, Latinos (alphabetical order). Some never on a plane, some lived abroad for years. What do they have in common? Study abroad!
And I think they love me, too. Not the 'laying down the law' part, but they are learning, engaged and active. Smiling, nodding, asking questions during and after class. I could not have an easier entry into the field.
PTL!
Wow, what a great experience! Sounds like you are doing really well with it.
ReplyDeletegirl, I feel blessed! it's a really energizing experience, I hope your next adventure will be the same <3
ReplyDelete