Walking around the room I hear students voices murmur to eachother- "No, it can't be a heteroroph- it produces its own plant it's an auto" one student shouts. On the other side of the room i hear debates over whether the wren would be a 1st order or 2nd order consumer.
My eyes almost tear up a little- what I've always wanted from a classroom is happening. Our students are discussing concepts- ideas. They are developing facts based on their knowledge and categorizing- high order- relevant and rigorous assignments are being implemented. The students easily go from independent work to partner work to group work to whole class. I don't have to remind them as much to take out their notebooks. their folders are organized!!! 3rd hour is a little wild- right before lunch- but when they're in groups it's like magic - instant focus.
My co-teacher and I have a lot of back and forths this year- other teachers are asking my opinion and advice- the principals visited our room and gave us wonderful reviews. We have become a very successful- hands-on, rigorous and relevant- coteaching/ inclusive classroom!!!!
This is the type of classroom I've always imagined running and I can't explain how great it feels to hear the students share their thoughts, debate their ideas, examine objects, collect and analyze data. The energy is wonderful and the kids are very good!
One of the main goals this year was to teach the students how to be successful. They are freshman- well most of them- and often don't understand what they need to do in order to make a good transition. We focused on academic skill development, time management, organization and communication the first week of school. We had class discussions and implemented goals into the classroom. For instance- students are given weekly checklists to help organize information and stay on-track of assignments. this helps with time-management and self-sufficiency skills too! We focused on the importance of notes and how to take notes and being prepared. Folder organization is another key component of the class and their total grade. We give immediate feedback in order to help with their communication skills. We also - mandate they use their assignment notebook! They also receive lunch detentions if homework is late.
I see how setting early expectations - high expectations- staying consistent and clearly explaining and demonstrating procedures and social or academic expectations has really helped! Having 2 teachers who work so well together doesn't hurt either :)
i love my job
Friday, September 4, 2009
Friday, August 14, 2009
summer is over
Summer is over and I am no longer a newbie. However, I still feel as if I am new- I am bursting with anticipation; contemplating various first day activities, refreshing my mind with various intervention strategies and development activities. I am even visualizing how my new room will look!!
I have checked off nothing from my summer to-do list- surprise, surprise! Instead, I helped develop a great Freshman Seminar curriculum that focuses on school and interpersonal skills necessary for student success. I'm quite proud- however I think I already mentioned this in a prior blog.
My co-teacher and I are moving to the Freshman wing and today began our first of several meetings. Our new building is fantastic, and the science rooms are fabulous- having a window is a wonderful perk as well!! I am excited b/c I will be working with only the one co-teacher throughout the year. therefore we will have a plenty of opportunities to hone our co-teaching skills. I also have a list of new organizational, classroom management and curriculum ideas. hey, I guess I did get some accomplished!
The roadtrip with my sister never happened- however we spent loads of time with our parents. I think that was more of a satisfying summer, than travelign across the country. My parents are wonderful and spending time with them was much needed.
I also had a summer full of doctor appointments. I have recently begun a new biological medicine for my arthritis- it's called Humira. I have to inject myself 2x a month. The psoaritic arthritis i have has resulted in assymetric dactylitis. this means that I have various joints that swell really bad. I have two sausage fingers- but I also have swollen joints on my neck, toes, hip and butt. Somedays are really rough and I have a difficult time rising from bed- other days I am fine and healthy.
The hope is that Humira will decrease the swelling and correct my joint deformities- then I won't have to take it unless I have a flareup!!! I have high hopes for this med and despite the possible side-effects I'm looking forward to see if it will help me live pain free :)
I do have to eat healthier- exercise more regularly and keep my immune system as strong as possible. Which is a hard task - whilst around so many sick children- but I will prevail.
Today- before my teacher meetings- I had a doctor appnt. I'm going to rewind about 10 years in order to explain my history with my new condition.
At 17 years old I went to my first gynecologist. She mentioned that it appears that I have cysts on my ovaries and I should follow-up in order to do an ultrasound. She gave me birthcontrol in order to regulate my period and I never came back. The following years- I went to school doctors and planned parenthood. All doctors were great- however I never - ever mentioned my pains and the previous concern of cysts. I have an issue with ignoring medical problems - inhopes that will make it all go away (I get this from my father). In the last 10 years there have been a few years where I didnt' take birth control- for one reason or another. I realized that my period had never regulated itself. At 26 - I stopped birth control again ( I wanted to see if my body was still struggling) and haven't taken any since. My period still has not corrected itself.
Sometimes- when we listen to our bodies they instinctively tell us what's wrong. There are obvious conversations- where your body aches and cries for attention. Others are subtle, like our food cravings our messages of nutrients and vitamins that we need. Others are just instinctive- like you were told in a dream. I feel as if my body told me that there is something wrong with my reproductive system- I just wasn't listening. I finally decided to listen- I made an appnt. with my doctor who referred me to a young gynecologist who has- just today said I most probably have PCOS- polycystic ovarian syndrome. I will need an ultrasound to confirm.
How am I feeling about this? I feel like I need to speak and write about it- but I am not that afraid. I have spent the last 2 hours researching on the internet and reading others blogs and support group pages. I am not as scared or sad or frustrated as they are.. should I be.
This last year I have gained about 30 pounds- the year before that I gained 10 pounds. I went from being 120 lbs to 160 lbs in 2 years. The ten pounds didn't upset me at all- and infact most of the weight I've gained this last year hasn't upset me too much- but I am overweight and that does upset me. I have 5'4" and gaining weight so fast has it's effects. Apparently, this too is a side affect of PCOS.
PCOS means that I have too much estrogen and testosterone and too little progresterone. Therefore- my ovaries aren't being released and I am not ovulating regularly. This also results in other hormone problems. Side effects include weight gain, extreme mood swings (usually after eating- or before), memory loss (i have a terrible memory). Long term complications include heart disease, diabetes (due to insulin difficulties), uterine cancer --- i think that's it. Oh, also having children will be difficult. Most of the time, I don't want children. I'm only 27- I have a life to live and places to travel to - and adventures to have before I have children... if i have children. however, now that I know children may not be in my future- I feel upset- disappointed- confused.... it's weird.
The plan now is to have a lifestyle change- I must alter how I eat and what I eat. I've always ate a lot of veggies and fruits- but the problem is I eat too much meat, carbs and sugars too!! I have to cut down on those and bring in more whole grains, lean meats and beans. As much as I love my sugar- that must be eliminated as much as possible. I think I will miss my pasta and sugar most of all ;)
I also need to exercise more regularly.. easier said than done when you work and go to school- but I'll find a way- I have to. This lifestyle change will not only be good for my PCOS - but for my arthritis as well. As daunting as this all seems- I'm a excited. I've been wanting to live healthier for quite sometime- and now I have motivation to bring my health up a few notches.
It's okay to be a bit scared- isn't it...?
I have checked off nothing from my summer to-do list- surprise, surprise! Instead, I helped develop a great Freshman Seminar curriculum that focuses on school and interpersonal skills necessary for student success. I'm quite proud- however I think I already mentioned this in a prior blog.
My co-teacher and I are moving to the Freshman wing and today began our first of several meetings. Our new building is fantastic, and the science rooms are fabulous- having a window is a wonderful perk as well!! I am excited b/c I will be working with only the one co-teacher throughout the year. therefore we will have a plenty of opportunities to hone our co-teaching skills. I also have a list of new organizational, classroom management and curriculum ideas. hey, I guess I did get some accomplished!
The roadtrip with my sister never happened- however we spent loads of time with our parents. I think that was more of a satisfying summer, than travelign across the country. My parents are wonderful and spending time with them was much needed.
I also had a summer full of doctor appointments. I have recently begun a new biological medicine for my arthritis- it's called Humira. I have to inject myself 2x a month. The psoaritic arthritis i have has resulted in assymetric dactylitis. this means that I have various joints that swell really bad. I have two sausage fingers- but I also have swollen joints on my neck, toes, hip and butt. Somedays are really rough and I have a difficult time rising from bed- other days I am fine and healthy.
The hope is that Humira will decrease the swelling and correct my joint deformities- then I won't have to take it unless I have a flareup!!! I have high hopes for this med and despite the possible side-effects I'm looking forward to see if it will help me live pain free :)
I do have to eat healthier- exercise more regularly and keep my immune system as strong as possible. Which is a hard task - whilst around so many sick children- but I will prevail.
Today- before my teacher meetings- I had a doctor appnt. I'm going to rewind about 10 years in order to explain my history with my new condition.
At 17 years old I went to my first gynecologist. She mentioned that it appears that I have cysts on my ovaries and I should follow-up in order to do an ultrasound. She gave me birthcontrol in order to regulate my period and I never came back. The following years- I went to school doctors and planned parenthood. All doctors were great- however I never - ever mentioned my pains and the previous concern of cysts. I have an issue with ignoring medical problems - inhopes that will make it all go away (I get this from my father). In the last 10 years there have been a few years where I didnt' take birth control- for one reason or another. I realized that my period had never regulated itself. At 26 - I stopped birth control again ( I wanted to see if my body was still struggling) and haven't taken any since. My period still has not corrected itself.
Sometimes- when we listen to our bodies they instinctively tell us what's wrong. There are obvious conversations- where your body aches and cries for attention. Others are subtle, like our food cravings our messages of nutrients and vitamins that we need. Others are just instinctive- like you were told in a dream. I feel as if my body told me that there is something wrong with my reproductive system- I just wasn't listening. I finally decided to listen- I made an appnt. with my doctor who referred me to a young gynecologist who has- just today said I most probably have PCOS- polycystic ovarian syndrome. I will need an ultrasound to confirm.
How am I feeling about this? I feel like I need to speak and write about it- but I am not that afraid. I have spent the last 2 hours researching on the internet and reading others blogs and support group pages. I am not as scared or sad or frustrated as they are.. should I be.
This last year I have gained about 30 pounds- the year before that I gained 10 pounds. I went from being 120 lbs to 160 lbs in 2 years. The ten pounds didn't upset me at all- and infact most of the weight I've gained this last year hasn't upset me too much- but I am overweight and that does upset me. I have 5'4" and gaining weight so fast has it's effects. Apparently, this too is a side affect of PCOS.
PCOS means that I have too much estrogen and testosterone and too little progresterone. Therefore- my ovaries aren't being released and I am not ovulating regularly. This also results in other hormone problems. Side effects include weight gain, extreme mood swings (usually after eating- or before), memory loss (i have a terrible memory). Long term complications include heart disease, diabetes (due to insulin difficulties), uterine cancer --- i think that's it. Oh, also having children will be difficult. Most of the time, I don't want children. I'm only 27- I have a life to live and places to travel to - and adventures to have before I have children... if i have children. however, now that I know children may not be in my future- I feel upset- disappointed- confused.... it's weird.
The plan now is to have a lifestyle change- I must alter how I eat and what I eat. I've always ate a lot of veggies and fruits- but the problem is I eat too much meat, carbs and sugars too!! I have to cut down on those and bring in more whole grains, lean meats and beans. As much as I love my sugar- that must be eliminated as much as possible. I think I will miss my pasta and sugar most of all ;)
I also need to exercise more regularly.. easier said than done when you work and go to school- but I'll find a way- I have to. This lifestyle change will not only be good for my PCOS - but for my arthritis as well. As daunting as this all seems- I'm a excited. I've been wanting to live healthier for quite sometime- and now I have motivation to bring my health up a few notches.
It's okay to be a bit scared- isn't it...?
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
school's out for the summer!!
Well- I survived- my first year as a full time teacher- yippy!!!! I have to be honest- I don't know why I was so scared- i had a few rough patches, a few breakdowns, some bad classes and mean students, - but the good is what stands out- the nice students, the hard workers, the great classes, the great projects, the learning and changing as you go b/c there really is no other way.
A fellow teacher asked me what will I do differently next year, than I did this year.
So here is my reflection list:
1-2 weeks ago one of my students said to me " Ms. bicanin , J--- and I were talking during 5th period yesterday and we decided you're are favorite teacher. You explain things so we understand it and we remember it." After she said this- J--- then said" Yah- I just want to carry you around with me all day so you can explain things to me better- you make learning hard things easier"
Can you say- OH MY GOODNESS!!!!! I think that is the best thing a teacher can hear- I help them understand and remeber and make learning easier!!!!! Does it get better than that? I can't explain how excited and happy this makes me- it's like my heart is beaming out of my chest. My students are learning b/c of me and I can see their confidence grow b/c of what they have learned and how well they have learned. WOW- there are no words!!
though school is out Ihave a number of professional developments this month- A week's worth of meetings for the freshman wing. We are going small schools for next year and I am part of the committee moved to the freshman wing that will assist in this transition. There is also another professional 2 day development for coteaching the week after that. I also am meeting with the asst. principal and a guidance counselor b/c we are developing a Freshman Seminar (or advisory period) and I am part of the new commitee in charge of develpoing this. It's quite exciting- I have been reading articles and have just ordered a book all about developing an advisory period in the secondary education setting.
Almost all my fellow teachers are working this summer- which makes me feel a little lazy BUT I've decided to enjoy my summer. I miss my family and I miss having fun in the summers. So - to avoid burnout I am not taking classes nor working this summer. After my professional developments this is the plan:
June will end with me heading out to my parents for a few weeks!!!! I plan on helping them repaint the house and work on the gardens. We plan on going to some beautiful camping trips too!!!! Then it's back home for my fiance's birthday and a week with him!!! And I'm off again at the end of July for a roadtrip with my sister!!! We are driving to San Diego and then up to Seattle and back home. We've wanted to take a roadtrip together for so long- I'm super excited.
I figure I'll have some time in there to work on the following work related goals:
Well- I don't know when the next time I'll be back on to post updates- maybe end of June afer all of the meetings. If not though- have a great summer and I'll be back in August!!!
A fellow teacher asked me what will I do differently next year, than I did this year.
So here is my reflection list:
- The first thing that popped up in my mind: more organizing as I go- most definitely. There is always so much paperwork- i need to file and organize regularly so it doesn't all pile up on me.
- More classroom management consistency- especially with homework and tardy policies- oh and bathroom passes... i need to work on being more consistent
- I go off on tangents too much- a part of me wants to change this b/c we end up "loosing" classroom instruction - BUT we have some really insightful discussions and the students partake and stay interested... it's almost always something socially relevant and important. I think I'm okay with going off on tangents... I just need to monitor it a bit more
- Make more time for group work and station work- even though it's hard to plan, I would like to incorporate this more into the curriculum
- More positive behavior rewards!
1-2 weeks ago one of my students said to me " Ms. bicanin , J--- and I were talking during 5th period yesterday and we decided you're are favorite teacher. You explain things so we understand it and we remember it." After she said this- J--- then said" Yah- I just want to carry you around with me all day so you can explain things to me better- you make learning hard things easier"
Can you say- OH MY GOODNESS!!!!! I think that is the best thing a teacher can hear- I help them understand and remeber and make learning easier!!!!! Does it get better than that? I can't explain how excited and happy this makes me- it's like my heart is beaming out of my chest. My students are learning b/c of me and I can see their confidence grow b/c of what they have learned and how well they have learned. WOW- there are no words!!
though school is out Ihave a number of professional developments this month- A week's worth of meetings for the freshman wing. We are going small schools for next year and I am part of the committee moved to the freshman wing that will assist in this transition. There is also another professional 2 day development for coteaching the week after that. I also am meeting with the asst. principal and a guidance counselor b/c we are developing a Freshman Seminar (or advisory period) and I am part of the new commitee in charge of develpoing this. It's quite exciting- I have been reading articles and have just ordered a book all about developing an advisory period in the secondary education setting.
Almost all my fellow teachers are working this summer- which makes me feel a little lazy BUT I've decided to enjoy my summer. I miss my family and I miss having fun in the summers. So - to avoid burnout I am not taking classes nor working this summer. After my professional developments this is the plan:
June will end with me heading out to my parents for a few weeks!!!! I plan on helping them repaint the house and work on the gardens. We plan on going to some beautiful camping trips too!!!! Then it's back home for my fiance's birthday and a week with him!!! And I'm off again at the end of July for a roadtrip with my sister!!! We are driving to San Diego and then up to Seattle and back home. We've wanted to take a roadtrip together for so long- I'm super excited.
I figure I'll have some time in there to work on the following work related goals:
- a cheat sheet/ refernce guide to help with IEP goal and benchmark development based on classroom curriculum
- a refernce/ pile of CBA's I can use for progress monitoring in reading, writing and math
- a basic curriculum map for Applied Economics - and a list of fun learnign activities, and websites to assist with this
- Modify my govt. curriculum
- Biology lesson ideas and mods for the first trimester to try- especially for integrating some station work and more progress monitoring with the students.
Well- I don't know when the next time I'll be back on to post updates- maybe end of June afer all of the meetings. If not though- have a great summer and I'll be back in August!!!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
wonderful may
ahhh- beautiful May! The weather is warm. the sun is out, the flowers are beginning to bloom and the trees are green again! Vacation was great- so wonderful to have a week of just my partner and I. We went to phoenix and enjoyed every bit of it.
School has been good! Co-teaching is always challenging- I still haven't learned how to find the right balance with the other teacher. I was told that I help the students too much by one teacher; the same one who knocks down almost all of my development ideas. Developing is apparently studying for them- when it's their job to study not ours to rack our brains thinking of ways to develop the ideas... yah that is what I deal with :( . So I have stopped sharing my ideas, and just pull my students to the side when I think they need assistance. I also modify work and tests- but no more lesson teaching. I feel like a glorified aid.....
However, my other co-taught classes are going very well- its always fun when you develop new ideas together that work well for the students. My essentials class is great too! I teach that one alone and have had no great difficulties. the only issue is lessons taking longer than expected. I know I will get a hang of this eventually- but as a first year teacher my timing is always off.
Prom passed a little while ago- and as part of the Prom Commitee things were a bit hectic for awhile. However, everything worked out real well and the students had a blast. I must admit- it was nice dressing up myself too :) The students were fantastic. Apparently, in the past many female students wore very revealing clothes- but this year they were tactful- elegant and gorgeous! It was wonderful to see and to be apart of.
Other than that- I guess I am starting the countdown until the end of the year. This trimester has moved really quick and I can't wait until summer. this will be my first summer off since I was 16 years old and I am excited to enjoy myself. My partner and I have some wonderful traveling plans. However, I will be heading across the country without him for some of the time to explore with my family.
School has been good! Co-teaching is always challenging- I still haven't learned how to find the right balance with the other teacher. I was told that I help the students too much by one teacher; the same one who knocks down almost all of my development ideas. Developing is apparently studying for them- when it's their job to study not ours to rack our brains thinking of ways to develop the ideas... yah that is what I deal with :( . So I have stopped sharing my ideas, and just pull my students to the side when I think they need assistance. I also modify work and tests- but no more lesson teaching. I feel like a glorified aid.....
However, my other co-taught classes are going very well- its always fun when you develop new ideas together that work well for the students. My essentials class is great too! I teach that one alone and have had no great difficulties. the only issue is lessons taking longer than expected. I know I will get a hang of this eventually- but as a first year teacher my timing is always off.
Prom passed a little while ago- and as part of the Prom Commitee things were a bit hectic for awhile. However, everything worked out real well and the students had a blast. I must admit- it was nice dressing up myself too :) The students were fantastic. Apparently, in the past many female students wore very revealing clothes- but this year they were tactful- elegant and gorgeous! It was wonderful to see and to be apart of.
Other than that- I guess I am starting the countdown until the end of the year. This trimester has moved really quick and I can't wait until summer. this will be my first summer off since I was 16 years old and I am excited to enjoy myself. My partner and I have some wonderful traveling plans. However, I will be heading across the country without him for some of the time to explore with my family.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
VACATION!
It is spring break- finally!!!! I have become so exhausted and this week was the longest- for my students and myself. Today I gave my essentials class a party- we had food and watched movies with the class next door. My students were quite surprised and so very grateful. It made me so happy to hear their gratitude for such a small gesture on my part. I often hear people say that teenagers these days have no manners and no respect- I would have to disagree. Though at times, the overall demeanor is different and maybe more harsh at times- my students on a daily basis show me how respectful and grateful they are. Oh- and every day there is always some young man eagerly opening the door for me. My students are always willing to help me clean and respond kindly to my requests for assistance. I am glad that I have had the chance to work with high school students, it has brought me a whole new understanding.
I have a few students in my 1st hour class who are also in my 5th hour class. Unfortunately, today I had to skip out on 1st due to an IEP meeting. When they saw me in 5th hour, they were quite excited... I'm not sure how to react to this. Have I become the 'cool teacher'? I certainly hope not. I don't want to me the cool teacher- rather I want to be that teacher who challenges them, holds their attention, is strict but caring... that is what I am working at. Students don't listen nor entirely respect the 'cool teachers' (in my personal opinion). However, it was nice that I was missed :)
This blog is all over the place- with no apparent rhythm... probably b/c it's 10:46 and I'm exhausted, but need to stay awake for my flight!!!
At the end of every week I say good bye to each class period shouting the following " Have a great weekend, be safe and MAKE GOOD CHOICES!!!! " Sometimes I throw in ' study study study'. Today I forgot to tell my 4th hour - so a few of them shouted it to me. It made me quite elated. I often wonder if they hear me or rather if they listen to what they hear me say. These students showed me that they do hear and possibly even listen to the words I say. Not that I would stop either way- b/c sometimes teaching is a thankless job, not knowing what impact or influence you have caused until much later in the future (or not at all).
I had my last evaluation completed on Tuesday- based on a surprise visit! Overall, my supervisor told me that I have had an examplary first year. Examplary- yup you heard me right!!! The principals are quite fond of me and my corporation has offered for me to keep my position for next year. WHEW!!! Always a relief to know you still have a job! I apparently am doing a lot better than I thought I was. However, I am always my own worst critic- always wanting to be better and the know more. I want the skills of verteran teachers, patience of social workers, and the idealism of a first year teacher- all at once. I must learn to not be so harsh on myself.
2 more hours and I am on my way to the airport with my Fiance. Arizona here we come!!!!!!!!
I have a few students in my 1st hour class who are also in my 5th hour class. Unfortunately, today I had to skip out on 1st due to an IEP meeting. When they saw me in 5th hour, they were quite excited... I'm not sure how to react to this. Have I become the 'cool teacher'? I certainly hope not. I don't want to me the cool teacher- rather I want to be that teacher who challenges them, holds their attention, is strict but caring... that is what I am working at. Students don't listen nor entirely respect the 'cool teachers' (in my personal opinion). However, it was nice that I was missed :)
This blog is all over the place- with no apparent rhythm... probably b/c it's 10:46 and I'm exhausted, but need to stay awake for my flight!!!
At the end of every week I say good bye to each class period shouting the following " Have a great weekend, be safe and MAKE GOOD CHOICES!!!! " Sometimes I throw in ' study study study'. Today I forgot to tell my 4th hour - so a few of them shouted it to me. It made me quite elated. I often wonder if they hear me or rather if they listen to what they hear me say. These students showed me that they do hear and possibly even listen to the words I say. Not that I would stop either way- b/c sometimes teaching is a thankless job, not knowing what impact or influence you have caused until much later in the future (or not at all).
I had my last evaluation completed on Tuesday- based on a surprise visit! Overall, my supervisor told me that I have had an examplary first year. Examplary- yup you heard me right!!! The principals are quite fond of me and my corporation has offered for me to keep my position for next year. WHEW!!! Always a relief to know you still have a job! I apparently am doing a lot better than I thought I was. However, I am always my own worst critic- always wanting to be better and the know more. I want the skills of verteran teachers, patience of social workers, and the idealism of a first year teacher- all at once. I must learn to not be so harsh on myself.
2 more hours and I am on my way to the airport with my Fiance. Arizona here we come!!!!!!!!
Thursday, April 2, 2009
I feel like a pro today :)
This week has been incredible. I have designed and implemented the best Civil rights unit plan of my life!!!! I've kept the students engaged in analyzing primary sources, listening to songs and reading poems. We've done group work, note taking, individual work- I've added comprehension and writing skills to it. The students have been so engaged and so wonderful - that I can't help but gloat!!! Oh- and I am in charge of my co-taught history class for this unit and it has gone so incredibly well. My students have been great! This has been a fantastic week and we're closing it out by watching "February One" tomorrow. I'm so excited to be teaching something that gets my students just as excited as I am!!!!!!!!!
Saturday, March 28, 2009
finally feeling comfortable
I did something stupid today- I'm on this new arthritis medicine and I'm supposed to take 1 tablet every 5 hours (on saturdays only). I accidentally took 4 all at once.. don't ask me how b/c I obviously wasn't thinking. I panicked- try to force it out of my body- but that didn't work. So I called my doctor crying - freaking out "AM I GOING TO DIE!!!!" Apparently- it's okay to take the 4 all at once (as long as it's no more than 4 every 24 hours) ... whew. the only thing is that my side effects will be more intense today than they have been so far. The bucket or toilet - whatevers closer- will be my companion on this dreary saturday afternoon.
In regards to school though:
I feel like I'm starting to come into my own place as a teacher... a first year teacher. I'm finding what discipline methods work for me, what teaching strategies I like to engage, I'm joking around with the students a lot more. I am comfortable!!! It's a wonderful feeling- to be able to joke around - have insightful conversations, share knowledge, yet still engage my students - keep them orderly and have them complete their assignments... they are learning and I don't have to be too strict!!! I love it. I feel that last semester- I was not myself. I was too strict- dare I say it : a little mean. I saw how this method worked for so many teachers (female teachers) that I thought as a female this is how I had to act. It didn't feel right- raising my voice so often, not displaying friendliness, and being extremely rigid- it just wasn't me.
Now- I wait when I need attention- not yell. Now I ask my students kindly to change their behavior- not demand harshly. Now I let my students enjoy the topics, enjoy themselves in the classroom- not insist that only a quiet room is a productive room.
The main reason this change has happened is because I now have my very own class. No co-teacher just me. I do not have to change my approaches, based on my co-teachers. In addition I work with 2 co-teachers that I have learned a lot from. One is a super laid back teacher- maybe too easy going- but that's not the point. He is able to engage is students in chaos and still have them learn. Our classroom together is sometimes loud, active and chaotic- but it works.
The other co-teacher who never raises his voice at his students. He corrects behavior through calm requests. He always utilizes various approaches in the classroom and we have an engaging lab just about every week. He truly wants his students to succeed - and he cares for them. It shows in everything he does.
The female co-teacher that I work with, along with many of the female teachers I have seen - are overly strict and structured. There is this tone of 'I don't want to be here' in their voice. They are always yelling. Because first semester was so difficult for me- I thought it was b/c as a female I had to be loud and strict (it's their culture- it's what I have to do). So I went from being calm and structured to loud and strict!
Now I have found a balance- I suppose this is a natural mistake to make... I don't know. I love my classes right now and my approaches. I have even stuck true to my approach in my co-taught science class that is too strict. Surprisingly, the students still listen.
It's a wonderful feeling to be comfortable in your classroom. I'm showing my own personality and using my own approaches and they are working.
In regards to school though:
I feel like I'm starting to come into my own place as a teacher... a first year teacher. I'm finding what discipline methods work for me, what teaching strategies I like to engage, I'm joking around with the students a lot more. I am comfortable!!! It's a wonderful feeling- to be able to joke around - have insightful conversations, share knowledge, yet still engage my students - keep them orderly and have them complete their assignments... they are learning and I don't have to be too strict!!! I love it. I feel that last semester- I was not myself. I was too strict- dare I say it : a little mean. I saw how this method worked for so many teachers (female teachers) that I thought as a female this is how I had to act. It didn't feel right- raising my voice so often, not displaying friendliness, and being extremely rigid- it just wasn't me.
Now- I wait when I need attention- not yell. Now I ask my students kindly to change their behavior- not demand harshly. Now I let my students enjoy the topics, enjoy themselves in the classroom- not insist that only a quiet room is a productive room.
The main reason this change has happened is because I now have my very own class. No co-teacher just me. I do not have to change my approaches, based on my co-teachers. In addition I work with 2 co-teachers that I have learned a lot from. One is a super laid back teacher- maybe too easy going- but that's not the point. He is able to engage is students in chaos and still have them learn. Our classroom together is sometimes loud, active and chaotic- but it works.
The other co-teacher who never raises his voice at his students. He corrects behavior through calm requests. He always utilizes various approaches in the classroom and we have an engaging lab just about every week. He truly wants his students to succeed - and he cares for them. It shows in everything he does.
The female co-teacher that I work with, along with many of the female teachers I have seen - are overly strict and structured. There is this tone of 'I don't want to be here' in their voice. They are always yelling. Because first semester was so difficult for me- I thought it was b/c as a female I had to be loud and strict (it's their culture- it's what I have to do). So I went from being calm and structured to loud and strict!
Now I have found a balance- I suppose this is a natural mistake to make... I don't know. I love my classes right now and my approaches. I have even stuck true to my approach in my co-taught science class that is too strict. Surprisingly, the students still listen.
It's a wonderful feeling to be comfortable in your classroom. I'm showing my own personality and using my own approaches and they are working.
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