The past couple of weeks have gone by so quickly and it is beginning to feel like fall outside. It is funny how I teeter back and forth between being anxious to have my own classroom full of eager students, yet, other times I enjoy being a helping hand only. I imagine other teachers in training can relate to my fears of being in charge. Will I be ready to tackle all the responsibilities?
As I posted last week, my CT had a substitute for four days (which seemed like an eternity) and will return tomorrow. I viewed the situation as yet another opportunity for learning for two reasons. First, I was able to be very active, leading class discussions and managing classroom behavior. Secondly, it was an opportunity to watch three…yes three…. different teaching styles within those four days. It never ceases to amaze me at how many different approaches one can take in dealing with students! Admittedly, I viewed one substitute teacher that I feel should not be allowed in a classroom. He argued with students, yelled frequently, threw a book in anger, and called the students punks. Shocking, right? I could mention several other negative behaviors, but don’t feel like focusing on that any longer. The good news is that the other two subs were pleasant and allowed me to “run” class. I have to say, overall, I feel pretty confident about how I handled things. Yes, I had a few issues, especially on the first day, but once I got into the groove, it was a lot of fun!
Some interesting developments are beginning to surface in this classroom. In the last week, we have lost a few students and gained one new student. Of those we lost, one moved to another school and two have moved into ramp up classes. Apparently, their scores reflected a need for remediation in literacy, according to my CT. In addition, a male student who seemed content and willing to participate has drastically changed. In the past few days, his behavior is defiant. I did not notice a change until my CT went out of town. I suppose it could be due to a change in the normal routine, but for some reason I suspect there is more to it than that. When I talked to him in the hallway yesterday, I expressed concern and asked if he was having any problems, but he was unresponsive. This is an issue I plan to watch carefully and discuss with my CT upon his return. There are other students who, in the beginning, were engaged, yet, now seem to have “checked out”. Other students have done the exact opposite: first unengaged and now fully participating willfully. Ahhh…this really is middle school, isn’t it?! Maybe it is just me, but just when I think I’ve found the key to a student, they change and I have to start all over again!
My plan for the next few weeks is to encourage all students to participate in classroom discussions. I know there are many resources I can look into for suggestions. Richard Lavoi (spelling?) had some helpful suggestions in this area, so I intend to watch his video for a refresher. However, one way he suggested was to create situations for all students to experience success. I think I’ll focus on building their self-confidence by leading them to correct responses and praise the heck out of them! Of course, as my self-confidence leading the classroom improves, I predict students will take notice and get excited about learning as well. Yes, now that I think about it, excitement is dwindling in this classroom. Perhaps a few exciting book talks will pep them up!
Yes, it is middle school! Regarding the one student that has become defiant, I think you misjudge just how detrimental a sub like the first one can be. How awful for him to yell at the kids. That can turn a kid off so fast. I hope that you will post again and let us know if things return to normal after the regular routine returns.
ReplyDeleteI personally go back and forth with fits of confidence and fear at having my own classroom. But I think you are right that a teacher's own enthusiasm for a subject can "infect" the whole classroom. I had an art history teacher that used to jump up and down with excitement over slides of paintings. Crazy!!! But it worked. We all laughed at her but we all paid attention and I learned to love and appreciate art!
I know that you will be able to captivate your students attention and get them excited with whatever you bring to class. And book talks are always good. My 6th graders just eat 'em up!
My CT has also been gone a few days this week so I have had the opportunity to observe a few different teaching styles as well. Some students thought it was a good opportunity to behave however they wanted. Unfortunately, one sub thought it was a good idea to get the kids in line by borderline yelling at them. This had the opposite effect and not only did the kids choose not to listen to him, but they became defiant and disrespectful. The other sub approached misbehaving students much more calmly, and although some kids did not listen, they were not disrespectful. I guess that proves the old saying, "It is better to attract flies with sugar than vinegar." Like you, I am also a bit nervous with the idea of running my own classroom, especially with the aspect classroom management because of what I have observed. I guess we will have to put what we have learned to the test!
ReplyDeleteYour plan about getting the kids engaged seems like a great way to manage classroom behavior as well. I think helping all students feel successful in what they do will also help break down a few barriers. It is only natural for a student to respect and trust a teacher who makes him or her successful, and I feel that can be one of the most rewarding things about being a teacher. I'm sure other future and current teachers feel the same way!
You were right, Amy! Now that my CT is back, the students in this classroom are back to their "old selves". My CT had to work a little harder yesterday, restoring order and reminding students of expectations. We still have a couple of behavior issues; but, they are the same issues as the day I started. In fact, one student received a pbr today because I watched him poke another boy in the head with a pencil and it continued after I told him to stop!
ReplyDeleteI am continuing to observe the few students who seem very depressed because that hasn't really changed. Yesterday, I was able to get a smile out of one of the boys for the first time. I haven't seen him do that before. But today, I asked him if he was excited about the weekend and he didn't say anything. After asking him again in a different way, he just said "no". I worry about kids like this. In fact, I may see if the counselor has had any interaction with this boy because his entire body language shouts out..."I'm not happy". I also notice he is frequently absent.
The good news...after talking to my CT today, I'm going to start doing book talks 2-3 times a week! Hopefully, that will help because these students have independent reading time for at least 15 minutes every day and they have a hard time finding books they enjoy reading. Glad to hear book talks are going well in your classroom.