My class is doing well and we are definitely finding a routine that works for all of us. My "busy" students are relaxing a little bit and it's helped to move them around, trying out different seating arrangements. I'm hoping that I can keep the seating chart the way it is for at least another month!
I hate to admit it, but there are already students who are my "favorites" and those that are already annoying me. But I am aware of my differing feelings and do my best to treat them all equally. One student irritates me because she is always worrying about someone or something other than what I am talking about. I constantly have to redirect her or take things away that are distracting her. Academically, she is pretty much where she should be, but I can see her behavior hindering her and maybe that's where my frustration comes in. Basically, whenever I feel annoyed with her, I think about her home life and realize that she has so many other things to worry about and can't just shut her mind off and focus. And when she is having a great day, I let her know.
Being a teacher is definitely about finding a balance in the classroom and within yourself. Imagine being poked by someone for 6 hours everyday and not being able to lose your cool! I think teaching has taught me to express myself more easily and to tell people what bothers me, but also complimenting people has become so much easier. I tell my students at least a couple times during the day that they are a great class, not because I am bribing them, but because they really are and this carries into my personal life. I more easily tell friends and family what I like about them or if I like what they are wearing.
My class is a mixture of all different ability levels and I have about 4 overachievers. One is very competitive with others and with himself. And yesterday, after lunch, as I was reading a story and settling the class down after recess, "O" raised his hand and asked when we were going to get back to "the work." This sort of annoyed me because I wanted the children to get a break from the monotony of the day and just relax and here was the student wanting to work, work, work. I appreciate his tenacity, but I also want him to take a breather sometimes. However, I have no doubts that this student will go far in life, no matter what stands in his way.
Tomorrow is picture day. I told the students to look nice, so now the question is, "What do I wear?"...
No comments:
Post a Comment