first time teaching

Today I had the opportunity to teach ratios to the 6th graders. It was very interesting to say the least. I feel that I did a good job relaying the info...but only if it were my peers. I had forgotten what we talked about in class that what comes easy to us, does not come easy to them. Mr. E told me afterwards that I was doing a good job, I just had to make sure that i was letting the students know we were starting a new topic, when to turn the page, when to take notes, how one thing connected to another by drawing arrows, making titles so they know that we have moved on. It seemed to be so much to pay attention to when teaching. In addition when students were writing notes they seemed to talk a lot and got loud, but when it was time to continue with instruction, i was told that I did a good job brining their attention back to the board and quieting them down. The second block I did an observation of a teacher giving instruction. I also went around helping students to complete their worksheets. I find it rewarding when students say "thanks for helping". I also like when the students want to know more about me and notice when things change.

First day of boost camp!

Today I observed at Northwest Middle School. It was quite an interesting experience. I noticed a lot of things as I entered the school. Most people say that middle schoolers are the worst to deal with, but today proved otherwise (although it was the first few days, and not a "real" class). I noticed how excited the teachers were as the students entered into the school. I aided in greeting students as they walked into the school. As the students waited in the cafeteria before classes begun, they became a little loud. Administration did noting, so I thought about it. I figured that since they weren't ridiculously loud, it was okay for them to talk amongst friends before being split up for the day. It also allowed them to release some energy they had although it was morning.

I was sent with Mr. Ellerbusch, who taught Math. His enthusiasm and assertiveness in his voice gained the kids attention. After he gave instruction, he gave pre-work and then a pretest. While he helped students log onto the computers, I graded the pre-work and aided students on their pretest (at his request). This was quite a struggle because the 6th graders wanted to be spoon fed the answers. One thing I noticed in this class, which seemed to be a recurring theme, was that although students were moving around in their seats and talking, they still paid attention and completed most of their work.

In the 7th grade class, I noticed another thing. The way students grouped themselves were quite interesting to me. It seemed as if certain type of kids sat with each other. It also seemed as if the 7th graders were in their own little world. They didn't seem to pay attention at all to the teacher. They were talking about everything BUT school. As I mentioned before, although they weren't paying attention, the students still did their work. They even did most of it correctly without the help of the teacher or myself.

Finally in the 8th grade transition class, things changed once again. These students were more rowdy. They seemed to want more independence. They had guest speakers today in class, so there was not much instruction. The students also lacked motivation to be in the classroom. They also talked constantly, disregarding the rules and conversation they had earlier about respect. Overall the class was decent.

I feel today was a great success to get my foot in the door and begin to think about my own instruction in the classroom. I am eager to conduct my own lesson eventually.