The ability to be flexible and recognizing when plans need to be changed was my valuable aspect from the week. We had a four day week before having off Friday and Monday and the students' behavior on Thursday definitely showed this. They weren't behaving badly; just extremely hyper, unfocused, and ready for their long weekend as I was too. The day began with only three of ten students in my first period class. I figured it would be more difficult to get over half the class caught up with the new content next week than to do the lesson I had planned. With my coop's approval and help, I figured out a different plan for the class and it worked well. I actually ended up making minor changes for all my classes throughout the day. My little adjustments turned out to be worthwhile. As a whole, it was just one of those days where the students were ready for their break and I think I would have to reteach some of what I would have done today on Tuesday.
If I could change anything from the week, it would definitely be my health. I woke up sick Tuesday morning and had lots of wonderful congestion and a sore throat for the rest of the week. Obviously no one wants to be sick, but it impacted my enthusiasm for teaching and overall performance. Hopefully I'll lose it for the weekend and for next week! :)
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Ahh, don't we all wish we could change our health from time to time. My health was also an issue, especially early in the week. It is very hard to be able to provide quality instruction and keep the students engaged when you hardly have the energy to stand.
ReplyDeleteI can certainly identify with what you said about your students losing focus, being hyper, and being distracted by the upcoming break. I would bet with nearly 100% certainty that we all faced this in one way or another this week. It was very discouraging to me, because I felt that I had some good activities and lessons put together that really didn't seem to go as well as I wanted them to. However, this is where flexibility comes in, just as you said. I also had to be flexible in a few ways this week due to student absences (both literal and figurative). It sounds like you've done well to adjust to that though, and that is a skill that will benefit you anywhere you are, regardless of years experience or the district where you're working. Good job Casie! Only 11 days left! =D
I had the same problem with the students in my classes on Thursday. I could tell throughout the entire week that they were not going to be motivated to complete anything. My coop and I decided to have activities planned for Thursday for the students and it turned out very well. It is great that you were able to be flexible with your plans and change them around according to the circumstances.
ReplyDeleteI think we all had to adjust our lesson plans for this week. Students know when a break is coming and many times they shut down the days before. It sounds like you did a great job adjusting to your students as that is a major thing that I have found out is necessary as a teacher. The ability to adjust for all kinds of changes is key. Keep up the great work and hope you are feeling better!
ReplyDeleteOh sorry you were sick! I was this week too. Too many germs out there. I noticed the kids were hyper this week too, but I have into my ninth graders (I new it was coming) and had them do a "fun" activity on Thursday. Anyway, hope you are feeling better!
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about the students being more ready for vacation than for a lesson. My co-op advised me in advance to use fun learning activities instead of the usual. It worked out because I was ready for them. Sorry to hear you were not feeling well last week. I can imagine how that draws the enthusiasim from you. Anyway, hope you are feeling better for next week.
ReplyDeleteWhenever students threw me off, I always tried to visualize how I felt as a student and many times, it made more sense to me. Their intentions are appropriate for their age and good teachers not only recognize and improvise for it, but they understand and anticipate it. Good job for tweaking your lesson in the atmosphere of pre-break!
ReplyDelete