So today we had prep first period so my co-op used the time to deal with a bullying issue that has been going on for a couple days now. What we didn't know getting into it was that it was going to escalate to the point where my co-op spent the majority of the first 3 periods out of the room, making phone calls, and in the guidance office as everything unfolded.
So naturally this left me unattended and unsupervised in the front of the classroom for 2nd and 3rd period. Fortunately I had planned the CA lesson for the day so I had been planning to run the class from the beginning anyway. I jumped in and began and actually looking back didn't even really notice my co-op running in and out of the room. The lesson went smoothly. I was happy with it, and was also able to make some changes for the next class 2 periods later.
Because the bullying thing took much longer than anticipated and I did not know what the plan was for social studies, I just continued my lesson into the next period. (Fortunately I tend to underestimate how long activities will actually take so therefore I over plan without trying).
So, four good things came out of today for me:
1. I got a taste of what student teaching will be like by going from one class to the next without a break.
2. I got a taste of what being an actual classroom teacher feels like by not having my co-op in the room to back me up and support my decisions and management of behavior.
3. I was able to reflect on my lesson (almost automatically) in such a way that I could modify it for the next class.
4. I realized that I am able to plan and teach for a block period (I was worried) if ever I would actually have to. What I thought was maybe a 50 minute lesson turned into a 90 minute lesson. (Which I know is both good and bad, but today it was a good thing. I was trying to find positives in the day).
Just wanted to share a little victory in this stressful time. =) What are some positives for you?? Hang in there! We're almost done! =)
Jess,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing! I can really relate to your positive experience being alone in front of the classroom for an entire period. This happened to me a few times, and although I felt a little nervous completely taking over, it was a wonderful experience. On the days that there was a substitute in the classroom (this happened 4 times on days that I was there) my co-op wanted me to take over the entire period. I can relate to your trepidation about teaching during a 90 minute block. It seems like a lot of time! But once you are up there teaching, engaged in the lesson, you stop watching the clock. Some of the best experiences I had this semester were on days when my co-op was absent. I think when she was gone, it gave me a chance to feel like I was in control.