Third Week

    This week was a REALLY good week for me. I feel I have finally found my teaching ground and finally became completely confident in my teaching abilities. I had a rough day on Monday, I feel like they were out of control and I could do nothing to get them to focus let alone listen. My teacher left it all in my hands and told me it was my classroom and I just felt defeated. Tueaday morning we sat down and I had a talk with the class, I explained my frustration and how I was not receiving the respect I deserved. One of the major feedbacks that my AT gave to me was so not be so leaniant, if I keep giving warnings and not act on them they will take note and continue to push me. As I was discussing my issue witht he class I rememberered this and told them I had no warnings today. If I had to stop because I was being interupted there would be immediate consequences. I dont know if i scared them, or they just understood (finally) but it worked! I had really great lessons that all went really well since then. I worked on all my suggestions and feedback and incorporated them into my lessons (moving around, physical presence, change of voice). The students all respect me and listen to me and if I give the "look" they immediatley stop. I think I was scared of being "the mean teacher" but if you don't act on situations, I have learned it gets quickly out of control. 
    We went on two feild trips this week also. The grade 7's went to the Toronto Synmphony at Roy Thompson Hall and in the afternoon I traveled to Western Tech Highschool for the grade eight open house. Both were a lot of fun and very eye opening! I learned how hectic taking so many children on a field trip via TTC can be but how rewarding it is for them, espcially because Runnymede has such a strong emphasis on the music program. The grade eight high school trip was fun too, all the different class rooms had different experiments and activities for students to engage in and learn what they would be doing there. We made ice cream and watched funny animation movies made by students there.
    I finished my math chapter and was nervous how the students were going to do (because I taught them the whole thing), but they all did really good for the most part. A few students who did not do as well as they and we liked stayed in a math help workshop after school this week to prepare for a retake. I really like how my AT organizes this for his students and I really enjoyed helping out. My AT puts so much extra time in to help his students and has really made me realize this is the teacher I want to be.
I'm excited for next week because I finally feel like I have found my ground. I have made great relationships with not only the students but some staff at the school too! I'm also really sad that it is my last week and can not believe how fast time has gone by! 
I hope you all have a great last week and see you next week at OISE