Today was the first day back after a two week break. This was an interesting time to teach my second full week as well. I was told to assume that they forgot everything, and of course this was a good thing to assume. We had to go back over how to start morning work, how to sit at our desks, how to sit in the learning area, how to walk in the hallway... and just about everything else. It was one of my most frustrating days and I'm about out of a voice. I can't blame the students because they had two weeks at home to do what they wanted and didn't have to listen to teachers or abide by the school rules. They were out of the routine. So of course they were going to talk more and wanted to share every detail of their break with everyone else around them and of course they didn't want to be quiet in the hallway because they had a whole two weeks where they didn't have to 'use their red voices and form a one line.' But it is still frustrating as a teacher because we are stuck to a schedule that leads into a test that they have to know the material for. Time doesn't allow for expectation and procedure reviews when you are already behind in Math because of behavior issues before break.
The most frustrating part of my day was telling the student multiple times they needed to pay attention because of reasons that fall under either it's going to be on a test or you just need to know it... but better stated and them still not listening to a word you have to say. Then it's also frustrating to have a class that won't listen to you even after you are following through with the classroom discipline procedures, using the 'heads down lights off' method and having a class meeting/ community circle and as soon as the 'teacher' of the classroom begins to speak everyone gives her the full attention. They even listen better to me as long as she is just in the room. My teacher told me again today that they are treating me like a sub, but what do I do about it?!? Hopefully our talk at the end of the day helped because the 'teacher' told them that I will be in charge which means that I also have the authority to write names down for people who don't deserve to go on our field trip. She also told me that if I needed to (and a few kids tempted me) send students to the office. (I did have 2 students call home which is part of our classroom procedure if they are at warning #3). I don't want to have to send students to the office because that then shows them that shows the students I don't have the power to handle what they are throwing at me. Well enough ranting, like I started to say I hope that our discussion about respecting me as their teacher, and to be respecting each other as well helped. Tomorrow is a new day.
On a positive note I was able to use the Promethean board for instruction today!! It was so fun and seemed to go a lot smoother than writing on the white board. My handwriting actually looks better on the Promethean board :). After using it I have already created my flip charts for tomorrow which I already know will save me a great deal of time in the classroom. I think it also helps because it helps eliminate some of the down time that it would normally take me to write on the board. Plus it is a great incentive for students to pay attention because those that are showing me they are responsible are able to write the answers down on it as well.
During my break I was able to visit my second placement. Just within two days I can already see how big of a difference they are going to be. The new class will also have 29 students.. yikes! I'm also interested in how the class responds to me when I begin teaching full time. Their current teacher is a guy (the only male teacher in the school) as well as very tall which may seem more dominant. I on the other hand am quite short which a few of the students where not so shy to point out the first day there. Kids are so honest.
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