Week Two

           

As I began to ease my way into my role as student teacher I began teaching this week. In one week, I have learned so much about myself and teaching. Along with learning so much about myself, I’ve also been affirmed of my love for teaching. This week has come with lots of bumps, but all the hurdles have taught me that this is where I belong.

            

Starting Monday, I took over morning work. The students start file in one by one at 8:15. Before walking into the classroom, the students are greeted by a teacher (myself) and asked about their breakfast and where lunch is coming from. My school offers breakfast and lunch to all of their students. Every morning, I have to ask each student if they ate a school breakfast and are planning to eat a school lunch.

           

Once the students come in the classroom they put away their supplies and begin their morning work which is on their desks. Every morning they do about five math problems, two or three geography questions, a Daily Language Review, and a cursive worksheet. The students have until 9:00 AM to complete all of the problems except the cursive sheet. At 9:00, we correct the work together.

            

As I worked with the students everyday correcting their morning work, I learned that I do well on my feet. When reviewing the answers, all I have is an answer key. Several times this week, the student didn’t understand one of the answers and I had to explain it. While it is small, I learned that teaching is made up of a lot of teachable moments and answer keys aren’t enough.

           

I also began teaching on Monday. I started by teaching a review on commas. Many of my students, in my fifth grade class, are very behind academically. A lesson that was supposed to last for three days lasted all week. Between confused students and behaviors we spent a lot of time reviewing commas. It was stressful. I found it very discouraging that my students were not understanding what I was teaching and were often off task. Thankfully, my teacher was very encouraging and supported me through it. She was always willing to jump in and save me when I made mistakes.

            

While the week may have had some bumps, I am incredibly thankful for my teacher, my school, and my students. I feel very supported.