Over spring break I spent three whole days at Edmonds Elementary and on thusday and friday I came for at least an hour or two. I feel like observing and helping out over spring break and being able to not only spend time with the students more, but also observe other classrooms reinforced my resolve to study elementary education. I remember when I was a freshmen I was not sure if I could be a good teacher. I was also only 19 years old. Now I see that this is something I can do. I have helped not only my cooperating teacher, but substitutes manage classroom behavior and the students do respect me. I visited the high school I graduated from and I realized I would rather be an elementary teacher.
Over spring break, I met different teachers and different classes-a 6th grade class, kindergarten class, and the Intensive Learning Support class. I enjoyed having conversations with teachers who told me they went through some of the same struggles many of us deal with as aspiring teachers. For example, I talked to a 6th grade teacher about how hard it was for me to let my guard down with the students and find the appropriate balance between being approachable and still keeping a professional distance and also not crossing the line from authority figure to buddy. This was a struggle when I first started working with kids. As of now, after getting to know the students in my class, I feel more confident and relaxed. I think part of the reason is I am older now. I have a better grasp on the professional distance and also on being a teacher figure. However, I also understand this is my first practicum and I have much more to learn. This 6th grade teacher I was talking with told me she went through the same struggle and that every teacher goes through this. I believe it is a matter of not only building confidence in ourselves, but also getting to know who our students are. I hope this is an encouragement to anyone going through this. I have more I want to say, but it will be for another reflection.
PS: One tip: If you find yourself struggling to get up in the morning force yourself to get up early and exercise. On monday I did not want to get up at 5:20 to exercise, but I made myself and let me tell you, I felt great for the rest of the day. This morning I also worked out. Sometimes we need something else to get up to besides classes. Morning workouts will not only give you another reason to get your sleepyhead out of bed, but it will also give you energy and make you feel better about yourself. Getting up earlier will get easier, and yes, this does relate to teaching 100%.
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2 comments:
I liked this entry a lot. I have also found myself trying to find the healthy balance of interaction with my students. I am with middle school students, so it is easier to talk to them at my level. But I never ever want to cross the line over to friend. I don't think I cracked a smile the first 2 weeks of observing., but now I feel more at ease and like I have respect from the students.
Thank you, Amy. I can relate to what you said.
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