My first days as a substitute/WSU student teacher were an overwhelming experience. I can remember having a mini-panic attack that consisted of an inner monologue arguing over whether I wanted to continue down this career path. I knew my nerves had control of me and after some experience I would eventually settle into the routine of things. Becoming a teacher has been a goal of mine since I was 17 and I wasn't going to let a first day of uncertainty deter me from what's important in my life. I eventually created a level of comfort for myself in the classroom and am currently embarking on establishing a foundation for which to build my teaching career.
This semester thus far has been a great learning experience. This week I have started to take over the classroom a bit more as the students are working on finishing up their "Family" unit essays. The experience of editing and reading the students rough drafts has given me insight on the writing styles of young adults. Many of them write in a straightforward manner, tend not to use descriptions, and often their writing resembles the monotony of a shopping list. This is not to say their writing is bad, I enjoy their writing, and what I have been trying to teach them is to find their voice and create a personal connection with their essay. Reading Harry R. Noden's Image of Grammar has confirmed the types of teaching I have relayed to my students so far. Noden details five vital lessons to creating art as a writer: Painting with Participles, Painting with Absolutes, Painting with Appositives, Painting with Adjectives Shifted Out of Order, Painting with Action Verbs. I tried to teach these qualities to the students before reading this chapter and I wish I could go back and re-teach them because I feel I could highlight this Noden's first chapter as a guide to creating writing that is worth reading.
Classroom behavior management is an aspect that I don't believe I lack, yet I know I will struggle this semester due to the fact that there are two teachers in the classroom and some students will undoubtedly try to test me because they know I am not fully in charge. That issue hasn't arose so far, but I can see it coming. As for now things seem to be going smoothly. I have noticed that the students don't have an issue with listening to my instruction, yet they do have some problems with seeing me as a teacher. I don't have the standard teacher voice that sends chills down their spine. Instead, I am sure of myself and soft spoken. I do have the ability to raise my voice and put an end to undesired behavior, but for now I am trying to connect with the students, and I figure showing interest and compassion first would serve me better, as opposed to being seen as an authoritative figure. I am not sure whether this is a mistake and am likely to find out in two weeks when I begin teaching my seven week unit.
I have a journal for the days that I teach. I jot down the events of the day: what went wrong, what went right, what I should change, and what I should keep the same. I note student behavior as well. I can monitor if they were having a bad day and need some time to be solitary, or which students emerged from their shell and actively participated in class that hour. Referring back to my notes will eventually help me to become a successful teacher. I can look back and see what worked and didn't work for a certain set of students and accommodate or modify certain aspects of my teaching or classroom in order to create an environment that helps them learn.
Very intriguing way to start your post! I was hooked. I love that you referenced the Image Grammar book. I've never been a fan of grammar, but I am enjoying the book as well. I remember the mini panic attack well. I think most student teachers/first year teachers can relate. I think that showing compassion and kindness to your students first is a great way to start the year. You'll connect with your students, and they'll connect with you. It could make managing your classroom next semester a lot easier if you already have those connections built. I like the idea of the journal for not only yourself, but for your students. I think that will be really helpful! Have you had time to refer back to your notes? Have they helped yet? Keep us posted!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your post, Mr. West. Even though you can't turn back time in your teaching, you can take ideas from Noden's text and apply them in your upcoming unit. Think about how you might do that.
ReplyDeleteI also appreciate your thoughtful use of your journal, and, like Aleisha, I look forward to seeing how your careful reflections help you to truly connect with your students and maximize your instruction.
Keep up the good work!
It sounds as if you are starting the semester off well, Mr. West. I love how you are keeping a journal of your experiences as you teach and learn. Teaching students to write interesting papers can be a challenge, and I'm sure you'll find Image Grammar will help you with that endeavor. I'm sure you'll continue to learn and grow throughout the semester.
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