One of the goals I have for myself this upcoming week are to observe and document classroom management procedures set up by my teacher. Another goal I have is to talk over when I'll be expected to start my first lesson so I can start my lesson plan documents.
One word I would use to describe this week is roller coaster. I keep moving from excitement to anxiety to fear to calm, then back to excitement again.
I observed an Open House and first day of school for my 2nd placement because I was invited by the classroom teacher. My teacher was very effective with classroom management because she gave students clear expectations, set an atmosphere of anticipation, and repeated her simple instructions in order to give students time to process. She had a positive attitude when communicating her expectations and the procedures that would be included when students behaved well or poorly. She stated that she knew she wouldn't have problems because they looked like such great first graders. I think that set positive expectations in the students' mind, because they knew their teacher believed the best in them. I havent observed any classroom lessons because the first day was teaching the kids procedures and outlining their boundaries, such as quiet in the hallways, the teachers books vs. the students' books, and areas that were off limits.
I plan on explaining things clearly and using the strategies she uses (like feet in a square) because it's what the kids are used to and respond well to.
I have learned that I need to be there to set clear boundaries from day 1. If students know how far they can push on day 1 it'll just be way better.
I'd like help understanding how to write the formal lesson plans we have to turn in.
That was very unclearly presented to me and for me to feel like I can be successful, I need to know the expectations.
I found out that there are a few parent concerns. I'm wondering how that will play out.
