ThE rOaD nOt TaKeN.
Friday, March 7, 2008
It is the end of the second week and it has been a lot more exhausting simply because I have started lessons with my classes. Sometimes, I feel it is a long drawn out process in understanding the class 'pace' and being aware enough to look for those who really need the special attention.
With the observations coming up soon, I really need to connect with the classes. I can only spend more time 'being' with the children rather than just for lessons. I remember bonding with my students last year over CCA and other activities.
Earlier when I was returning some equipment to the Maths room, I was surprised to find my student playing international chess. He was sitting so quietly as opposed to when he was in class. It was a different side of him that I was happy to see. I guess all of us are interested in gameplay one way or another.
2 different lessons today and 2 different experiences. On hindsight, I think I should have managed time better for the second class and include the post-reading activity that I had planned. I think it was not easy to get the children motivated to read as some of them may have found the material boring and dry. I tried to keep the lesson light and at the same time, encourage the children to read.
Total books borrowed for today: 2 books
Total books borrowed to-date: 2 books
I think I will have to devote some class time to allow the children to browse. Basically,I will try introducing a book to them every day when I see them. They seemed quite receptive when I introduced them to Anthony Browne's King Kong. I think many children still find it a chore to even try to select a book. How can I get them to try more?
I managed to get some feedback for my lessons today and will work on the pointers for Term 2's lessons. Hyah! I need a break as much as my students!
I will be coming back to school during the one week to work on lessons and plan carefully for the next term. I found the first round of lessons unsatisfactory in that I wasn't able to manage my resources well. It will get better, I know. I realised that I also have to ensure that the activities are completed as well (which is a concern of the form teachers!)
Still trying to get used to the timing, I hope that it will get better as my body adjusts. This morning I woke up at 5am without the assistance of the alarm clock. Scary but true!
Labels: alarm, learning, lesson plans
