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
Saturday, November 3, 2007
Wow, with the PSLE and SA2 exams over, I noticed that some of my students have been feeling a little demoralised and sad over their results. Of course there are some of them who have improved(well done!) but some of them didn't get the results they wanted.
Well, don't spend too much time moping around because just feeling sad for yourself is not going to solve your problem. Either you just enjoy feeling sad for yourself(which is a bit scary) or you really don't like the feeling(which is quite understandable), do something about it!
Start with a short review of the paper, which I think your teachers will help you with. Don't be so concerned with copying the right answer. Focus on understanding how to get the answer and why you ended up with the wrong answer.
If you just copy the answers, you will be able to answer the questions if you are lucky enough to see it in another paper.
If you understand how to get the answer, you will be able to answer other similar questions by using the same process.
I know it sounds quite cheem... but actually this is a good chance to really think about how you can help yourself achieve the goals/targets that you want, not for your parents but for yourself.
To close, don't forget to have lots of confidence in yourself! And when you feel down or sad, just remember that there are many people out there (including me!) who have confidence in you and are cheering you on!
Gambatte!
Labels: learning, reflection
