Well, I taught my every first lesson today! Yep, that's right! I am an official teacher y'all. Well, not really, but it's quite a large step.
I taught a fifth grade class today about the Trail of Tears. It was really an amazing experience. I thought it went great to be my very first time! My biggest fear that my students were going to ask me question that I didn't know the answer to... Thankfully, that didn't happen! My students stayed engaged the entire time, and I felt that they really walked away learning what I wanted them to. My goal for them was to not only learn the facts from the Trail of Tears, but to understand the devastation and hurt that came from this terrible event. I had my students read a personal narrative from the Trail of Tears. These students were so affected by the narrative, that it was really touching.
As great as I thought my lesson went however, there was a lot that I still need to work on! However, this was a great learning experience, confidence boost, and encouragement.
I often worry about when I actually become a teacher. I don't worry about student teaching as much, because I know that I will have a fantastic support team. However, when the time comes to have my own classroom after graduating, I will be an absolute nervous wreck!
I found a great article on Edutopia that talks about tips and advice for new teachers. The one that stood out to me the most was "find a coach... and if you can't, MOVE". Wow! This teacher was talking serious business. It is absolutely crucial to find a support team and coach. There is no way that we can do this alone, and it is important for me to remember this. I so often take on WAY too much and think I can do it all by myself. I have to accept the fact that it is okay to ask for help sometimes. When I get into the classroom, I should be acting as a leader for my students. Things that I do, they will do. I need to set an example for them and let them know that it is okay to ask for help sometimes.
Standard 1:Teachers will demonstrate leadership
Check out the link below to get great tips and advice for new teachers!
http://www.edutopia.org/blog/what-i-wish-id-known-new-teacher-elena-aguilar?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=socialflow
Lauren,
ReplyDeleteI am in a similar boat in that I also have fifth grade this semester. I was initially worried that they would school me on my own lesson! However, I've kind of been picking my CE's brain and the biggest thing I can take away is to not be afraid in the classroom. I think it is a healthy relationship to learn along with your students as long as you can guide them at the same time. Glad you wrote about this!
Lauren,
ReplyDeleteIt's so exciting to hear about your first teaching experience! I am very happy for you. I always think that the first time you do something is the most stressful. I'm glad to hear that you did well and enjoyed every minute of it. I really like the article that you chose. It is very important that as a new teacher or even a future teacher, that you find someone to coach you and help you along the way. Things can be so much easier when you have someone to gel you! Great blog
It is great to hear that your first lesson went well! It is always exciting when the students are engaged with what you are teaching. This semester I had to teach a literacy lesson to a kindergarten class, and it went so well. It went better than I initially anticipated. It is always so exciting and encouraging when that happens. As you said, there is always room to grow, and I know that we will always continue to grow as teachers. You are so right! It is extremely important that we find support teams with fellow teachers. Great post!
ReplyDeleteLauren,
ReplyDeleteIm glad you were successful with you fifth grade teaching. I experienced my first 5th grade teaching this week as well. It was nerve wrecking at first, but once I got started, it was wonderful! I enjoyed learning teacher tips from the lead teacher. She also gave me some great compliments.