This was my last week of full-time teaching. Next week, Mrs. McCutchan will start teaching the sixth grade again. It will be strange just being an extra body in the room as opposed to being the person who is running the class. It's crazy how much that these kids have grown on me. I was just telling my family about some of the students that I have and realized how much I'm going to miss them in a few weeks! I wasn't too sure about middle school at first, but now I see how misunderstood these students often are. Just like elementary students, they also need love and support.
I was telling my mom earlier that sometimes it's hard to know where to find the balance between being firm with the students and having enough of a sense of humor so that they actually care about what you have to say. I think that I'm still trying to find that balance and am definitely more on the sense of humor side. I try to be firm with the students, and I know that they respect me but think that some of them still try to test their limits sometimes.
On the other hand, we finished the six traits of writing this week in seventh grade. I was so proud of the ice cream sundae that I made as an illustration of the traits. I hope that the students will remember the six traits and apply them to their writing.
Kelly,
ReplyDeleteYou have to keep your sense of humor - It's essential for survival. Kids will always test you - even your own kids. I think the way that we react to their behavior and comments is the most important - Stay calm, composed and go on with our lessons, because if we overreact they win and will test us again just to get a reaction. As hard as it is to do, it is more effective in the long run.
Your six traits of writing display does look great and I know it will help the students remember what they have learned.
It's hard to believe you are finished teaching 100%! I can tell from your blog that you have learned a lot about your students and teaching. Maybe you can coteach some lessons with Mrs. McCutchan as you wind down.
(1) what have u learned about teaching in middle school?
ReplyDelete(2) areas you got good at?
(3) areas you need work on?