Classroom management. That is tricky. Of course on the days when I’ve planned better lessons it’s easier, but even on those days it’s a struggle.
I think I scared grade 5A today. Threatening to send the next person who talks to the principal, and then actually marching them to the principal’s door really shut them up. Granted there was only about 10 minutes left of class, but I hope they keep that in mind.
All of this makes me try to recall how I was in school. I feel bad for my teachers. Vivid first grade memory: would not shut up. Got my desk moved to the front of the classroom next to the chalk board. Vivid seventh grade memory: my English class made our substitute teacher cry. Vivid memory all throughout school: passing notes like nobody’s business. Vivid elementary school memory: not following along with the reading and counting the paragraphs so I would know where I had to start when it came my turn to read. Yes I’ve cheated. Yes I’ve avoided homework. Yes I’ve said I did the reading when, in fact, I did not. Yes I’ve skipped class.
So while I was a pretty good student for the majority of the time, I wasn’t entirely innocent. I just have to remind myself these kids are kids, plus they don’t speak English. So it’s going to take a lot of work.
Now the real question is…how do I go about teaching these grade 5 learners (that are obviously a bit old to be in grade 5) how to read? I guess we have to start with square one: the alphabet.
2 comments:
Hey...this is kind of a weird question, but did you interview for a US-2 missionary job with the United Methodist Church in March of 2008? You remind me a lot of someone who was at my interview weekend.... Anyway, let me know, and even if we don't have that random connection, we apparently have another--I am moving to Namibia next month to teach English in the PC! I will probably get to meet you! Thanks for blogging about your experiences. Here's to our futures of service--
Sarah Martindell
sarahmartindell@yahoo.com
Sarah Congrats on coming along with the teaching. I thought I was a bad student by passing notes, but apparently there are worse things! Just Teasing!
Girlfriend good luck and I'm glad you had fun on the 4th! I definately think that the most fun way to spend Independence Day is to be with Americans outside the U.S.!
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