The glass (class) is half full (of awesome students),

So close to the end of term two... Whee did the semester go!!?? At the end of my uni degree I was relieved, I believed I would have my life back and would have time to do things I enjoy again (like play my poor neglected trumpet). Alas, I was wrong... I get home and plan for the next day, debrief from a terrible lesson or just crash and burn after such an exhausting day.

So I've started my mid year reports and freaked myself out last night... As I was marking I was noticing a series of very poor marks, missing information in assignments or assignments that were completely off task! The little perfectionist inside me was yelling...

Am I a horrible teacher? Did I give them work that was too hard for them? What am I doing wrong!!??!!

Eventually I found assignments that were exactly as they should be... With all the info needed, correct spelling and all! I guess all in all, the class isn't that bad- it just means I have learnt who I need to focus on more than others.

Better the devil you know.

I have just discovered the power of parents! ...and the fact that I have their contact details. All I need to do is mention that I have a mum's mobile # and almost any behavior issue is suddenly not an issue. Sometimes I even hear a little remorseful voice saying "sorry miss, I won't do it again.". I don't remember being that scared of my 'rents when I was at school... Though, I didn't get into that much trouble. That doesn't mean that I was a perfect angel... It just means I didn't get caught!

Talking about parents... It's occurred to me that it is an asset to know what type of background a student has at home. That, and never to assume from the nature of the child that their life at home and parents are going to be similar. For example, one boy in my class is so shy and gentle... If I imagine his home environment I would have thought of classical music, lace curtains and a mum that looks like Betty crocker, but upon meeting his mum I discovered that she's a rock chick with facial piercings and tattoo slaves! WHAT THE?

Anyway... Must go do some lesson plans :)

Bye now!

Week 4 fun fun fun

Well, it's the beginning of week 4 and I'm pleased to say that I'm still alive. I'm not going to say that it was an easy start to my career but it definitely was rewarding! The first 2 weeks without a laptop or login was tricky... Especially considering I'm teaching IT and media! Anyway.... The bottom line is, it wasn't as bad as I thought.... I actually think I could grow to love the place :) .
Wish me luck at my first swimming carnival this week!
Xo
Dani

Entering the unknown...

One day to go before I begin my career as an educator... The unknown is killing me! I have so many questions... What will the students be like? What will the parents be like?... WHAT WILL I BE LIKE? All of my friends are assuring me that I will be a great teacher. "one of those teachers that all the students love." But how do they know that? Wouldn't it depend on the school? on the students? on what is happening socially around the neighbourhood? I can't guarantee I won't go in one day with PMS and accidentally yell at some kid that has already copped it from their parents.

The other thing that is worrying me is how poorly equipped I feel as a graduate. We have learnt all about the social, emotional, physical and creative needs of the students. However, I don't feel like we've learnt nearly enough about the subject matter!

I will be teaching a unit of Film Noir this week and all I have to equip myself is a fedora hat and what I can read in wikipedia and online in the next 3 days. oh.. and the dvd I have just purchased off ebay on the hope that there's something on it I can use as a resource.

I have hopes that I will be the great teacher that my friends say I can be... I'm just hoping the other factors align and I get my head around the subject matter enough be stay one step ahead of the students. Hopefully if I stay at this school I will only need to learn it this year.. Next year I will be an expert ! :)

Will blog again soon.
Until then, I will leave you with this...

"The mediocre teacher tells.
The good teacher explains.
The superior teacher demonstrates.
The great teacher inspires."

~William Arthur Ward