This reflection has two parts. The first is my frustration reflection. The second is my productive reflection :)
Before: I knew that 3rd hour was going to be a challenge, and I was right. Today, four kids that I haven't seen in a week showed up, so they did not fit in well to the lesson plan for the day. Contrary to popular opinion, one needs to come to school if s/he wants to pass 9th grade English. That being said, my AP came in today for the entire class period. The focus was strictly on classroom environment. At some point, I will possibly explain everything that this standard encompasses. At some point.
We began the first 20 minutes reading like we always do on Tuesdays and Thursdays. They did this relatively well, although there were some random questions, comments, and behavior. They're 9th graders. The bell rang for lunch and I waited for them to come back so we could continue.
My expectation is that they are supposed to have their folder, pen/pencil, and word of the day sheet before class starts. I bought them all a folder and its supposed to be kept in the drawer. Needless to say, we still haven't mastered having all of this done before the bell rings. One of my larger students even decided that he would stand in front of the chalkboard to blow his nose while I was trying to do the word of the day. Nice. Awful. Eyes bugging out: WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!
We make it through the word of the day, I give them a brief synopsis on the creation of the gods and titans and all that jazz (crazy stuff). Then we move to the silent paper wad journal which is so awesome. Just not in this class. I love paper wad journaling because it's a way to have a discussion without there being a lot of crosstalk, off task behavior, etc. Today it was an epic failure in 3rd hour. Apparently, I either suck at giving directions or half of them need hearing aids and glasses.
I did my best to salvage this lesson, but it was ugly. My AP spoke to me after and agreed that this was a challenging class, but that I could whip them into shape. We would talk more about their inability to handle freedom and the use of expectations.
After: I was frustrated most of the day until I talked to my partner in crime. He's my best friend and is a remarkable teacher. He will also be an amazing administrator when he finishes up his program this year. As a primary teacher, he spends a lot of time modeling and working on procedures. He even pointed out that sometimes he spends an entire week just working on procedures because if students aren't on board then teaching cannot take place. He also reminded me that it's impossible to teach through distractions when the kids are entertained by them. Check.
So after some reflecting, suggesting, talking, and questioning, we came up with the following list of things to work on and remember.
1. A challenging class will usually not be as efficient as a class that is less challenging. A little more hand holding might be necessary. They also might need more time to achieve my expectation.
2. If things aren't going the way they are supposed to, I need to stop the lesson and do it until we get it right. If it takes 30 minutes for the next two weeks, that's better than it never happening at all.
3. Model everything, and let them practice before moving onto the actual task if it is more difficult.(This is where the paper wad journal went wrong)
4. I'm expecting them to be able to work in an environment that's free...a lot of these kids never taste freedom so they run wild when they are given it in my classroom (insert AHA moment!).
5. I need to scaffold freedom into my class
I might not have all the answers yet, but at least I have a place to start...even if it's five weeks late :)
You are simply amazing!
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