Week 2

Jan. 18, 2011

On Monday this week we spent time in the language labs. I was able to get familiar with the lab and all of its features. I learned how to use all of the buttons and control the sound functions. During 7th period I was able to lead instruction over the headsets and lead part of the class. For me, it was not as nerve wrecking because I was not directly looking at the students. I was speaking into a headset and giving directions. I enjoyed it!

On Tuesday I was able to help pass out homework and give directions in Spanish II. In 7th period I lead part of the class by showing a short video, administering a quiz and hanging out homework. For this quiz students did a trade-and-grade and John and I were able to enter grades during the day. I am becoming more familiar with the grade book program. It is pretty easy to use.

I like how John is slowly easing me into leading activities. By the time 7th period comes around I have already seen him model the lesson multiple times and it isn’t hard for me to take over. I think by slowly adding me into the course I will be able to build my confidence quicker.

I have been planning a few grammar lessons for next week. It looks like I will be leading a block period for Spanish II next week on demonstrative adjectives. I first “scouted” for information and activities and compiled a list of ideas and calculated how long I thought they would take. Next I placed them in an order that I thought would work. I showed John and he and I discussed the plans and he gave me a few tips and ideas of how to tweak the ideas. Overall, he liked what I had planned and I am going to work on creating all of the materials needed (tweaking a PowerPoint, making worksheets, etc). Spanish V will be doing a quick review of the future tense and will be practicing this tense. I have been scouting for ideas and hope to show John what I have come up with tomorrow.

Jan. 21, 2011

Yesterday I taught an entire class period all by myself for the first time. I was really nervous and I think it showed a little in my voice and actions. The students behaved pretty well for me. There was some extra talking and I had to ask them to be quiet a few times. The lesson I taught as some practice with “gustar”. John had planned the lesson and modeled in the 3 previous classes of Spanish II and so I felt comfortable with what I was doing. I taught 7th period and in general they are a more rowdy class with 29 students and it is the end of the day. I felt better after know that I had my first 45-minute class period under my belt. You have to start somewhere and I was anxious to get my first teaching experience over with so I can begin to feel more comfortable. John gave me some great feedback and I learned that I need to let the students know who is boss and not be so nice. I am in an awkward position for the students because I am in transition and their classroom teacher is still in the room, but I cannot be afraid to let them know that I am a teacher and I mean business.

Today John and I decided it would be good for me to teach two entire class periods. Once again, John had planned the lesson and it was more with “gustar”. I watched him teach it to the first two class periods and I followed suite for the second two periods of Spanish II. I felt waaay more comfortable today in front of the class. The students respected me and we accomplished all that we were supposed to. I was worried I might rush through the lesson and have extra time at the end of class, but we ended right on time and at the same point for both classes.

It is really nice to have a slower transition like this so the students and I can both adjust. I have been planning a grammar lesson on demonstrative adjectives to teach next week. I am looking forward to it. It is the first lesson that I have planned and will teach on my own.

My goals for this week were to get to know the building better and to work on learning student’s names. I stayed after school this week and used the weight room, which is on the other side of the building. This gave me an opportunity to become more familiar and to get used to the school layout. Monday I will be going into the freshman academy (which is connected) to observe a Spanish I teacher. I am feeling a lot better with students’ names. I’ve passed out papers a few times this week, which really helped, and I take attended and when I was teaching lessons I used students’ names to call on them.