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Week 1: January 26th to 30th
Samantha, I love reading your blog. Thank you for sharing so well your experience!
I also survived to my first week. In fact, it was not so hard. I have two wonderful cooperating teachers and they share everything that can be helpful for me. For example, when Ms Smith (this is the name I chose to name one of my cooperating teacher) had a mail from an unhappy parent she showed it to me and explained me how she will handle this case. Also, when she received a mail from the principal, she let me read it.
With Ms Thomson (my second cooperating teacher), I started to teach the first day. She has 4 levels in her class. Seven kids are in level 3 AP, six in level 4 AP, two in level 5 AP, and 1 in level 6 that means French Literature. I started to work with the level 4, and 5 Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. On Friday, Ms Thomson was absent, and I shared the group with a substitute. I taught to the level 3, while she was working with the level 4.
With Ms Smith I teach to the level 1. The two first days I observed her, and the three following days I started to teach. Before the class, she checks my lesson plan and gives me good advises. Then, after the period, we talk about my lesson. It is very helpful.
I learned that teachers are always thinking ahead. The key is to anticipate. I also learned how helpful it is to have procedures for everything. For instance, with the amount of paper a teacher can have, it is important to keep track of them to avoid any loss.
The students seem very happy to have a native speaker. They laugh with my accent, but I know there is nothing bad with that. The 90 minutes are just flying and each time I am surprise when the bell rings… I hope that will always be like this!
Anyways, I still feel like I have a lot to learn. Each day is different, and I think that a teacher always has to be ready.
Hello Brigitte! It sounds like you’re off to a good start and you’re learning lots. Yes, teachers do have to plan ahead and anticipate problems. I have found that teachers have to multi-task when they’re teaching. They are thinking about the here and now, and they are thinking about things that are coming up. It’s no wonder that teachers are tired!
You will get better at planning ahead. I found that it’s wise to plan for the next day’s lesson, to plan two days ahead, and to plan a week ahead. By doing so, I’m able to be more successful as a teacher. When I taught at B Middle School, something would inevitably go wrong, such as the duplicating machine not working. These things didn’t bother me because I had planned ahead and had some flexibility.
Writing things down and keeping lists help too.
NB
Hello everyone,
This second week passed very fast. I feel like I am still running after the train but I am almost in. My memorable experience was on Thursday when my cooperating teacher told me, 5 minutes before the class starts, that I had big stains on the back of my pant. It was too late to do anything so I decided to explain to the class that I knew my pant had some stains, and that they could ignore this by not looking at them. They smiled and it was over. When I will have my class, I probably will keep a pant in one of my drawers just in case…
On Thursday and Friday I graded the orals for French 3. It was not easy because I had a hard time to know if I was fair with each of my students. It is not like grading a quiz.
My two cooperating teachers are explaining me how to prepare in advance the lesson, and the different activities we can use to engage the students. I learned to write down everything I want to do, or have to do. This way I don’t forget the copies I have to make, the website I have to update or the grades I have to enter.
Well, I washed my pant this weekend, I now I am ready for week 3!
Hello everyone,
This week, my memorable experience happened on Tuesday. Two new students arrived, two brothers, and one of them, the oldest, was really upset to be in our school. He didn’t want to work and was very unpleasant. As he didn’t accept to stop texting on his phone, the counselor came to speak to him. Then, the class was unusually excited. My cooperating teacher had left and I had a hard time controlling them. On Thursday, at the beginning of the class, I reminded them the rules in this class. They listened, the new student behaved, it was a lot better.
This week, I talked with my cooperating teacher about the arrangements I have to do for some students. She explained me that she always let them retake their test or quiz. One of them needs time to write. Also, as the exercise was on the definite and indefinite articles, I proposed him to write only the article followed by the name, not the full sentence. My cooperating teacher gave me another option, asking him to write only the even numbers preceding each sentence.
Hello Brigitte! Your story about the pants reminds me of a time when I spilled coffee on the front of my clothes before a lesson. I was student teaching at the time and usually drank coffee in the morning to wake myself up. One day I spilled a whole cup on the front. And like you, I didn’t have time to change clothes. I will never forget what my cooperating teacher said. She exclaimed, “The show must go on.” I learned an important lesson that day. It’s all about the students. It’s not about me. NB
Brigitte, it’s good that you’re learning to differentiate your instruction for various students. Be sure to ask the teacher why she does this? Do these particular students receive special education modifications? NB
Week 4: February 16, 2009 – February 20, 2009
Hello everyone,
On Monday, I participated for the first time to a Staff Development. I didn’t know what to expect at all. I only knew that I will be working with my second cooperating teacher in the afternoon. In the morning, I met all the teachers at the theater room where the principal presented the 2009 Test Administrator Training. I found out that it was not so obvious to supervise those tests, and I will have to think about a certain amount of procedures like inspecting the answer document, not answering to any questions, or immediately after each session, returning the test materials to the campus coordinator. But above all, I learned how it is important to actively monitor students during testing. This week I talked with my two cooperating teachers about classroom management. They both explained me the procedure. First, I should warn the student, then I call the parents, at last I can give a referral. Then, if I call the parents, they explained me to start with positive feedbacks before explaining what is bothering me. I probably will have to call one parent soon…
On Tuesday, I rearranged the seating chart for one of my class because I have now four new students in it and I think it is good to mix them. I put the new chart on the board and gave them 2 minutes to find their seats. To my big surprise they were very excited, and happy. One of them insisted to be in the back but when I explained him that as everybody wanted to be in the back I could not make any exception. He nodded, and sat at his new desk. Finally it was easier than what I thought. I still have to make some arrangements, but I tried to put on the front row the students that need special needs, and those who move a lot in the classroom.
I hope you all had a great week as well,
Brigitte
Very interesting comments, Brigitte. I’m glad that you visited with your teachers about some consequences. Did you learn about the Hierarchy of Consequences in your classroom management class? Basically, you administer the consequence to match the misbehavior. You start small by standing next to the student or calling out their name. Then, you move them to another seat or outside the class. Then, you assign detention or phone home. Finally, you send them to the office. The principal won’t deal with the issue unless you have taken all these intermediary steps.
What do you think about the exam? Were you surprised with all the rules and regulations? It’s amazing that each step has to be followed so closely. But, so many people have “cheated” in the past that the schools have to follow these procedures.
Keep up the good work. I can tell that you’re learning lots. NB
Hello Nathan,
Yes, my two cooperating teachers explained me how to proceed.
I am not so surprised about all those rules. This week, a student was cheating for the second time in my classroom. He assured me he was not cheating. I didn’t have any prove but I talked with my cooperating teacher who told me, two days after, that she heard he had cheated in other classes also. She was mad at him but I was not. I thought he was very desperate, and under pressure to do this. I talk to him, and tried to give him more confidence. He is a bright student who doesn’t need to cheat. I hope he will relax, and will enjoy learning…
This week I substituted for my second cooperating teacher, as my first cooperating teacher was substituting for me. Then, I pretend she didn’t know my classes, and prepared a very detailed lesson plan. It was another experience.
I feel a lot better, and things are going along well now. I know very well my subject, and can focus on the management of the class.
Week 5: March 02, 2009 – March 06, 2009
Hello everyone,
I am learning something new each week, but this time we may have to add a new chapter in the classroom’s management on how students can care about their teachers. This Friday, a student came to me, and on her face I could see how concerned she was. She wanted to talk to my CT as soon as possible, privately. I didn’t notice when she left the class to meet my CT in the hallway with another classmate, but at the end of the period my CT explained me how those two girls where worried about me. They were not happy because two students were making fun of my accent, and were disrespectful. It really surprised me. I will have to reassure them that I had noticed that but probably after a while they will be used to this accent, and will stop laughing. Anyway, I think this is very nice of them…
This week I had to answer some questions about a student who is a special aid student. Soon, there will be an A.R.D meeting, and his inclusion teacher wanted to know how he was doing in class, his behavior, and which modification he needs to perform better.
I am impressed by the good communication between the different teachers concerning the students. They don’t hesitate to visit another colleague in his or her classroom, to e-mail, or to call. I like that a lot.
Have a great week,
Brigitte
Brigitte, wow! This shows that you have built good rapport with you students. When the students stand up for you, a connection has been made. I’m sorry, though, about the students talking about your accept. I think your French accent is really chic. We Americans (or Southerners) don’t sound that way! (smile). Your students are very fortunate to have a native speaker of the language teaching the class!
Yes, teachers have to communicate with each other about special education students. If you get a chance, attend an ARD (Admission Review and Dismissal) meeting. I would attend the meeting with your cooperating teacher so that she can field any questions for you about students. It’s always an eye-opening experience to see the special education process.
Keep up the good work! NB
Nathan,
Thank you for your comments. As a matter of fact, I love the Texan accent! It is the one I prefer in the United States, and maybe, one day, I will have it like two of my children…
I will talk to my CT about this meeting, and will let you know.
Have a great week,
Brigitte
Week 6: March 09, 2009 – March 13, 2009
Hello everyone,
This week I worked on a project I wanted to present to two of my classes before Spring break. Each of my two CT explained me what they use to do, and helped me to present it. As a foreign teacher I think this is very excited, and important to talk about the culture and the country of the language we teach. As these students are in French 1, one of my CT recommended me to ask them to realize their presentation in English. I proposed them to choose one French monument between 12. They will locate it on the map and will draw it on a paper. I also asked them to answer to 6 questions, and to write 5 questions quiz for the class. They formed groups of 2 or 3, and will have 3 to 5 minutes to present their work.
This week I noticed how a positive attitude could have an impact on the students. This is amazing to see how the relationships can become more consensual.
During Spring break I am going to watch ‘The Class’. This is a French movie on a class near Paris. The real title is ‘ Entre les murs’ that means ‘Between the walls’. I do not like the translation they gave to the English title. ‘Between the walls’ would be a lot more interesting title. Anyway, this film had the ‘Palme d’Or’ in France, and can show you an aspect of the French classroom management!
Have a great Spring break,
Brigitte
Hi Brigitte! Happy Spring Break!
I’m glad that you’re teaching culture to your students. I know your students will benefit from learing about the French culture directly from a native. Lucky students!
When we teach culture, according to the foreign language standards, we should focus on three areas: products (the items produced by the culture, such as art, music, food, buildings, etc), practices (the way the people behave, customs, etc) and the perspectives (the reasons why the culture does what it does. Most foreign language teachers are good at teaching the products and practices. These aspects of culture are easy to learning. However, the perspectives is very difficult for a non-native speaker to teach. So, Brigitte, you are very fortunate. You know why French do what they do. And you now see why your students will benefit greatly. NB
Thank you Nathan, I hope they will enjoy this project. I proposed them a panel of very different monuments like archeological celtic sites from 8700 before Christ, Roman sites, a gothic cathedrale, Castles from the Middle age, Fortresses, monuments from the revolution, and more recent monuments like the Eiffel Tower. This way, they will learn a little bit about the French history.
Brigitte
Week 7: March 23, 2009 – March 27, 2009
Hello everyone,
After a nice and restful Spring Break I started week 7 reenergized. It also helped me to realize how I grew up as a teacher. Now I know my students, and right away, at the beginning of the class I can tell who is not there. I feel a lot stronger and clear when I give directions to them, and at the same time I gained a lot of respect from the class. Last Thursday my CT observed me teaching the hardest class I have. She was surprised to see how all the students were listening and quiet as I was talking. Thank you Nathan for your strategy regarding the talkative classes. I’m not yet exactly where I should be with them but our relationship improved a lot.
It was a great week!
Brigitte
Hi Brigitte! Which strategy did you use to get the student to be quiet? Did you put the check on the agenda?
It sounds like you’ve “hit your stride” in terms of teaching. You’re gaining experience and confidence with each passing week. What’s nice to see is that you’re thinking about your teaching and being more deliberate in your actions. YOU are now in control, not the situation. Hurray!
How did you do in the difficult class that your cooperating teacher observed? Be sure to include these memories in your blog. NB
Week 8: March 30, 2009 – April 3rd, 2009
Hello everyone,
In order to have a quieter classroom, I talked to my students. I explained them I will allow them some moments to talk during the period, but when my little bell rings they have to listen. They seemed very satisfied with this. However, I think I will add the checking on the agenda. It will be easier for them, and for me to know when they really can talk. I noticed that the visual helps a lot the students.
This week I learned something very important. As a student teacher, I think we always want to do everything ourselves, and we can feel quickly overwhelmed. We have to learn how to delegate some of our tasks to the students. I found out that they are very happy to help. If someone doesn’t want, that’s OK, I just ask to someone else.
I think that being more confident helped me a lot with my difficult class. I understood that I don’t have necessarily to please them, but I really have to teach them French. Also, tomorrow, I ‘m having a conference with the mother of one of my difficult students. I will tell you next week how it was.
Happy Easter,
Brigitte
Hello Brigitte! It sounds like you’re adding new techniques and approaches to your teaching every day. I’m glad that they’re working.
I agree that we need to make our intentions explicit to the students because they can’t read our minds. I like the idea of a bell, check mark on the agenda, or another signal to let the students know that they can talk. The check marks worked best for me. Let me know how it works.
Yes, delegating tasks is also good. I’ve seen teachers who give a task to each student. Some pass out papers, others collect them, others distribute books, etc. I’ve also seen teachers have a “helper of the week.” This person does all the tasks for a week. Another student will have the tasks the next. This idea seems more manageable.
Keep up the good work! NB
Hello,
On Monday I had the conference with the parents of one of my students who is not behaving well in class. He came with his mom and his dad. My CT was there. She let me talk first and then she explained her point of view. The parents were very supportive, and I hope the class will be easier to manage for the rest of the year.
With French 3, teaching is a lot easier. I think it is due to their age (most of them are older than in French 1), and their motivation is different. They really enjoy learning this language. However, in one of those two classes, one student, who is senior, seemed very bored and used to disturb the class. As they are only 8, I could give her more attention, and now she is doing a lot better. Also, as she has a hard time to concentrate, I give to the class 1 to 2 minutes to chat together after a quiz or a test. They thanked me for my support.
Also, this week I took some time with the two students who are in level 5. They have their AP test at the end of this month, and still have to work more on their oral that will be timed.
This week I learned something very important from my CT. She reported me that one of my students complained because he wanted to complete his late homework, and he was not able to understand what he had to do by looking at the his grades’ references. I was upset about this, but she explained me how we had to help students everywhere we could. The teacher has to make the effort, not the student. I think she is right.
Have a great week,
Brigitte
Hello,
This week I suddenly realized I was less tired than before after teaching to my difficult class. Before, I was not only tired but also down. I was living this situation like a confrontation. This is no more the case. I don’t feel bad anymore, and try to stay assertive by assessing them constantly, and installing my authority calmly. I think this is important to take this distance if I want to stay a good teacher, and this may be the same challenge when you are a surgeon or a fireman…
Nathan, I kept thinking about your question concerning the relationship that teachers can built with their students. I told you that I use to speak a lot with them, but also I would like to add that I don’t judge them. They are all different, and I don’t have my ‘preferred students’. Also, I don’t have ‘good students’ and ‘bad students’. I have 14 years old students with different motivation, and my role is to encourage, and stimulate them in their choices. That is why I try to propose them as much activities as I can. Also, yesterday I received an e-mail from one of my student who is around 61 years old. Since one year he comes from San Marcos to Austin each Monday evening to follow my French course in the North. I told him that he could go to Texas State where the teachers are great, but he kept coming. In this e-mail he explained me that he could not follow the next session and added ‘Being in your class has been a genuine pleasure; not only are you a great teacher and a lot of fun, but I also feel that I have made a good friend’.
Voilà, I think that at any age the fun is important to create good relationships!
Well, Samantha, I feel like you. It will be hard to say good-by to my students. Also, I will miss so much my too CTs. I’m already thinking that I will stop by from time to time to say them hello.
Have a great week,
Brigitte
Hello,
This week I went to the lab with my students in French 3 AP. They had a project to complete on Power-Point. This is the second project I give them, and I think that each time they learn a lot. Also, it changes the relationship between themselves, and between them and the teacher. I feel like I am more sharing information than giving them. The students are really engaged, and ask questions related to the culture and the language. Also, it helps me to know them better. For example, I learned that one of my students was born near Paris, and her parents can speak very well French. It was important for me to know that because she is not at all interested with French in class, and I am surprise to see her so unmotivated.
As a foreign teacher I think it is important to give different projects to the students. With this one, they had to pretend they where going to France for 4 days with a budget of 1,800 Euros. They had to choose a French town, to give 3 choices of hotels, and what they could do in this town. Most of them didn’t spend more than half of their money and I was very proud of them because life is very expensive in France. This assessment was really related to a real life experience in which they could project themselves. They liked it a lot but found it very challenging.
This week is the last week, so have a great one.
Brigitte
Wonderful comments, Brigitte. Yes, I agree that teachers can learn lots through projects. It’s always fun to see their creative sides. What’s nice about being a foreign language teacher is that our curriculum naturally helps us to get to know our students. For example, we always teach about family and free time. These topics allow us as teachers to get to know the students and their families. Since you’re going to be a French teacher, you will probably work with students for many years. You will find that over time you get to know your students too well (grin). I remember with my upper division Russian students. I knew everything about them because they had been my students for 4 and 5 years. Teaching those classes is fun because the students really are like family. Good job this semester. NB