It was hard getting back into the routine on Tuesday morning after being off for a few days, but once I got to school and started teaching it felt good. The students also were having difficulty settling back down after being off. By Friday, everyone seemed to be back to normal.
The computer concepts class started presenting their "Going Green at Benton Middle/High School" project and I have been very impressed with what the students have done. They have put quite a lot of effort and time into the project and it shows. This has been a group project and I have learned a great deal on how to manage groups. Managing groups and keeping control of the classroom has been a challenge especially the noise level. This was very evident with the class of 30 students. Giving them the opportunity to work together and the layout of the computer lab made if difficult. The environment that the students have been use to when working in groups has been very different then the way they had to work together in this classroom. When working in groups in their academic classes they have the ability to move their desks and chairs, where in the computer lab this is not possible. The end result has been that all of the students have learned on how to work together and I have learned how to control the noise level.
With each of my classes, I have always greeted the class first thing with either "Good Morning" or "Good Afternoon." The other day just as I was ready to begin the one class there was an announcement made which I had to stop for. After that I started to say something not saying "Good Morning." One of the students raised his hand and I stopped. He proceeded to remark that I had not said "Good Morning." The other students chimed in and wanted to know why I hadn't said it. I apologized and greeted them with two "Good Mornings." This class has rarely made any effort to respond back to me when I have greeted them as the other classes have. I was so surprised that they had noticed. I hadn't realized that a simple jester such as a greeting had made an impression on these students.
What I would change if I had the opportunity to start the week over would be to explain to the students that I realize that the noise level will be different when working in groups. I would have explained that we all need to be aware of it and try to control it.
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Kids definitely notice things that we do. I had a few students keep saying things that I do and some kids even said that in their surveys. As we teach, our students are always aware of our actions. Keep up the great work and you will do great Bettie!
ReplyDeleteYes, kids are very astute to our actions and many times we do not recognize this. When I say "good morning" to my second period class they don't respond. I repeat myself and say it again. I might get one response. Next, I say "good morning" again, and I respond to myself by saying, "good morning Mr. Cardone". This usually provides a good laugh. On one occasion, I forgot to say good morning to this class and one of them interupted me by telling me I forgot to say "good morning". I thought this was unusual because this was the class I can not get a response from. Anyway, do not forget your greetings as I did. The will make it known. See you Monday night.
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice thing for your students to look forward to you greeting them at the beginning of class! That means they recognize and appreciate your concern.
ReplyDeleteI am sure that made you feel so good.