1) Grades 1 students are adorable, but they cry a lot. Fairness is also a big issue for them. They notice everything. I like singing with them. I am currently learning the song "Inch Worm" on piano so that I can teach it to them this week.
2) It is very difficult to control the grade 5s. In my last class with these students, they found out that "Miss Thomas means business". I punished two boys by sending them to two different corners of the classroom (I've never sent a child to a "corner" before, this was a first for Miss Thomas - Mr. Latter would have preferred I sent them out into the hallways, but I wanted them to be able to see/hear the lesson). After I did this, the class was much easier to control. I had long talks with both boys and I hope to see progress in their behaviour. We shall see.
3) Grade 6 dance is coming along quite well - I am doing the Hieroglyphics Dance unit with them - the intention is is that this will create a polished dance piece for the Drama Showcase in April. My fingers are crossed.
4) Grade 7s ... What to say about them? Some of the most intimidating moments of my entire teaching life have taken place with these students - luckily this happened during my step days (Mr. Latter had me teach close to 100% during my step days at Runnymede). However, I get the impression that they do like me and respect me. I can get their attention and they create good work in my classes. The problem is they never stop talking, they give me silence when I wait for it, but sometimes it takes a long time. I think this just seems to be the way that Grade 7s are, especially if there are 35 of them and they are sitting on "risers" in a drama classroom.
8) Serge has suggested that I try a new method for classroom management with my grade 7 and 8 drama classes: He's suggested something called "pods". I will try this next week. I will take pictures and report back on this blog with progress.
No comments:
Post a Comment