First Observation Day! Success?

Hey All!

So, this week I had my very first observation day for my practicum. I am in a grade 6 classroom, and I am kind of excited for it! I have my ECE already, so I have experience in younger grades. I really wanted to see what it would be like to teach in a junior grade. I could potentially end up teaching grade 6, and I wanted to know what teachers in these grades are doing.

I went to the classroom, and I really didn't know what to expect. I got my placement information less than 24 hours before I was supposed to be there. I really didn't feel like I had enough time to process what I was doing. But I prepared the best I could. Like I said, I really didn't know what to expect. I was totally nervous. I was just hoping that I didn't do something wrong. 

When I got there, I didn't really seem to remember anything but the fact that it was an observation day, and I wasn't really supposed to do anything except sit there, watch what was going on, and take notes. This is pretty much what I did. I felt really bad, but I didn't know what to do. Although, I did feel like I learned a bit. But I know I have a lot of learning left to do. It's all so different being in a grade 6 class. 

I was talking to my associate teacher throughout the day. We were getting to know each other a little bit. Luckily, he didn't seem terrible. He seemed to be pretty supportive, and he wasn't in teachers college 20 years ago, so he is a bit more familiar with what is going on. We also talked about how the day went. I told him that I did not know how I was going to handle my observation day; I am so used to being involved in things that were going on. He told me that I should get up and help out with the kids, he felt bad that I was sitting there just listening.

As much as we both felt it was awkward, I think it was necessary for the first day. I also didn't really have my life together. I think that I have everything under control now, so I am looking forward to going back thins week and setting everything straight with my associate teacher.

When it comes to what I am looking forward to learning, I am definitely looking forward to learning about different behaviour management strategies to use. I don't think that the ones I have used in grade 1 are going to be as effective. I am also looking forward to seeing how my associate teacher assesses his students. He said he doesn't really like to test, so I am interested to see how he accomplishes that!

I know I haven't talked too much about what was going on. I almost feel like I was really vague. But I still feel like all of what went on is swirling in my head. Next week I will for sure write more detail.

- Elizabeth