Let's see, what am I excited about...
Well, when we entered the class today and I felt immediately welcome. The children greeted us "Good afternoon, Miss Graham" (that will take some getting used to!) and it was exciting to be recognized as a teacher. Also, the students themselves were great! While we were observing today, the comments alone were entertaining. The children shared research articles about insects. One of the articles mentioned that crickets can eat fabrics. The students were commenting left and right, their enthusiasm is contagious! One student commented that maybe this was why there was a hole in her couch. They were so ready to participate that I am excited to do the lessons because I have a feeling they will be extremely receptive and equally as excited for the entire unit.
I'm also excited because of the subject matter that we will be teaching. Sarah Turner and I get to teach the butterfly unit which I think these children will love. They spent their entire science lesson today just talking about different kinds of insects. I think they're going to LOVE this unit!
To keep the excitement train going, I'm also excited about the teacher we get to work with. She was extremely kind to us and to the students. She's also really helpful and seemed very willing to assist us however she could. I won't mind getting feedback from her!
Now, what am I nervous about...
Well, I've never taught a lesson. I'm a newbie. I guess we all have to start somewhere, and I'm glad my first lesson is now, while I'm still learning. But still, there are so many what-ifs.
What if the students misbehave?
What if my lesson goes terribly wrong?
What if the students are simply not interested?
What if I am faced with a question I don't know the answer to?
The list goes on and on. I have mixed feelings about doing my first lesson. Part of me is so nervous I'm borderline dreading it. But, the other part of me is excited to finally do what I've been wanting to do. I honestly feel that I'm going to be very, very nervous the first day. But after that I'll hopefully have gotten the butterflies out of my tummy (pun intended :-] ) and I'll know what to expect next time.
Theres a first time for everything. And who's not nervous in such a situation, am I right?
Katelyn,
ReplyDeleteI also found the second grade students Lindsay and I were introduced to, to be very eager learners and have lots of curiosity. I think they will be a great group of students to teach our first lesson to. I am also excited to be teaching about butterflies. It was one of my favorite units in school, and I think it will be a blast from the past for me, to teach the unit and watch students have the same enjoyable experience I once had.
The What ifs? you brought up are a lot of the same fears I have. To look on the bright side though, even if it is a disaster, it will be an experience we can grow and learn from.
Hi Katelyn,
ReplyDeleteYou definitely captured alot of excitement for this teaching experience! It is very rewarding to see students get excited about learning and it seems like your class is ready to go! You also share alot of realistic 'what-ifs.' I think that these are questions that every teacher asks at some point- and I think that as a teacher it's okay to admit that we don't know everything. I am excited that we all have this opportunity to take together- and I know we'll learn alot from each other's experiences!
Katelyn - I think most of us share your fears. That alone makes me feel better. Misery loves company, anxiety must too! I can't wait to hear how your first lesson goes. I am sure it will be great.
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