Hello fellow cooperating teachers!
Today was another full day of reviewing school rules, practicing hand writing, and a bit of math. Because of the construction there are no art or music rooms, which means means today art was in our room, which meant we couldn't utilize the space for prep. We are working to find a good place to hide and be productive. Otherwise the day ran very smoothly!
At the end of the day during a meeting on the floor a girl attempted to crawl past my chair to get closer to the other girls. When I told her to sit where she was she became upset. I pulled her aside to talk to her and when I asked what's up she responded with "you're a jerk" at that point I told her that it was not appropriate to speak to me that way, restated that when we are on the floor we need to stay in one seat, and sent her back to her spot. When we walked out to the bus Ms. Peretone outraged me to follow her to her dad and speak to him. I did, and it was a great small way to practice talking to parents about a conflict that was easily addressed.
In all it was a great day and I'm ready to rest up and have another great day tomorrow!
Finding that place to "hide and be productive" is essential--I hope you locate one soon :-)
ReplyDeleteIt's funny that you mentioned handwriting because a colleague asked me just yesterday if schools teach handwriting any more. Sounds like LHLS does! I wonder what you think about that use of time. How do kids like it? We can save this topic for a later conversation, but I'm curious to know your opinion.
Your story about the student with whom you had to do some re-directing was apropos for the today's reflective prompt about interacting. It sounds like you knew exactly how to respond to the inappropriate comment; I'm sure your confidence here in firmly sticking to the class rules (and explaining why the rule exists in the first place) helped the student see that you're in charge. And the fact that you had an opportunity to follow up quickly with the student's dad was a good opportunity, as you noted, to get more experience connecting with parents and closing the loop on the day's "event". Your response to this situation reflects the background you bring to the classroom from fieldwork experience and teaching swimming. Isn't it great to see that ll come together?