I hope this week has found everyone in good spirits! I am certainly glad that tomorrow is Friday! Yesterday and today were fairly good days at school. In the past two days I have been tested in many ways in my weakest area... discipline. The school I am at is very structured and teacher centered. The teacher usually does all of the discipline where as in some schools in America the classroom teacher does the discipline up until a point at which they might send the child to the principal's office for further reprimanding. I have found that once again the students in my classroom do not see me as an authoritative figure or even their teacher. I understand this is the second week I am in the classroom and teaching, however, I have no doubt underestimated the young minds I have been so carefully observing.
I have sat and reflected on my course of action for the past two days in the classroom while trying to command the students and decided I must use a different approach. My plan is to have a discussion with the regular classroom teacher and find out what my assumed role is in the discipline department. I know what I view as stern and cross my not be the same as my cooperating teacher. In many ways I am glad I have the opportunity to work on my weakness of discipline as an educator, though I may be frustrated at times. I know that this is a necessary component of a successful classroom environment. I want to improve my teaching skills and abilities and have come to Ireland to do just that. I know that by having the children already test the boundaries, I have my work cut out. I am up for the challenge and know that I will only become a stronger individual and better equipped teacher.
As far as my participation in classroom activities I have stepped in to help children with oral reading. It is great that with my help the children are getting a chance to read one on one and are given a chance to work on their reading fluency and comprehension. I have also been given an opportunity to teach art again next week and am looking forward to coming up with a fun spring activity as the teacher has directed. I am confident that as I am given more responsibility in the classroom, my relationship with the children will develop into one of trust and respect. My job now is to show the children my passion for teaching and my love for each and every one of them. I hope everyone has a great weekend and I will write again soon! Slan!
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