This week was pretty much the same as the first week, but I could feel the students becoming more acclimated to my presence and teaching methods. They are more understanding of what the routine is in class and how each day is supposed to work. One of the items that is now becoming a ritual in my classes is bell work. It seemed like everyday last week I had to really pester the students to do the bell work, but this week, on Monday and Tuesday, I only had to mention it a few times to students who were late to class. I realized that collecting the bell work, which I did on Tuesday, and allotting points for the work is crucial to keep the students in check to complete it every day.
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| "So, what did everyone put for question #1 of the bell work?" |
Towards the end of the week, I was able to see some actual lesson comprehension and hands-on activities. On Thursday, while being graced with Ms. Allison Hoover observing me, and taking all of these wonderful pictures, I tried a new strategy with my Horticulture 1 class. This class is very small, only 8 students, and I was not sure how this was going to turn out. I had the class debate about Sexual vs. Asexual Reproduction. To my surprise, the students used iPads very well and debated each other with great facts. I was able to wrap up the debate by revealing that there is not one right way to reproduce plants, with every situation calling for a specific method to create the intended outcome.
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| Discussion was fierce as I mediated the debate. |
I was proud that this technique enriched my lesson and I could try something to create an effective outcome. I was also able to get out into the greenhouse on Friday to discuss plant propagation. This was my first time teaching the material, and managing students outside of our little classroom. To say the least, I was nervous. I had a mix of students and their engagement. Some were very excited, and I had one class that didn't want to go out there at all. I was shocked that they didn't want to participate, so I had to put my foot down and make sure they knew this was worth participating in. After that short little discussion, most of them came around to participate.
The second week, overall, was a good one. I am starting to become more comfortable with my students and the rest of the faculty at Cowanesque Valley High School. Each lesson I teach gives me that much more experience to further my growth as an educator. I am interested to see what the new month of February will hold for me, especially because it is very busy and there are new experiences on the horizon.
I would just like to once again thank Allison Hoover for her contribution of photos. I am considering hiring her full time just to take pictures and market my program!!!!
It was a pleasure to write for you.
