p.a.i.n.t. intern blogs
I’ve learned that you can’t always be the good guy, there are times where you can’t just let things go. For example, students screaming in the gym space or talking back. I’ve learned ways to deal with problems like that. For example, having a hand gesture that means be quiet. I also learned more about myself and what works best with me in my classroom course wise.
I feel I have grown most at being able to manage the classroom. Being in a gym gives added difficulty to being able to manage behavior but after a routine set in, it became a lot easier. The students knew what we were doing and knew what was expected of them. The gym setting was really nice for what we were doing but it made the students extra antsy. Getting them to quiet down and listen was a struggle in the beginning but throughout the semester it got easier because I learned how to better get their attention and keep it in order to tell them the plan for that day.
When I first started teaching I had no idea what I was doing. No one explained what I could do and couldn't do with the kids. How was i supposed to control them, would they just listen to me as me or would I need to be stern when talking. After a few weeks it definitely get easier, all the questions that I had got answered, in one way or another. Let me tell you, I learned a lot about how I needed to talk to kids, they can be rude, they can trick you or they can get way too close.
I love that the children like the games that we plan and are interested in learning the dances prepared for them. They also are getting a hang out our everyday routine which is super nice. They know to circle up right away and start stretching. I also enjoy that the children always have fun ideas and stories that they want to share. It is also super nice that the supervisors also participate in the games that are planned.
I hope to learn how to successfully help the students have a good time but still have a structured class. I'm also glad that I'm gaining real life experience so early in my college experience to solidify that teaching is what I want to do. I also hope to learn how to get students to behave and listen without having to yell over them.
