Day 1

It was like the first day of school all over again but I soon realised there was nothing to be scared of. First time meeting my class was when I had to pick them up from the playground and take them into the classroom. The little kindies just looked curiously at me, some were brave enough to give me a big smile and wave. That was when my nerves were settled. 

My colleague teacher sure knows how to settle the class efficiently. She would compliment a student for sitting down the quickest or have the best posture. This encouraged other students to do them same because as kids, the crave to please you. She also has a point system, students are grouped according to the table they sit at. She rewards her students individually or sometimes as a group depending on their behaviour. At the end of the week, scores are tallied up to see which group received the most points, and they would get a reward.

It was obvious the teacher had total control over the class. In the event of a child misbehaving, all she needs to do is look at them in the eye and they know they've down wrong.

At one stage I was asked to read the class a story while the teacher set up the painting station. I finished the book before she finished setting up. I had to think on my toes because I still have 18 pairs of eyes on me. So I asked them about the story, what they like the most. I also tried to remember everyone's name so I won't be just pointing. I managed to accomplish that by the end of the day. Let's see if I still remember them next week! One of our readings was on Questioning. It says to always plan what questions are to be asked or else you will be standing on the spot thinking what to say next. The reading exercise I did with the class have made me realised that preparation is crucial. I may be able to wing it with the kindies but when faced with older students with more difficult work, I will need to be more prepared. Element 4.2.2 in the Professional Teaching Standards states that a competent professional Use questions and classroom discussion effectively to probe students’ understanding of the content. I will need to work on my questioning skills in order to achieve this goal.

It was evident in the class that there was a near equal if not equal teacher-student talk time. Maybe it was the activities the kindergarten have to do or maybe it was their age group, direct instruction was not used in the class.

Being in an actual classroom really open your eyes, can't wait til my next prac. I'm sure I'll learn even more as time goes by.