Our First Week! ~ Lauren

Looking back on last week, I really feel like the first week of my lead teach was successful. It was fun being in John's room, an environment I hadn't been in recently, and I think it made the transition into my lead teach more clear and easier for me and the students. The little changes have been fun and it's been interesting to see the different dynamics that are emerging in our community.

I was admittedly nervous about teaching math and science because I had heard that the students were really struggling with some of the concepts they had been covering lately. But, knowing that, I was able to plan to go over things slowly and thoroughly and I'm feeling confident in the student understanding so far. I've learned how much the students are benefiting from going over instructions explicitly too. It has really helped their individual and group work to go more smoothly because they have fewer questions once they have begun. Like Courtney, I'm definitely enjoying how concrete and definite math is. It's cool seeing the students have those "ah-ha" moments when something really clicks for them. It's also been really neat to see their questions and the interest their taking in the body systems in science.

My biggest challenge has been classroom management, specifically relating to chatting and blurting out. I'm working on finding the best method to handle these things. I've tried some positive reinforcement through a "pencil/prize box" for students who are on task and working well together and that has been really motivating to many students. This week I want to work on developing some thing that will help the students to be more self-motivated to control their talking, though.

I know I've said it before, but I just really feel like this lead teach is a new adventure for us. It has been such a neat experience for me and for the students so far and I'm really looking forward to the rest of it!