September

In September there was SO much going on in the school. Teachers were just getting to know their different learners and trying to build relationships within the classroom. We did a lot of activities around community building. My SA was also trying to lay down the groundwork for classroom management for me so that once I took over the classroom a system would be in place to manage behaviour. Luckily for me, I got to do a lot of observing in September. Each week I gradually taught more and more. I needed to be prepared to teach 80-100% starting October 1st.

I had gone to a training sesson for the MindUp program during my short practicum and received this Mood Meter poster. The idea of the program is to help students develop self awareness and self regulation skills. Each colour of the poster represents a different mood and students were able to move themselves throughout the day to let their peers and I know how they were feeling. This was one way for me to connect with students when I was just getting to know them.

 

 

I also started  "Fact of the Day" to give the students something to think about as they walked in the door.    

 My organized table! Hand In, Take Out, Finished Early stuff to do!












Also, Team Tornado/ Les Tornades had a field trip to the swimming pool in September to give all the students a chance to bond. It was also a great way for me to meet my colleagues and to see how much work is put into field trips (as I was hoping to plan my own later in the term).

Another cool thing I did during this practicum was help to coach the grade 8 girls volleyball team! I wish I took some pictures! They were a great bunch of girls. The main coach was a new teacher and so she was able to give me a lot of insight into the first couple of years of teaching. It was a very fulfilling experience.