Week 9 is down and we are officially in the double digits for student teaching! This week was one of my fastest weeks of student teaching! I enjoy my time in the classroom, and I've learned how to organize my priorities and responsibilities outside of the classroom. One thing that I've really come to feel the effect of is how much thinking you have to do throughout the day. Since teaching six classes, I've had to prepare for all of them in a short amount of time, with most of my time over the past few weeks spent teaching than not. When I teach wildlife, I have to think ahead to animal science, and when I'm having lunch, I'm eating quickly to prepare for food science. Keeping track of things can seem like a lot to handle when you are "in the trenches" so to speak. You have much less time to plan, but even so, planning becomes much more important in those times.
I've been keeping a journal with a calendar to write down important information throughout my student teaching. I've been finding that having a central location for important reminders, and ones that are hand written, are better retained. Some days it can feel like a lot to keep track of, but just like exercise can be tiring while keeping your body stronger, taking on more responsibility keeps your ability to plan stronger.
This week we attended Representative Mark Keller's Annual Breakfast with our students. I had to plan for an actual substitute, which is much different than having an experienced ag teacher take over for you. As stressful as it may seem at time to get yourself out of the classroom, its always a treat to watch your students grown and succeed in the world beyond their desks. My goal for the coming week is to have a more regimented after school schedule. As I explore what organization and scheduling works for me, I enjoy tips and tricks from more seasoned teachers. What are your best organization methods? How do other ag teachers prepare for long trips, like SLLC or ACES? How long did it take you to balance thinking ahead with being in the moment each class?
Oh my gosh! I can't believe I MISSED a blog post!
ReplyDeleteI don't mean to call you out publicly, and don't want to diminish the work of teaching, but I've generally disliked the phrase "in-the-trenches." Teaching is tough, but it's no war zone. Maybe a circus? ;-)
Anyway: Organization.
Rule 1: As little paper as possible. Paper = stuff to lose. If you can have it handed in online, it's so much easier to see when stuff comes in and keep it in one place. It also keeps your room cleaner. Downside: internet access can be a challenge, especially for our rural or low SES students.
Rule 2: The same spot every time. I had bins in my room, so students knew that was where they got extra copies and where work was returned. This streamlined by work-return process and gave shy students an easy approach to getting their missing work.
Rule 3: LABEL EVERYTHING. If you bring it from home, label it as your and let NO ONE else touch it. If it belongs in your classroom, label it. If it belongs in a drawer or bin, label the drawer or bin. Make it as accessible as possible for students to get things put away.
Being in the moment. Lists, lists, lists. List like crazy. If you think of something during class, write it down so it can leave your mind and you can return to what you're doing. Full disclosure: I rely on lists to a fault. I can't remember anything for myself anymore, and if it's not on my list, it doesn't happen. I think you'll find that the more you're in the moment, the more prepared you can be for that moment rather than worrying about the next one. Don't worry if this doesn't come by the end of student teaching. It takes a few years of confidence building to get to the point that you feel ok with letting that anxiety go.
I can send some additional stuff for long trips, if you want, but in general, I'd encourage you to think like a parent. What would you want to know if your kid was going somewhere with someone you've only met once or twice?
Sorry for the late reply! Great post!!