Holidays are meant to be a refreshing and relaxing time, preparing for the next term, right?
Well the holidays have ended, where did the days go? I spent the time catching up with my washing, cleaning, ironing, two days preparing my classroom and 3 days planning!
Reflecting on the last term, what have I learnt?
Well, full time teaching is a bit of a culture shock, as university does not prepare you for the daily demands placed upon a teacher. I have learnt that NE are not as independent as older students. They require constant supervision and help. It is also not un-common for a handful of students to be asking to go to the toilet, spell something, find out what to do, have help to get started as well as attention seeking behaviour, and all this at the same time!!!! Such incidents keep you focused and busy but at the same time they exhaust you both physically and mentally.
At home it is often difficult to leave work at work, and the laptop is always out on the dining room table after dinner, that is if I remember to have dinner!
As a perfectionist I can't help but dwell on my days teaching, what went well or didn't go well, did my students benefit. This often results in myself planning for better activities for the benefit of my learners, but often than not it creates doubts in my mind and makes it impossible to relax.
It is often difficult to find that worklife balance at home, not only is there work on your mind but then there is the shopping, dinner, cleaning and of course a social life.
So what can I do to improve this?
Perhaps when the children are asking for spelling of certain words remind them of the strategies they have been taught, sight words, word wall, and ask a friend, remind them it is ok to make mistakes. Regarding the toilet requests I need a new strategy to stop the interruptions. I will have a table on the white board where the children will write their name when they go to the toilet and rub it out when they get back. That way I will know who is out in case of emergencies, only one child will be allowed to go at once. i am also going to have a star helper of the day, this child can give out worksheets, collect in books etc, giving me valuable minutes to be with my students and at the same time it gives the students a sense of responsibility. The most valuable piece of advice I can give to myself is to keep breathing! there are going to be times when things don't work or mistakes are made, so what if chaos reigns once in a while, if it's not dangerous don't stress. It's Ok to take a step back once in a while, I just remember why I do it.
I love love my job, and have to confess I couldn't wait to get back from the holidays (how many people can say that)? I feel like I am doing well, learning fast and becoming aware of what I need to develop my skills further. I feel confident that my teaching practice is developing nicely although I still have a lot to learn. I am raring to go in term 3 and have lots of new ideas and practices that I hope will benefit my learners, set them up for success and make learning fun!