First of all, I just want to say that I am really excited for this section of the course. It actually gives a chance to hone our teaching skills, which is something we haven't had the chance to do much of. I liked the first week when we had to randomly teach a subject that we may not have even ever learned about (tiki gods). The element of surprise is pretty cool.
I was completely ready to destroy this lesson today as I prepared. But as soon as the students were about to come in from the hall, my thoughts became disorganized as if I was doubting what I had already planned. This feeling, combined with the "chatty" and "class-clown" students in my class aided in me forgetting a lot of key points I wanted to make. I was wondering what are the best ways that everyone is able to stay on task and keep their train of thought.
Another thing I didn't do so well on was presenting my expectations and consequences in a visual list form. I tried to keep it simple with my big rule of "No Meanness, All Respect", but I think the list method is a more effective way of getting people to remember rather than just talking through it.
I named my classroom the "Kingdom of Cognition" from the start and deemed the students AND MYSELF as knights, and said that it is both of our duties to uphold these principles. Dave Burgess in "Teach Like A Pirate" said it is important to equate yourself with the students from the start, so I tried to do that. Perhaps the college kids are a little too cool for this idea, but I think that it could spark excitement in the high school kids (Sank was a fan).
All in all, I learned from this lesson. I learned that preparation is so vital to success, and that minor speed bumps may surface throughout your lesson and that you just gotta keep on chugging along. I am excited for next week and appreciate any feedback.
