Grins For My Evaluation Yesterday- Yay! :D
I was evaluated yesterday for the first time in 3 years and, although I worried a bit, I didn't worry near as much as I used to. I used to be evaluated every year - so once every three years makes it harder, I think! The worst thing about it all is that you are given a two week "window" in which you can be observed at any time, so although you know you're doing your job, it makes you a little nervous knowing someone is going to come into your castle and watch you with a check list in his hand. What's he looking for? He wants to know if you have control and rapport with the kids. All administrators at my school know if students like you or not because nowadays the kids go directly to them and tell them so. There are even websites where students can rag about their teachers! Can you believe that? omg! So far I've been lucky because I've had to be real firm with my 3rd period and I'm surprised they don't hate me- dang! Nevertheless - he is looking for signs that you're effective. Bookwork is not the kind of thing your students should be doing. He's looking to see if there is learning going on and more than one engaging activity. I knew I had to keep the kids busy from bell to bell and I knew I had to show my students using technology in the classroom. It didn't take me long to remember QRCodes, so I made stations with tasks and created groups and the kids were amazingly engaged because they got to use their phones. They were absolute angels, but they always are. Thank God it happened 1st period. I am proud to say I received those hard to get "exceeds expectations" - music to my ears and from an administrator I didn't really know well. I am planning to bring donuts to class one morning for 1st period just because. That's not really fair because I won't let my 3rd period eat anything, even a mint! Wow!
As for my challenging 3rd period class, I've made some headway. They're very cute kids but every time I spend a period with them, I find myself having to mentally cool off. (There are good students in there, but they don't demand my attention, bless them.) And any fun activity with the class is like trying to herd cats - lol! BUT, yesterday we had a special moment in time together, one to remember when I feel like assigning them extra work. It started like this ...
I was standing in front of them, doing nothing but guiding them through whatever we were learning - no - actually coaxing them is what I what I was doing as they seemed very reluctant to to learn!!!! I've learned they don't like to do anything on their own. So I'm standing there holding their folder because I cannot trust them with it (heeeee!) and this kid asks me if I would play music for them. I told him I would, but I would get to choose the music and it would be in Spanish, since this was Spanish class. (I have to be very firm and business like in that class *giggle*) He agreed and I grabbed a Spanish CD of Abba singing "Dancing Queen." I didn't think they would recognize it - they were born in the 90's. But they surprised me to almost a faint when I heard those kids singing along, but in English. I stopped the music and told them that I would allow them to sing if they did it in Spanish, and then I handed out lyrics ... I'm so prepared hahahahaah! To my amazement, they all sang along. Then I chimed in, too and it was so much fun!! It was a magical moment which may never happen again.
Hope you're having a great week! Tomorrow is Thursday and I'm so looking forward to the weekend. It's gong to be a great one!
I am so far behind - I am def coming back later to catch up. Now I am about to get ready to leave for work. Love y'all!
Grins For My Evaluation Yesterday- Yay! :D
I was evaluated yesterday for the first time in 3 years and, although I worried a bit, I didn't worry near as much as I used to. I used to be evaluated every year - so once every three years makes it harder, I think! The worst thing about it all is that you are given a two week "window" in which you can be observed at any time, so although you know you're doing your job, it makes you a little nervous knowing someone is going to come into your castle and watch you with a check list in his hand. What's he looking for? He wants to know if you have control and rapport with the kids. All administrators at my school know if students like you or not because nowadays the kids go directly to them and tell them so. There are even websites where students can rag about their teachers! Can you believe that? omg! So far I've been lucky because I've had to be real firm with my 3rd period and I'm surprised they don't hate me- dang! Nevertheless - he is looking for signs that you're effective. Bookwork is not the kind of thing your students should be doing. He's looking to see if there is learning going on and more than one engaging activity. I knew I had to keep the kids busy from bell to bell and I knew I had to show my students using technology in the classroom. It didn't take me long to remember QRCodes, so I made stations with tasks and created groups and the kids were amazingly engaged because they got to use their phones. They were absolute angels, but they always are. Thank God it happened 1st period. I am proud to say I received those hard to get "exceeds expectations" - music to my ears and from an administrator I didn't really know well. I am planning to bring donuts to class one morning for 1st period just because. That's not really fair because I won't let my 3rd period eat anything, even a mint! Wow!
As for my challenging 3rd period class, I've made some headway. They're very cute kids but every time I spend a period with them, I find myself having to mentally cool off. (There are good students in there, but they don't demand my attention, bless them.) And any fun activity with the class is like trying to herd cats - lol! BUT, yesterday we had a special moment in time together, one to remember when I feel like assigning them extra work. It started like this ...
I was standing in front of them, doing nothing but guiding them through whatever we were learning - no - actually coaxing them is what I what I was doing as they seemed very reluctant to to learn!!!! I've learned they don't like to do anything on their own. So I'm standing there holding their folder because I cannot trust them with it (heeeee!) and this kid asks me if I would play music for them. I told him I would, but I would get to choose the music and it would be in Spanish, since this was Spanish class. (I have to be very firm and business like in that class *giggle*) He agreed and I grabbed a Spanish CD of Abba singing "Dancing Queen." I didn't think they would recognize it - they were born in the 90's. But they surprised me to almost a faint when I heard those kids singing along, but in English. I stopped the music and told them that I would allow them to sing if they did it in Spanish, and then I handed out lyrics ... I'm so prepared hahahahaah! To my amazement, they all sang along. Then I chimed in, too and it was so much fun!! It was a magical moment which may never happen again.
Hope you're having a great week! Tomorrow is Thursday and I'm so looking forward to the weekend. It's gong to be a great one!
I am so far behind - I am def coming back later to catch up. Now I am about to get ready to leave for work. Love y'all!