As week 4 comes to a close, I am feeling deprived of teaching time and my lessons are getting pushed back. So far, I think we have had a total of 6 snow days and 4 two hour delays.
It was a good Monday-Wednesday though. My environmental science class is working on trout in the classroom, and we finally got to dissect trout. This is my hardest class in terms of classroom management, so it was nice that the class ran smoothly especially the fact we had a guest speaker. His name was Dave, and he is the President of Adams County Trout Unlimited. He donated 11 fish -- 2 per group and it even left one extra for me to do. It was a good day.
In ag science, we took our first test. It really frustrates me when I give the students little hints on how to remember stuff. For example, I did a demonstration where I brought in a duffle bag and wrote on it "THIS DUFFLE BAG IS A CHROMOSOME". Then I had a student come up and discover what the bag represented as the class watched. Then I was like what do you guys think is in the bag? He then opened it up and there were blue jeans in it -- like "genes". So genes are what make up chromosomes. Then I put a piece of paper in the pocket with DNA drawn on it. I told him to look in the pocket. So DNA makes up genes.
When test time came, only a few people got the question "Differentiate chromosomes, genes, and DNA". Even the kid who did the demonstration missed it and it was something I touched on almost every day. It does, however, make you feel good when kids get 100% on the test. There are a few girls in the class who just love to learn, and one guy that is just really smart.
Next week, I am picking up my meats class finally!! I am excited for this class, just hoping I can make it as interesting as I want to. Meat is expensive!
Let's just hope this week is a full week!
Tyler, keep incorporating your creative genius into your lessons. It takes some time for students to adjust to a different teaching style. As you progress through the semester you will see students becoming familiar with your style and develop an understanding of how and why you teach the way you do. It always seems that teachers have at least one class that challenges them in classroom management. Don't forget to "rule a tight ship" and "stick to your guns." Make sure you refer to your posters and reinforce your rules. It's always easier to ease up on a class, but its hard to get more strict with a class after you have started out laid back. Keep your chin up and continue to work hard! Preparation is half the battle, so continue to stay ahead with planning thorough lessons and being 150% prepared. You'll see a big difference in students behavior if you keep them engaged and focused on your awesome prepared lesson!
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