Well, what can I say? I expected things to be bad, but I had no idea. The first day of teaching went well. All I have to say is that I am glad next Monday is a bank holiday and I only have to teach one day a week!
The current music teacher does well, but the kids are just incredible. They talk constantly throughout the lesson. Some shout at other kids, some get up and walk around. They are in their own world. Unbelievable is all I have to say. This is beyond a challenge, it is just keeping my head above water that is the goal. Only one class is REALLY bad. The others are just loud with constant chit chat going on. The goal seems to be to keep talking and moving on with the lesson and engage those who happen to be listening.
Maybe things will go better the next time. I will be researching classroom management on UK sites for the next two weeks to see what I can come up with. I'd appreciate your prayers on Mondays!
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Rhea,
I am glad you found our blog. Hopefully we will post more regularly from now on! I have been reading your blog and have really enjoyed seeing the pictures of the landscape; makes me "homesick" for Europe! I am so glad you are enjoying yourselves. The kids seem to be doing great also, and I am very happy to hear that Matthew is doing so well in French. He was a great student!
As for your first day teaching, I very much sympathize with you. If school discipline in the UK is anything like Germany, you have your work cut out for you. The number one discipline tool I use in my classroom is to keep the students working. If they are busy and occupied for the entire time they are in my class, they don't even have time to think about misbehaving. It has worked great so far. Also, I always start out being the "mean" teacher when I get new students. Once they realize that you don't put up with bad behavior, they will respect you, allowing you to loosen up a little. But I think this is easier done in the US; here teachers still seem to be regarded as an authority figure, whereas the tendency toward anti-authoritarian child rearing methods in Europe really works against the authority of the teacher.
I will be praying for you and hope you will have a better experience next time; teaching can be such a rewarding and fulfilling occupation!
Take care,
Barbara
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