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Tuesday was one of my best days EVER - right up there with my wedding day, the birth days of my two children, and my graduation from college ... There was a substitute teacher shortage and I had the chance to teach my class of kindergarteners all by myself for the whole day! It was absolutely amazing!
The kids were awesome. All of my practicing having high expectations over the past few weeks has definitely paid off - they followed directions, they walked quietly in line, they quieted down when I gave the signals. Of course it helps that my cooperating teacher has made it clear that when I am in charge I am the teacher, expecting them to respect me when I teach or give directions.
It was fun to try doing things myself without anyone running interference for me - there was no one to step in to help when it got tough. I had to keep things on track. I had to make sure everyone got along. I had to make sure our learning goals were met.
I really felt, more powerfully than before, that I am responsible for these students. They were in my care and it rested on me to keep them safe, help them treat each other well, and help them learn. This responsibility felt good, and sobering at the same time. This job we are setting out to do - to teach - is one with huge responsibilities and huge rewards. I am so excited to get there!
Hooray!! How awesome!
ReplyDeleteI also felt that feeling of "I am responsible for these students" this past week. I did a little impromptu teaching (all morning) when one of my students had a meltdown and my CT was busy tending to her. We are so lucky to help them learn about treating everyone with kindness and respect so early on! I keep thinking- these kids are going to be set when they get to first grade :) I really saw how important it is for students to feel safe, to be treated kindly and to treat others with respect and care, so that they can learn.
How wonderful that you were there to provide that safety for them at that moment! - I think students want to know that we will keep them safe - even if (maybe especially if) they are the one melting down. I also feel that teaching them how to treat each other is one of the things we must do as teachers - I think of it as part of the job now, rather than something that keeps me from the "real" teaching. Don't you think social skills are part of our real teaching?
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