Day Three

Another successful day in KH! Today I was in the classroom from 8-12 because I have seminar this afternoon (in about 20 minutes, actually). Today was 100 Day! which means it was the 100th day of school this school year. Our kindergartners had a lot of special events planned - there was a short assembly in the library, and our interim principal dressed up as a superhero (which the kids quickly figured out). I got my first chance at being in front of the whole group when I read a story about the 100th day of school. This was awesome because I got to emulate some of my CT's management strategies but also use some of the ones I am familiar with. The group of kids in this class is so well-behaved and attentive, though, that I worry I won't be prepared enough for my next student teaching assignment in March! I had to talk over maybe one student throughout the 10 minutes I was in front of the class, and it was a problem that was swiftly and easily resolved.

My cooperating teacher continues to show little nuggets of wisdom to me throughout the day. This morning, a girl started crying because the boy next to her was making fun of her skirt. My CT quickly remedied the problem by positively encouraging the girl who was crying, reiterating what kind of behavior is expected in the classroom, and using humor ("Well, if anyone has something bad to say about your skirt, they clearly just don't have any fashion sense.") to correct the situation. She also asked the boy who was exhibiting the negative behavior to apologize, to which she told the girl that she can either accept his apology or not depending on how she felt about it. I thought this was so important. My CT really talks to these kids like they are adults, and I think it's really effective because it helps them learn how to make adult decisions.  

I am feeling more and more confident in front of the group and managing the students as I am there more often. I got the chance to go from table to table and assist students again today, and I even got a few Valentines addressed to me when the students made cut-out hearts with things they loved on them. It was definitely a good day today, and I hope tomorrow - when we return to a more normal routine - goes just as well. I'll be teaching my first small-group lesson...7-10 minutes long, but still, I'll be teaching! :)