My first day at IPS was very interesting. Upon meeting the teacher and getting settled into the classroom Kasie and I found out that we would be teaching part of the lesson and every week after would be teaching as well. This was a big shock to us but after the day was over I was very glad that we are going to have plenty of opportunitites to participate.
The kids in our classes were actually better behaved than I thought. There was off subject talking and people blurting things out, however that was expected. The teachers strategy for classroom management seemed to be effective to an extent. He has a very laid back strategy that includes no real due dates (except for the end of the semester), students sit where they want to, and he tries to engage them in a lot of conversation outside content material. Why many of the kids did not act up or cause problems they did not seem to participate effectively that much either. All students get a packet for each unit covered over the year. Every day there is a powerpoint that accompanies the portion of the packet and student work through it with the teacher. When Kasie and I took over and used the smart board to plot a graph on the changing of agriculture and manufacturing jobs between 1830 and 1920 the kids did not misbehave. However, we struggled to find volunteers or provoke a discussion because it seems the students do not engage much in that type of learning.
The last part of each class was spent in the computer lab finishing up paper on certain inventions. Some students worked dilligently, others did a lot of copying from sites, and some did not work on it at all. The teacher seemed not to care because as long as it was turned in before the end of the semester it would be okay. However, most students that do not turn them in this week will never turn them in anyway. I got the chance to walk around the room and ask students what they were doing their invention papers on. It was nice to get to interact with the students.
Also lunch was really good!
I am looking forward to next week but also a little nervous about teaching an entire lesson.
As I said in response to Kasie, you have had quite an experience on your very first day! I love the way you handled everything and kept a professional demeanor and calm to such a daunting task. I think this will serve you well as you move through the semester. Keep your spirits up and I am glad to hear you enjoyed lunch. Greasy pizza and fries?
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