observation

I had my observation on Monday and I think it might have been my worst behaved class of the year. I was nervous and tried to do a bit too much teaching and the students who were already figity ended up even more boisterous. I didn’t realize it at the time, but I scheduled my observation with one of the most challenging classes in the school. It was a third grade class, and I was asking them to do a few things. The objective was that they log-in to XtraMath, assess/exercise with basic math facts, and then once complete, they were to choose between practicing keyboarding “home keys” or choosing a “Just Right” math game using Everyday Mathematics Online (EDM). I knew going in that the launch should be less than 10 minutes, but between the constant interruptions and too many teaching points, the launch took almost 20 minutes. Way too long, and I know that.

I’m sorry I haven't blogged much recently. As if being a first year teacher is quite challenge enough, my partner and I have been planning a wedding as well which only adds to the time and stress load. As we approach the end of the academic year, I’m in the process of completing some of the contractually agreed tasks associated with the profession. This is also the time of year when teachers find out if they will have a job next year. With the economy in the state it is, there are quite a few teachers in Washington State who won’t have a job next year. First things first though, I have to make it through this year.