This week I was observed by my FA for the second time. Going into the classroom on Thursday I was very confident in my lesson and was not as nervous as I was the first time I was observed. I even got some extra practice as I did a literacy lesson in the morning, which went great. It was a good work period for my students, they were focused and got through the lesson with little difficulty. I rotated the students every 10-15 mins between stations where they practiced the letter of the week.
I didn’t realize how much pressure being observed actually puts on you until that afternoon lesson. My frustration crept up on me and it became quite clear to my FA and SA during my lesson. I did not realize how frustrated I actually was until after the lesson was over and the students had moved onto activity time. Sitting down with my FA is when it hit me and I became a little emotional. My lesson did not go as expected and I have taken A LOT out of the experience. Reflecting back on it I have made numerous notes on what I could have done differently. One could say that I definitely learned my lesson on what not to do with K’s and grade 1’s. However, I am happy with the results of the lesson. Looking back at my students’ work almost all of them did grasp the concept of taller than, shorter than, or the same as and I am happy with the classroom management techniques I have become better at over the months. All in all I will take this as great learning experience. Even though this lesson did not go as expected I have learned more about my students and myself than I have in past lessons.
All we can ask of ourselves is to reflect on our ideas and actions and change what is needed for future. That is true learning and keeps us motivated to continue to find new ways to work with ourselves and others. It is great that you were able to see the positives in your lesson and that you have new ideas for those coming up!