I was lucky to have my second observation by SA take place today. I say lucky because it was a very busy day and an activity with the school farmer took longer than expected and cut into our gym time. I did not panic too much but I did forget to change into my gym shoes before my lesson which my SA noted I should in the future. I taught a lesson on soccer skills and I can proudly say I feel great about how it went. Soccer is one of my favourite sports and a favourite among many students in my class.
This was my first PE lesson and I found that the students are generally very eager to participate. My class management was very strong today. I felt as though because the students had some familiarity with the lesson (such as the relay race) there were no surprises that caught them off guard and also no confusion. Taking some very helpful tips from my last observation from my FA I managed to keep myself calm when things were getting a little out of control. I remembered to breathe and told myself….have fun! This is a fun lesson. My thinking changed the negative attitude that wanted to come out from inside me and I really did end up having fun with my students. Some notes for future PE classes: I would split the class into smaller groups so that everyone in the relay was moving quicker and there was less time spent sitting. I would also not encourage loud cheering, as my SA informed me, because it may give students who have behavioural issues a chance to act out and may initiate inappropriate behaviour.
I throughly enjoyed teaching this lesson and was pleased with the outcome. I had felt a little discouraged after my last observation but this week’s observation has given me back the strength and confidence that was fading a little. I am thankful for the wonderful feedback, support and encouragemnt from my experienced advisors.