I have to admit, I am getting really attached to my students/kids. And how can you not be? They’re all so sweet and brilliant and unique and lovable!
Today I read them a story about groundhog day. Which was interesting because I don’t really know anything about groundhogs! But that’s the beauty about being a teacher — sometimes it seems like you’re the student. I asked my students to tell me what THEY knew about groundhogs. Turns out, they knew a LOT about groundhog day. Which was so great! I was really nervous, but I’m glad that it went well. I steered the conversation of the story to a different direction — more about the emotions of how the main character, the groundhog, might have felt scared, worried and brave. I guess all the social and emotional learning I’ve been learning in school is now just second nature to me!
My class really is a great class and I’m constantly reminded how lucky I am to be under the guidance of my SA and how great the students are. Sometimes, I think that because I’ve grown so attached to them — it’s getting a bit harder for me to instill the same classroom management techniques that I had back when I just met them. It’s not that I don’t have any at all — but I do think that I’m becoming a little bit softer and more easy-going with them. It’s something that I’m going to continue to work on.
The class did a LOT of Valentines day stuff today. I took each kid one by one outside to work on their valentines day heart envelope (I made one myself too! hehe) It was a good opportunity for me to sit with the students one by one and talk to them a little bit more. I really enjoyed having that time to get to know every student — Even if it was just 5 minutes-ish per student.
Afterwards, I stayed quite a bit to see the student-led conferences as well as to help my SA do prep work for next week. There’s ALWAYS something to be done in a K/Gr1 classroom — and it’s a lot of work, but I’m so glad that I was able to help get things prepped. I think the students will enjoy all the activities we got prepped for them to do next week!
I’m also really excited to teach my lesson on Chinese New Year next Thursday! My SA is going to observe me, but I’m really excited to share my Chinese culture to my students. It’s going to be really fun 🙂
It is difficult not to get attached to your students and demonstrates a warm and caring heart for teaching. It is OK to soften in your approach to students but also be able to reset boundaries when needed. Teaching is a mix of firm and kind and knowing when both are most needed. It is an ongoing journey for new teachers and the more experience you have, the easier it becomes!