Today was the end of the second week! Today I gave the students a test – math unit test – for the first time. It was an interesting experience. The students usually do have questions during the test and so as a teacher, I need to control my responses during test time. First of all, my responses need to be limited in the sense that I cannot give away the answer. As hard as it might be, sometimes you just have to say “that is all I can tell you right now because this is a test.” Then, to be fair, my responses need to be the same for everyone. So, if I tell one student something, I might need to tell the rest of the class as well – otherwise one student may end up being at an advantage. For example, when I pointed out one part of a question – putting answers into lowest terms – I had to remind the rest of the class as well. Giving a test may look like an easy task on the part of the teacher; however, it really is not. You don’t just get to sit back and relax. Instead, you have to be quite alert yourself for the things I just discussed above and also monitoring student behavior during the test. For example, sometimes students forget that they cannot be speaking and then accommodating the early finishers. It is really important to have something in mind for these students to be working on such that they are not a distraction for those who are still working. I had students work on unfinished socials work.

In the afternoon, we went on a field trip to Fraser Height Secondary – the high school almost all students will be moving on to. It was a good first field trip for me because it was short and simple. However, I still got to experience a place of learning with my students outside of our usual classroom. The students participated in some different science labs led by grade eight students. I found the students’ behavior there pretty interesting. First of all, they were behaving so well – I was so proud! But what really caught my attention was the slight change in the students’ behavior and demeanor. There was a sense of hesitancy and alertness in the students. I think this is because they felt a little out of place as newcomers. Also, they were the youngest students there and going from elementary school – where they are the eldest – this is quite a change. This just touches into the topic of transition that the students will experience. And, my role or my s.a.’s role in making this transition as smooth as possible for the students is very important. When I teach and also when my s.a. teaches, we both make a point of relating what the students are doing presently to their switch over to high school. Whether that be related to their academic performance – like homework – or something like relationship skills. We have a tour of the school coming up and I think this kind of exposure to the school will also help the students develop a higher level of comfort with this big change.

Next week is our first full week and we are getting closer and closer to our midpoint. I cannot wait till I reach my 100% teaching load!