A New Perspective

Hi all. 

The title of this post doesn't match up to the content..it's nothing huge or life changing, but nonetheless, a learning experience.

My professor had us write lesson plans and teach them. She told us she was more concerned with our writing of the lesson plan, than how it went. 

Well I thought to myself, how could a planned lesson go wrong if you've thought it through, etc. 

I had to teach fractions. All the students are at different levels so I had to start with the basics, but make sure the students who were at the higher levels weren't bored. 

Anyway, I started teaching and I first thing a child said to me was, "you're going too fast." I started getting anxious and said "thank you for letting me know." 

I used a brownie batch to explain the fractions, but then gave them little "pizzas" to practice. Well, I think that is what caused the confusion. I should have stayed with one shape. 

I also used a trapezoid so that they can represent 3rds in addition to the pizzas. 

 I looked at the classroom teacher halfway through and just wanted to cry! I felt like I was "failing" the kids and I haven't ever experienced this. After several examples the kids got it but I did not get a chance to do what a planned, such as think. pair. share. etc. 

I told the teacher that I did such a horrible job, etc. She didn't think so. I guess I did not look nervous or stressed at all up there-which is good! Her point of view was that: the lesson was clear and concise-I thought the complete opposite, and I did a great job. She told me to stop being so critical of myself. I can't really help that. I have high expectations of myself, for teaching at least. I guess I felt very unorganized during the lesson and the kids had less background knowledge than I thought.

So, this has taught me yes I will have lessons that while I'm teaching, I will want to run and hide from, but standing back up and learning from them is what's going to make you a great teacher. I have been reflecting on it since Monday, and can't seem to "let it go" but I'll only grow from it.

Blessings,

Lesya