Week 2: Faces

One of the things we learn in class and in different classroom management books is that teachers need a 'look.' Not the mom-jeans and denim vest look that so many of our teachers rocked when we were in school, but a 'look.' You know, that seemingly magic ability good teachers have to glance at a student and get them back on task. The 'look' that immediately strikes fear into the heart of the most problematic student.

I've been working on mine. My problem is consistency. I have trouble making my face do the same thing twice. So, frequently, my 'looks' make students giggle rather than cower. Here are a few samples:




Clearly, I need practice.

Interestingly though, I've found myself using facial expressions to communicate more and more often. I have a "confused/scrunched-up" face, a "way-too-impressed by your moderately entertaining story" face, and a "random expression explosion" face I use for no reason at all. I would post pictures of these, but it took me twenty minutes to post the first three. LA-ZY.

Anecdotal Records:

- During class, Student G started singing the lyrics to The Pussycat Dolls' "When I Grow Up" song. I know the lyrics to that song, and it is NOT something a seven year-old should be singing. I stopped her, quickly.

- I still owe Student M $10.

- Maine is not a peninsula. Florida is.

- Some students are just going to fidget and move around all the time. It's who they are. As long as they aren't bothering anyone, let them fidget.

- Indoor recess for two straight weeks is bad for the students and the teachers.

- I'm getting used to eating lunch with teachers.

- I'm learning what does and does not constitute a visit to the nurse.

Nurse Visits

1. "I can't hear out of my left ear."
2. "I stabbed myself with my pencil and can't get the lead out."
3. "I have a weird rash."

Yes, please go to the nurse.

These first two weeks I've been learning a lot. I've only taught two lessons so far, but I quickly realized that classroom management is much easier to talk about than to actually do. Redirecting off-task students without breaking the flow of my lesson is something I'll be working on in the next few weeks.

I have found myself being able to the control the class in the hall and during transitions more easily. So, that's encouraging. I know it's going to take years before I'm able to consider myself a good teacher, but it's nice to know that I can notice a few things that I'm improving at right now.

While typing this entry I was listening to this bangin' new rap album I just downloaded. So, if any of my syntax or grammar is off, blame it on the hip hop.

Keep it real.