Week One: Reflection

Well week two has started without me getting a chance to formally reflect on week one, so here goes...

1. Things that went well:
- My introductory letter idea worked really well. I got 60 letters to read on my first night, and it was such an excellent "shortcut" into getting to know the students. I really want to tap into their interests where possible, so knowing what they are was really important to me. Getting a very early glimpse at their writing level was very useful too.

- Relationship building is coming along nicely. I knew I could never adhere to the "don't smile before Easter" rule, and I haven't even tried. Rather, I've been trying to create a connection with as many students as I can, showing interest in them, making small talk where possible, to get to know them and create some rapport. That part is going well.

2. Things that I would do differently next time:
- Seating plan was very unpopular in all three classes. Although it IS a good idea and I need to stick with it, I wonder if I could have softened the blow, perhaps by allowing them to request a table buddy?

- I would have loved to have this first three weeks mapped out in a cohesive unit. The focus at the moment is on building a positive classroom environment, establishing a routine and introducing a couple of scaffolds that are popular at the school. I probably haven't focussed enough on the positive classroom environment side of things - I feel I don't have enough activities in my 'toolbox' for this.

3. Forward focus:
- I have several "big personalities" in one of my classes, who are a real concern for me. Not just that they are a disruption, but that I am SO afraid of not doing for them what I should be aiming to do for all my students: give them a quality education. I really want to work out the 'key' to all of them, but at the same time (and maybe first?) I have to combat their disruptive tendencies.

- As a 'good girl' myself, I have empathy for my 'good kids' - the quiet ones, who try to do their work, but are thwarted by the disrupters. The problem with the nice, quiet kids is that it's dangerously easy not to notice them. I have to consciously work on making sure that EVERY student gets my attention, not just the 'big personalities'.