Busy times at Gray Academy

Hey guys,

Back to the grind, and I am finally feeling somewhat challenged. My first practicum was always enjoyable and I didn't really ever have to work at being a teacher...it sort of came naturally.

But now I'm teaching grade 8s chemistry (grade 9 Atoms and Elements Unit) and it's a whole other story! These guys, especially the boys, couldn't stop talking if their lives depended on it. I learned more today about teaching than I learned all last practicum. I discovered that my natural strategy, of starting with information, and then showing them cool things (chosen so that they understand what they are looking at), will not work in junior high. I am resolved, in the future, to always start with a cool chemistry demonstration (I have an idea of what I'm going to do next class) and then providing the explanations and information. Also, I have to implement a classroom management strategy because I am having to repeat myself 5 times to people who did not pay attention the first time. Ultimately though, I would rather hook them on chemistry than have them understand minute technicalities that seemed so important to me before the class, so my expectations have to change to accomodate this.

So I'm not really frustrated by this result; I'm encouraged that things can really improve now that I have a plan to improve them.

Tomorrow I have a double period with them, and I start teaching grade 11 chemistry too (Organic Chemistry Unit), so it's just getting busier for me. I hope everything's going well for everyone else.

Chris

Day 3, block 2.

Hello there,

Just dropping a line to say I'm in math class, kinda bored. Substitute today so it's a work period. I am hoping to get involved in some extra-curricular stuff, I will keep everyone posted. Ice skating in Phys. Ed was fun, we played Green light, Red light, capture the flag, posts, and other fun games on the ice. I like all my students but once again names are tricky.

Hope you are all enjoying your first week back in your schools!!

Adios amigos,

Justin

March 3rd

Here is some final info from chad:

Chad Duffield



Hey cohort reps,

I hope this last week has not been too stressful as we winf down our classes for the year. I can't believe we're almost done!

Just a couple quick notes from today's council meeting:


1)There will be advance voting done on Friday for the UMSU elections. This emas that you can vote before we go away for practicum. The voting poles will be on the first floow of university center by the dental offices. If you need some more direction once in university center, swing by the UMSU office and they'll be happy to point you in the right direction.

2)Graffiti tickets are still available! They're five dollars in advance and seven dollars at the door.
In short, bring a white shirt, get a marker, practice our teaching writing together.
Let's pump this last social up!


That's really about it. If you would like a copy of the minutes I can certainly send you a copy.

Thanks for working so hard right until the end!
All the best in the last practicum block!


-Chad