It has been a few years since I've observed classes. Sure I've sat through one or two classes of my colleagues, when my group was with another teacher. But observing in the role of “student” again is something I haven't done for a while. And it's funny, because although I have experience in teaching and I can now discuss topics with my pears on a more balanced way, then I could during my practice, I can't help but feel like I am back to university times.
I am loving the experience so much. Specially when, at the end of class, I am asked for my opinion. The teacher I am observing now is a very good one, she is deeply committed to her students and she uses some of the same methods I use in my classes. Just in a few days, I already got plenty of different ideas of activities I can do with my students.
Being this a poorer community than the one I have worked with for the past two years, it is very interesting to see the similarities and differences between these kids and the ones I taught.
It is also interesting – although in a sad way – to see how little these children have. How little the school has. And still, everyday, they manage to come to school with a smile and they work through the tough times. Some of these kids don't even have breakfast in the morning because the parents are already out, looking for a job. Some of these kids take care of themselves, to get to school on time. And I haven't yet heard one of them say they forgot their material (something I have heard countless times in the other schools where I've worked!)
Today they offered me flowers, as part of a song they are leaning.
This has been a really humbling experience, not to mention a very good start of this entire project. I am learning what to look at, what I should write down, what it's not so important to register... All these things, I will be learning about them as I go along. I'm sure I will never get it perfect, but I don't mind with imperfection. It's only by failing that we learn to improve, and I am ready to learn with each step I take.
I am so so thankful to all the teachers that have already agreed to have me in their classrooms! Life is good:)
I am loving the experience so much. Specially when, at the end of class, I am asked for my opinion. The teacher I am observing now is a very good one, she is deeply committed to her students and she uses some of the same methods I use in my classes. Just in a few days, I already got plenty of different ideas of activities I can do with my students.
Being this a poorer community than the one I have worked with for the past two years, it is very interesting to see the similarities and differences between these kids and the ones I taught.
It is also interesting – although in a sad way – to see how little these children have. How little the school has. And still, everyday, they manage to come to school with a smile and they work through the tough times. Some of these kids don't even have breakfast in the morning because the parents are already out, looking for a job. Some of these kids take care of themselves, to get to school on time. And I haven't yet heard one of them say they forgot their material (something I have heard countless times in the other schools where I've worked!)
Today they offered me flowers, as part of a song they are leaning.
This has been a really humbling experience, not to mention a very good start of this entire project. I am learning what to look at, what I should write down, what it's not so important to register... All these things, I will be learning about them as I go along. I'm sure I will never get it perfect, but I don't mind with imperfection. It's only by failing that we learn to improve, and I am ready to learn with each step I take.
I am so so thankful to all the teachers that have already agreed to have me in their classrooms! Life is good:)