TQS Reflection 1

Shae-Lynn Dauncey

Jumping into an established routine and schedule can be tricky, so having good
flexibility as an intern teacher is essential, and that should be carried with you into your
career. My first day was simple: I got to know the school and my students. I was
absolutely shocked at how large the school is. I was not expecting that from a small
town outside of Lethbridge. But it has been great to see the opportunities a large school
can provide; during spelling and book clubs, two classes get to combine so that we can
ensure all the student's needs are met by providing more one-on-one attention to the
kids at a lower reading level.

My teaching this week was not off to a good start. I began with science, adding to
what my TM had already done and having the students build flagpole pulleys. From
previously teaching a grade 5/6 spilt in my PS2, I overestimated the student’s ability to
independently work through steps on the board. Learning from that mistake, I had the
students research their designs and write their procedures when we built the catapult in
week two. This gave them a solid foundation to feel more confident in what they were
doing, encouraging more independence. Social Studies started better with my
classroom management, but I struggled with the content and how to make such
significant concepts digestible for a young audience. But as the week went on, I found
my stride and could talk with my TM about ways to make it more approachable.

By far, the highlight of these weeks has been building relationships with my
students. Some come easier than others, but at the very least, I have made a little
progress with each student. As much as the indoor recesses have been making the
students go stir-crazy, it has allowed me to interact with them in a more casual setting.
Playing board games and drawing have been the ways I have spent most of my time. I
have also started helping with the senior choir one lunch recess a week. This has been
an excellent way to see the kids outside the classroom and work on my relationships
with them. I can see that the more connections I make, the easier my classroom
management will become. Students want to know you care about them.

Building relationships with other staff has been challenging for me, as the school
is so large and has so many people in the school that no one ever knows if I am a
substitute EA or where I fit in. I am not sure what to do about this. Being outgoing and
introducing myself to new people is something I struggle with. If there is an easy
segway into a conversation, I have no problem talking to someone. I hope that spending
more time in the staff room will make it easier for me to interact with others.