What, So What, Now What

What: This week Larry came and observed me in the classroom! Man was it awful. My class has a lot of behavior problems but after all which teenager likes to listen right? Well the lesson was a review lesson and it just seemed that I had a hard time keeping or getting the students attention. The funny thing is the day before I taught this exact same class and they did great! It was a lot better the first time instead of the second. I have learned a lot this week while observing my teacher. #1 i do not want to teacher upper grades #2 I need to make my "rules/instructions" bullet proof and #3 to have fun. There is also a number of students in this particular classroom with IEP's this has proven to be difficult at times. Randomly one little boy will shout out you need to die! I have learned that in this situation positive reinforcement is good to use.
SO what:
SO after this week I have learned a few things or ways to hopefully make this week a more enjoyable one. First of all I need to have my lessons planned out in more detail and also make sure that I follow through with all the rules which I say. I also feel as though by having this bad experience I will be a better teacher now. I have come up with a few ways to gain back the classes attention. One thing actually that I noticed has worked so far...yes it's corny but hey it works. I say ice cream and they all turn and look at me. I gain there attention back and can continue with the lesson. I explain to them that whenever I say this they are to be quite and look at me. Also I think that having my partner there has helped out quite a bit. I don't feel overwhelmed as much and I assume this is how it will be when I teach with a team.
Now What:
Now I am going to be more confident this week, I'm also going to be more prepared in my lesson planning. I have also gained something and I feel as though this can only help me in my teaching career. I have gained experience and knowledge. I know that I can teach however I also know what grade levels I enjoy the best and which I feel I would gain the most and the students would gain the most out of.