As I read through these entries I begin to start feeling the same way the teachers did during their first few days of school. Having worked at Upward Bound for two years I have experienced having new students in my classroom for the first time, and it is an awkward situation. They are with their new peers, they are constantly wondering what others will think of them, and they are not yet willing to express their creativity. That is where I come into play.
Many teachers in 'Teaching Hope' express feelings of intense nervousness. The most important thing I remind myself of in the classroom is that it is 100% necessary to be able to laugh at yourself. On the first few days of school it is imperative that students start to feel comfortable with me, their peers and most importantly themselves. Good conversations, great activities, and interesting and attention-grabbing math must be first and foremost on the agenda.
Throughout this reflection I continuously think about what it might be like during my first few days of student teaching. I try and relate it to the entries that I read out of 'Teaching Hope' and how the teachers treat their first days. As those teachers worry about names and what the students are thinking of them, I picture myself worrying about the flow of the lesson and if I have planned everything the way I really want it to go. Getting to know the students and creating positive and meaningful interactions with them is crucial; however, I know that is something I can do without focusing all my attention to it.
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