The past day or two I have learned how to extend and build on my planned activities in English class. Yesterday I didn`t have quite as much as I thought I did - or rather, I had plenty to do, but it wasn`t as well thought out as I thought. Today I was more prepared mentally, but I ran into another problem. Watabe sensei scheduled our daily devotional to take 30 minutes. Tuesday through Friday we just have a song, prayer, and short thought. It took all of five minutes, and we started early today. That meant that we were finished with the devotional when we were supposed to be starting the devotional. Problem? Yes. I decided to make the classes slightly longer today, and consult with the students after class. I had plenty of ideas for ways to extend drills, so that was no problem. however, the majority of my class is old grandmas and grandpas, and they almost didn`t make it through the first class. The first class (English 101 - conversation) ended up being about 20 minutes longer, and then I extended their break time. Near the end, I thought that some of the older students wouldn`t be able to make it. They aren`t used to focusing for such a long time.
After a slight break for the students (and no break for me - consulting with various students), we started the second class. The 201 class is a reading class using the Bible. Today we talked about the story of Adam and Eve. We had a really good discussion, especially since all of the students except one are Latter-Day Saints. They all took turns explaining the story, practicing the useful skill of summarizing, so by the end, the non-member understood the story as well. Success! We also did a skit of the story of Adam and Eve. It was hilarious. I told the students they had to volunteer for the acting roles. Different roles had different amounts to do. It was so great. All of the other students divided up the story and read it aloud as 5 people acted it out. I think I will have to do more skits for this class. They really seemed to enjoy it.
I don`t know why, but the gospel class is a lot easier to teach. Inspiration has a lot to do with it, but I am always able to think of fun games or activities to include. Yesterday was pictionary, today was a skit, and I think I will do another game tomorrow.
Random thought: I have always loved watching teachers draw pictures on the board. Now, as a teacher, I have tried my hand at drawing my situations on the board. I don`t feel like I am good at drawing, but my students seem to like my drawings. Several of them start smiling as soon as I start drawing a picture. I don`t know whether that means my drawings are good or bad, but as long as they help the students, I will continue to draw. I just need to try not to be embarassed about my pictures.
I really love teaching. Once I start on materials, I feel like I could keep going forever. That doesn`t mean that I am going to turn into one of those annoying professors that don`t know when to stop talking, but I do love to teach. I love seeing their faces light up when they finally understand - like today when we talked about the pronunciation difference between won`t and want. Some of the students really struggled with it, but near the end they improved a lot. I think that is the best part of being a teacher - being able to help your students.
omg Sarah. I had this HUGE LONG COMMENT and then I accidentally closed the tab. T3T I AM SO SAD.
ReplyDeleteOh yeah, this is Jessica Merrill :p
SO SHORT VERSION: sounds like you are having fun I am so glad to hear that! Also, skits are the best, but TAPE THEM!! You will have so many so many fantastic and funny moments on tape!! [Insert story about what happened when we did "Joseph" story as a skit].
Pictures: Do you draw everything on the board? I would recommend drawing common visuals on pieces of paper and using those. It is super easy and fast to change the contexts that way. you don't even need to say a word!! For example, if you have a drill/part of a CC that has "What do you want to eat?" "How about pizza?" Or something like that, all you have to do is put a picture of a different type of food OVER the picture of pizza. VIOLA. INSTANT VARIATION. and you DIDN'T HAVE TO SAY ANYTHING!!!
That is actually my goal for 101 class (and well, discussion classes as well): SAY AS LITTLE AS POSSIBLE. True, you may need to add corrections or help them with pronunciation, but you can do a lot without saying anything. If a student forgets what comes next in the CC, you can point to the next section on the board (Like, "go to school" you can point to a picture of a school. or something. I hope this makes sense. lol)
I love that you are drawing your own pictures though :) I think that makes for a wonderful sense of continuity!! If you draw on the board, the drawing styles will be the same!! And the students really do enjoy watching their teachers actually hand-make things for them, I think.
Wow, this is still turning into a super-long comment anyway. SORRY.
Uh yeah. I hope you're having fun!!! Work hard! Oh! And I would strongly suggest taping yourself teach your lessons through the program. You can watch yourself teach and see your lessons from an entirely new angle! Plus, you can see how you have improved! I wish I had done this while I was there.
I absolutely FELL IN LOVE with teaching because of this internship. Sounds like the same thing is happening to you!! :D