So I decided to blog about school to get a few things of my mind so I discontinue talking about it endlessly to my husband...he is probably getting sick of it, but he just smiles and listens... :)
Some things that have been on my mind...
1. I forget how nerve-racking the 7th grade is, until I see all of the 7th graders scurrying from class to class with these blank, scared looks on their faces. But of course... it is not "cool" to be scared or feel unsure so most students try to act like they know exactly what they are doing. Junior high....what a hard time in life.
2. I forget how easily stressed I become about making sure everything is as perfect as it can be for my students. I want so badly for them to become confident and feel safe in my class. I worry about how to discipline so I don't embarrass them, how to differentiate my teaching so I reach most of my students in a lesson, how to catch their attention..especially the ones that don't care for science, and how to just make class a fun experience for them... Then I realize, the students have no clue teachers think all of this. They just think they are coming to learn science and that is all I really worry about. After they leave my class their mind races to what they have to do next, not really thinking about science class as much as I do after that.
3. Junior high kids probably say and do the funniest things and they don't even realize it.
4. My students that I had last year in 8th grade came back to visit... they don't remember a thing except for when I used fire in my lessons, which friend was in their class, our class was fun, and an occasional science topic.
5. I decided the things I feel are most important to teach is confidence that they can do well in school and help them become a better critical thinker.
Well, wish me luck this year... I hope my students enjoy my class and I am excited for another year. Now I can sleep well tonight after getting a few worries out. :)
