Getting a rhythm.

So all the procedures have been explained, rules lined out, and needs given. It is now time to teach science! Monday was a little hectic. How am I going to do this? Should I have a group activity for every subject, everyday? What about a fun and informative game? Time for review? I only have 46 minutes a class period. Will I run out of time? Can I get as far into the material as I want to? What do I do if I don't? Oops, forgot about the meeting that will take half of my students from one of my classes for the entire period. Oh yeah, then there is the field trip tomorrow that will take about a quarter of my students for the whole day ( including 2/3rds of one of my classes). How will I get them their notes? How will I remember all the things that I emphasized apart from my presentation? Will the ones that miss be able to understand every thing that I want them too without me emphasizing it to them? No pressure. No stress. No problems. Just part of the job of preparing today's youth for the future. Seasoned teachers handle these kind of things all the time with a smile and ease. Now if you will pardon me while I go weep and shiver while sitting in the fetal position in the dark corner of the custodians closet.


Yesterday and today (Tuesday and Wednesday) were much better. Seemed like I was in a rhythm most of the day. Moved at a pretty good pace, while always looking for signs of confusion, dismay, anger, apathy, malaise, revolt, revolution, and/or frustration ( only seen a few). Checked for questions often. Tried to relate the content to the interests of my students, and tried very hard not to be boring. Or dull. Or overly peppy. Or annoying. Or nit-picky. Or a rug to be walked over. Wow. A week and a few days with students, and I'm wondering why I didn't start doing this right out of college. I love this job.