This past week has been physically draining as I have become sick and started losing my voice to the end of the week.

Throughout my life I have been the silent, deep in thought guy. Being a quiet observer is a part of my nature, but when it is required to speak up I do which has been required of me this past week more than any other.

I had to keep vigil of a teacher's class for the entire week. Unfortunately this is an English teacher, thus I jumped at the opportunity with less excitement as my subjects are Natural Sciences and Mathematical Literacy and I knew I wouldn't be able to teach as I do in my other classes, I however could explain what a 'Metaphor' and 'Simile' is and also make use of relevant example, felt quite chuffed about this. I deemed the experience as another learning moment and looked forward as I knew it will come with many challenges to further build my character as a teacher. The school has a strict policy of not leaving student teachers alone with a classroom, but with this teacher being absent as she's been invited to a seminar and other teachers being absent on various days, the vice principal stepped in and asked for my help, which they have avoided up until now. Fortunately I have completed all my Evaluations and Observations, thus it didn't infringe on any of my work.

"Baby sitting" a class can sometimes be an unpleasant experience. As the students know and have the mentality of "He's a student teacher, there's not much he can do", this has been the attitude of a select few. It amazes me how certain learners have no respect, they enter the classroom the way they please, others sit and then there's only a few that stands orderly at their desks waiting for me to greet. Although this week required "more" from me as any other, I did appreciate it. As I only grew from each encounter having to discipline a learner, figuring out which works and what doesn't. I can honestly say, that I didn't have to shout like a mad man, but only had to be firm and unwavering. It was a challenge with the bodies that filled the classroom, as I haven't formed a relationship with them as I have with the other classes I have taught. It surely became better later on in the week. The teacher left worked for each grade to complete each day, but in my opinion, she made the mistake of handing out the schedule to them the week before, thus many have completed it at home, and they eagerly showed me their workbook as their proof, so they entered the classroom thinking that it's an off period for them. I made it very clear that no one will enter the classroom with that mindset and will have to find other work and be productive. Hence, the reason why I have lost my voice, as I had to talk an awful lot this week and the added sickness has helped with the voice running away! 

In between the teacher's off periods I could still manage to teach Natural Science to the grade 8's. We did revision as they had an investigational research project and a test due within in the week. I was also allowed to mark these assessments. Which also have been a learning curve. My mentor teacher warned me to never take it personally when a learner fails in knowing the work I have explained to them. It is so easy to take it personally though, as you question yourself, but then you find reassurance in those students who have done exceedingly well. Made me realise again that certain learners are just quicker in understanding and also as a teacher I have to bear in mind what that child is facing outside the classroom and not positioned that child as a lazy learner.

There's only 3 weeks remaining of this journey, can't believe that 6 weeks have passed. Still remember that very first day so clearly. I have one more lesson that will be evaluated by a lecturer this week, hopefully it'll go well like all the other lessons!

Future of SA rugby is looking great!

The boys in red (my school) trying very hard to prevent the try!

And the boys in blue scores!!!

The boys at the school is really passionate about their rugby and it is always good watching them play, win or lose!

Weekly experiences of a teacher in the making!

The week started off on a sad note, as the principal told the staff on monday morning, that there's been a break in at the school. The 5th one for the year and again it was projectors that were stolen out of classroom. It left many teachers baffled as no one understands how this can happen. The school management is now closely looking at measures to ensure that this won't happen again. 

This has been a week solely focused on academics. All of the grades had test scheduled this week and teachers wanted to give revision lessons, thus there was less presenting of lessons for me than any other week.

This week I have experimented to see whether I'll be able to control a situation where I invite grade 8 learners to give their feedback on the board. I have done this before and it worked well with the Senior grades, but I was sceptical with the Juniors as I don't want any learner to be offended when they make a mistake and some learner shouts it out in a manner that is disrespectful. I wanted to avoid doing this at all cost, but deemed it as a good challenge. Prior to asking learners their contribution on the board, I have explained to the class what will be expected from the other learners. I think it went fairly well, but there was the occasional random shout out's from other learners, "That is not the answer" but I would immediately address the individual. 

I'm also learning that it helps to speak to learners that are misbehaving after a lesson as they leave to the next class, by just gently saying, I didn't appreciate that or I expect better from you! One can then see on their body how guilty they feel about their actions and it's during this time one needs to motivate them to be better, but not just in my class, but all other classes. 

On certain days the interaction between me and the learners is better than other days. When learners find the content interesting they willingly and freely participate within the lesson, but their are days where I need to create the hype about learning something that doesn't seem to make sense to the learners. On Thursday morning I felt despondent when there was a few learners that didn't understand a certain concept (Right Hand Rule, Natural Sciences). Which have been explained in a series of lessons before, this period was used as revision as they had a project the Friday on Electromagnetism. Thus I felt the way I did as this has been dealt with before. I would ask them questions on the content and they struggled to answer correctly during the lesson, even after I've simplified the explanations and using other visual aids, such as pictures demonstrating. I had to remind myself that I cannot allow how I feel to show on my face and that it's not a reflection on me. I did question myself whether it's me that's creating the hurdle, but again I had to realise in reality there will be learners that will grasp something quicker than others. This is where doing revision and homework is of cardinal importance as learning shouldn't just occur within the classroom. After the lesson I then stretched the importance of home work to the class, hopefully it made an impact on them. 

On Wednesday a lesson I was observing was interrupted by the police. All the learners were shocked, me included as it came unexpected. The police was there to search the boys, the girls were asked to leave the classroom. The principal that he suspects that learners are using illegal substances on the school grounds and he felt that the police should intervene so that learners may understand how important it is to the school that such behaviour will not be tolerated. Although it was drastic, it surely made the impact it had to.

The prefects for the year 2016 have been nominated as well within this week. At the high school I attended only the teachers had a say, but this school uses a different system where fellow learners can nominate as well, which I found interesting.

On to week 6, for some more teaching and learning! 

Weekly experiences of a teacher in the making!

The experience of this week was super bitter sweet!

There has been a few moments within this week that made me appreciate the teaching profession so much more! In this week I again learned that it's more than just about teaching content. At this stage I'm able to form relationships with young people that goes beyond Natural Sciences and Mathematical Literacy. Although I have a stance of pure professionalism, the children just find it easy to share things about their life's, their interests, dislikes and passions without me having to intrude.

My favourite moment of this week was when a grade 11 learner called me while the class is doing an activity and handed me 5 of his poems to read. He also whispered that no one has ever read his poems before as he doesn't share them. It felt super special that he could entrust me with reading his personal writings. I too do some writing of my own and I too don't share it with others therefore I could relate in many ways. 
He is super talented and really creative. After reading his poetry I thanked him and told that maybe I too can build up the courage to share some of my writings with him. 

The bitter part regarding this week is that the personnel is not a united front when it comes to certain aspects and the meetings before school starts brings such a heaviness that one's day starts off unpleasant. I realise that this is a group of different individuals therefore everyone has his/hers own opinion, but I believe there is a certain standard that should be maintained when disagreeing with a fellow colleague. I'm not involved in any of this and steer clear from any negativity. It is an eye opener and I think this journey is preparing me how to conduct myself in the working environment in the future. 

For the first time this past week I got to teach the gr 12 learners. I felt apprehensive as I already formed a working relationship with the gr8's and gr11 and I wasn't sure how the lesson will go, but I was excited at the same time. The attitudes of some learners is disheartening, because some of them wouldn't bother to take out a pen or book to work with the class and as much as I try to engage, encourage and motivate them to participate, they simply don't care at all. I however had to realise that I cannot waste my energy on those that chooses not to participate, but my focus has to be on those that wants to work, that comes to school to learn. Despite their I don't care attitude I will continue to not lose hope and will continue to try and inspire them to reach their full potential.

On Friday I had my evaluation for Mathematical literacy. The planning went well and the learners worked well with me to have a successful lesson. The lecturer was pleased and he advised that me to involve learners by writing/doing sums on the board, which I have in other lesson, but this didn't take place in Friday's lesson. Nonetheless, it was a good lesson. There was no nerves, I was comfortable and well prepared. I look forward to see what this 5th week holds! 

The 2 CPUT students had their last day of practical on Friday, I will now be the only student teacher at the school, it should be interesting!

I found this magnetic duster and kokies,  which I think is super cool, at CNA! When I purchased this and transparencies I felt like a real teacher!

Weekly experience of a teacher in the making!

I had an amazing week of pure brilliance and learning galore!

But, first let me say that President High School won the derby on Saturday against a near by rival school. Thus the mood during the assembly on Monday morning was filled with excitement as all the learners and teachers that contributed to this win, were celebrated!

The Pressies Nettball team doing their thing!

I am truly finding my rhythm as a teacher, all the time I make a concious decision about what type of teacher I want to be! I think this is very important, that one needs to know how they want to present and conduct themselves within the classroom. I had a few special moments within this week. I found complete freedom about the choice to do a course in education when I was able to assist learners in understanding certain concepts better. It truly is rewarding like dr Davids shared with us, when a child's face lights up and their eyes sparkle, because you were able to be that help they needed to understand something. 

I am starting to form a relationship with the learners. By now they know what to expect from me and they behave accordingly. So when the grade 8's entered the classroom disorderly on Wednesday, I gave them I good pep talk. I told the class that I will not tolerate this type of behaviour and that I expect better from them as the standard have been already made aware to them. During all of this I spoke with them in a gentle, calm tone. I refuse to succumb to anger or raising my voice when learners behave the way they're not suppose to. I'm aware that this can easily change after a good few years in the teaching profession, but I too think that it is important to handle learners with care and the out most respect, although they lose their respect for you it doesn't give you any right to lose your respect for them. This will truly be my aim and most probably be my greatest challenge maintaining an attitude such as this. Kids are special and I don't know what circumstances they come from or how they're treated at home, but the time I'll be graced with their presence they will know that they're worthy and deserves nothing but the best from me!

I also noticed in the grade 8 Natural Science class and after confirming it with the principal, that there's a boy with a learning disability within the class. He has been medically diagnosed as a special needs learner. He has a short concentration span. His parents have tried to put him in a school to accommodate his needs, but at the moment the school is too full, which is really unfortunate. He has caused quite an uproar in some classes and today he tried to be disruptive which has never happened out of the classes I have taught them. When I noticed his seek for attention, I asked him questions regarding the content and he would answer, although he was wrong I still thanked him for his contribution and one could see it on his body how good it feels to him to be given praise. I look forward to see how I will deal with him in the future.  

My best time at the school is really that 45minutes I get to teach a specific class. This journey gives so much more meaning to my life, to my existence. I didn't think I would enjoy it this much, especially being the only one out of our PGCE group at this school. 

The week was eventful. The matrics had their 40 days on Thursday, which made for a very chaotic day. They truly came full force with an agenda to disrupt the norm, they "kidnapped" (tying hands, feet and mouths) teachers out of their classes, while teaching a lesson and held them prisoner in the quad. Not quite sure why I say them, because I too was "kidnapped", but I chose to go willingly, meaning I walked down to the quad and not carried by anyone. Out of the few teachers that went through this "traumatic" ordeal, most teachers laughed it off, while one teacher was really upset. All the time I was just saying/asking myself "Is this really happening?". "How can such disruption occur in a school?" School which is a place of order. 
I too have to admit it was exciting to behold the fancy costumes and this type of behaviour displayed by them as my school never had these events. It however affected the behaviour of the other grades as well and this made it unpleasant for teachers. But everything did stabilise and returned to somewhat normal.

It is also the Matric Farewell Tonight, so I look forward to hear how their night went. When I get a chance to finally teach the grade 12's.
I am very pleased to know that I will be able to sleep a little bit later on Monday, before the teaching and learning commences on Tuesday!