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!