There was a few definite lows this past week, where I got to close to knowing what it feels like when a parent is disappointed in their child. Whilst teaching the grade 8's on Tuesday after break time, I noticed that there was a few boys acting differently than normal and I got a slight smell of marijuana. I proceeded with the lesson, but their behaviour became a problem as all the other learners knew what they did during break time. I stopped with the lesson and gave the class a good pep talk, because I have formed a good relationship with the class, they were listening and the guilt was evident on the faces of the boys involved.
I however gave a general speech about how disappointed I am in their behaviour and how important it is for them to take care of their lives. I was real and honest as well and said that I know that there are a few learners high on weed.
After talking to them I remained silent for a while. I could see how the silence in the classroom is getting uncomfortable for some learners. We eventually continued with the lesson, during this I had to hide my disappointed and carry on as normal and make sure that I still interact with the learners with great enthusiasm. After the lesson I asked one of the boys who I knew definitely smoked as could see on his face, his eyes to stay behind. He admitted to me. He didn't try to hide it or lie and that I appreciated. Had a good conversation with him about it and he kept on saying sorry, he is a good boy, always eager to answer in class, has good grades. Reminded him of how valuable and precious his life is. I unfortunately had to report to the grade head what I've learnt as it's a serious offence. Have to admit there was a part of me that didn't want to inform the grade head on black and white (if it's not on paper it's vapour) as I didn't want the learners to get into trouble, but of course this had to be reported to keep myself out of any trouble. The grade head then followed up on the situation, they got detention and with discretion the parents were informed and of course the grade head had to use language such as, "their might be a possibility", "we have heard" that your child smokes marijuana during school time.
Another few lows were, learners that stole English question papers. This left the English department up in arms as the teachers learned about it very last minute, which meant new papers had to be drawn up.
Interestingly enough, the high light of my week was with the grade 8 class mentioned before. The lesson was about "how do we see objects" in terms of our eyes. The learners were eager to learner about how the eye and it's different functions allows us to see. The learners were full of questions. They asked why we have as humans have different eye colour and I got so excited having to explain to them. It was good being able to use that which I've learned during my undergrad in the Genetics classroom to help learners understand better. Class was much more well behaved then the previous lessons.
I've learned that although there is a scheduled followed, that it is okay to stop with a lesson and talk to the learners. To share life with them without over stepping any personal boundaries. I believe it is important for young people to know how special they are and it felt like that I've reached my own person goal, which is to inspire learners beyond just Science and Math.
I've also spent more time this week observing lessons that is not my curriculum modules. Was great to see the different teaching styles of teachers, the interaction between the teacher and the learners or lack thereof.
Again I lost my voice on Thursday, it is really unfamiliar to my vocal chords for me to speak a lot, I think lol. As I've mentioned before, I'm generally the quiet, loner, observing kind. Thus speaking a lot takes some getting use to.
All in all, week 8 was packed, but it was a wonderful week of learning especially about how the teaching profession gives meaning to my life.
One more week to go! Feeling rather bitter sweet!
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| The remedy I've been using to doctor the voice! Cup of rooibos with two honey and lemon lozenges! |
Enjoyed reading your blog. With responsibility comes accountability and you did the right thing ...you did not "sell out " the boys in that class. If you had let it go and ignored it, who knows how long it might have continued or gone on even after you left. It might go on after you leave next week, but who knows, you might just have touched one learner's heart which just may have a positive and life-changing impact. Hope the Rooibos also helped. :) Sterkte vir die laaste week.
ReplyDeleteIt's nice to know that we aren't aloneven out here dealing with these kinds of issues. We too have an escalating drug problem which have left many learners being expelled. I liked the way you handled it as it did seem like you were simply running and ratting them out but rather spoke from a confidant point. It still must have been very hectic to decided what to do I that situation. Good luck for the last week!
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