Week 7

(September 22- 26, 2014)

What?

My accomplishments

This week I had accomplished some rated lesson plans. I was able to teach grammar though I had a hard time teaching it. Because I’m not really into grammar I am more of the literature but then I am still happy of the results. My critique teacher helped me a lot in teaching the grammar part so I was relieved. Also, she let me help her cut something for their decorations in their classroom. These are just my accomplishments this week, nothing more………….nothing less!!

Today is the DAY

My significant Experience

This week I had a lot of great and wonderful experiences in class with my students and with my co-practice teachers. I was able to bring out different emotions in teaching because there are some students who make me laugh, smirk, mad, shocked and surprised. I was able to build a very good rapport with them but as much as possible I want to still have the professional distance. Because some of them act as if I am there friend or sister that they can just hold easily, whisper something to me and some girls are putting their arms around my shoulder. Other students even assist me to carry some of my things before or after the class.  It was good to have that kind of closeness but there are always the disadvantages of it so we, as the teacher, we have to be the one to do some adjustments.  But the most wonderful experience that I will surely not forget is when my Grade8 –COURAGE section surprised us with my critic teacher last Friday. We were blind-folded and they were leading us the way inside the classroom. When they removed the blind-fold, it was a bit dark and all of them were standing in front of us holding flowers and two cup cakes with little candles. Two of my students raised a banner and they all shouted “HAPPY TEACHERS DAY”. They also sang a Tagalog song entitled “SALAMAT” if I am not mistaken. While they were singing, they gave us the cup cake and some other students were giving us roses. I was really surprised that I was able to experience it; I never thought that it could be this overwhelming. Before when I was the student and we were the one giving our teachers a gift, I was just happy to see that they liked what we were giving. Now that I was the one being greeted and receiving gift, the feeling is not only happiness but really it was like I’ve been moved in the inside. That’s why I am really thankful for this opportunity, experiencing a lot that is something you can cherish. I sooOOOO Love LOVE LoVe lOvE it!!!!!!!!! From the bottom of my heart THANK YOU G8- COURAGE.

Teacher=Inspiration

My Insights

What is a teacher? I'll tell you: it isn't someone who teaches something, but someone who inspires the student to give of her best in order to discover what she already knows.

~Paulo Coelho, Author

I want to be this kind of teacher, someone who inspires the student to bring out the best in them. Right now, as a practice teacher, I am having a hard time teaching because sometimes I don’t know if my students understands what I am saying (based on their expressions that I don’t understand as well). I wanted to learn and learn more to achieve my dream that is to inspire my students and give experiences that they can never forget (of course the good experiences). I was actually inspired more when I joined ma’am Shin in her observation with my friend (co-practice teacher) last Friday. Because my friend was able to touch the soft or the sensitive part of her students that even the boys cried. It was really overwhelming to see that her students were really affected with their lesson and I wanted to affect also my students that way or better. She was able to do it successfully.

Buy Confidence!

Problem

This week our focus was on grammar, the hardest part for me. Honestly speaking, I am not confident enough to teach grammar because I know to myself that I am not really into grammar. But I was really trying my best. I am an English teacher who does not want grammar!?Ironic isn't it? Yes, probably. But I like teaching literature more than grammar. That’s why I am having a problem teaching grammar. Good thing my critic teacher is always there to help me and explain to me the things that I am hard up teaching.

Seize the Day!

Solution

With this kind of problem the only thing I need to do is to read more grammar books for me to know more, be more knowledgeable. And of course ask help to my co-practice teachers the part I am having difficulties. As they say “teachers never stops learning.”

Get Ready!

My Goals

My goal next week is of course to do my best in my demo with my supervising instructor. I hope that I will not falter and just relax and give all I can. GO MYLA!! FIGHTING!

Week 1

(August 11-15, 2014)

Fulfillment

What are my accomplishments?

First of all, thank God for letting me reach this level being one of the practicumers this semester. That was my first accomplishment. Yeah Hey! Applause for me. :D  

Seeing me wearing my uniform again was something I am proud of. I maybe a late graduate but I don’t think of it as someone who’s “napag-iwanan”, just late. Anyways, my second accomplishment was surviving the first week of course. I was able to listen to the orientation, wrote my first to fifth meeting on my minute notebook and passing mi final referred journal. It was a very successful week to end with a big big smile.

  

Savvy

My Significant Experiences

One of my significant experiences was when I was late on the first day of our orientation. Not that I’m proud of it but it would be a reminder that one late is enough to a punctual person. I hate to be late that’s why I was depressed, so not cool. But thank God I was early on the second to fifth day, and I hope it will go smoothly. I’m also happy to see my friends who were happy to see me as well. At least I have someone to lean on in times of hardship. It is also the first time I went to the library with them for two days, I felt like a studious person. I always enjoy doing the ice breaker with my new found family, new faces and new environment and new experiences. I always look forward to it every day.

Sage

My Insight

I was really excited to the new environment I’m going to be with for this semester. Since I am always with my co-majors, I was not exposed that much with the other majors. Now that I have the opportunity to meet the other group I am happy and hopeful to have a good rapport with them. And I really like to be of help to anyone in the group in any way I can to build a good relationship. This week’s activities was a great opportunity for us to know each other because we were able to do a very fun activity that surpasses our being shy towards other group.

    

Butterfly in my Stomach

My Problem

This week I had a hard time doing some requirements that was given to us. Maybe because it was the first week of the class and my brain was still on vacation. Though I was trying my best to concentrate but there was still the feeling of being care free. I also felt as if I still was not ready for the practice teaching. I always have this feeling of not being knowledgeable enough; it’s as if I don’t have the courage to teach. There are a lot of things running through my mind. I can’t even concentrate in making my instructional materials. What to do?

Motivation

My Solution

I just need a motivation. Seeing my friends who already graduated was a relief. Knowing that some of them have their own work and now taking the let exam was something to be proud of. Though I was sad that I was not able to graduate with them at least they did not forget about me. They were always there to give pieces of advice. Right now, they are my inspiration and I got motivated to prepare myself. Before they were there to help me do my assignments and requirements but now and during the second semester last year, I learned how to be independent. I taught myself to not be dependent all the time and it was a success knowing that I was able to do it. And now I am sure I can still do it that is why I will lessen my doubts to myself and keep my feet forward. 

My Goals

Keep my feet forward and just have fun doing my ting. Finish my instructional materials and my second referred research journal with flying colors.

 Week 6

(September 15-19, 2014)

It’s been 6 weeks now!

My Accomplishments

I must say I am still surviving in my practice teaching and still kicking. :D

During this week, I was always making lesson plans and instructional materials for my class. Some of my lessons went smooth but I was struggling with my other lessons. Honestly speaking, I’m having a hard time in grammar. I may be an English teacher but sometimes I commit mistakes and I always do my job to correct myself.  That’s why I must say I did accomplish something worthy this week and I am very happy… :D Happy

HAMAZING!

My Significant Experiences

I am happy with my accomplishments this week and my experiences were amazing. Though sometimes I get depress with my other sections but I’m always making sure that I am not going to affect my other class with the depression I am feeling.

I also thought of telling my critique teacher about not entering her advisory class anymore because I am tired of handling them. Every time I handle them, I always get mad and sermon them (in a nice way) the best I can just to tell them how difficult it is to teach if no one is listening. Instead of listening as if they want more to just tell stories and gossips with their friends.  I even told them how difficult life would be when they reached college and after college if they have that kind of attitude. Being “happy go lucky” and just depend with their classmates. I was nearly losing control of my temper but I always remind myself that I am a very patient person. Anyways enough with the horror story and let’s proceed to my happy story. HEHEHEhe… well, my last class was I think the closest section to me because it was a jolly class. Though they are noisy and “makulit” they always make me laugh and smile. Last Thursday, they greeted me “Happy Teachers Day” and one of them gave me two Mangosteen fruit, sOoo sweet. They are also helpful and “kunyareng sweet” because after class they help me fix my things and help me carry them even the smallest thing I have. Even if I refuse they will get my things forcefully and told me “Okay lang ma’am ayaw ka naming mahirapan… mabigat ang mga to ma’am..” (kahit hindi naman) That’s why I am letting them do it instead of arguing with them. HAhhhaha.. Very Sweet!

Something To Cherish

My Insights

Teaching with a diverse class is sometimes frustrating and amazing because you’ll get to know the different attitude and characteristics of each student that will help you understand your students in the future especially if you have your own advisory class. It is not always about the horror they let you experience but also the fun and joy they give you that someday you will cherish. That’s why every time I think of us leaving soon, its breaking my heart, seriously. And I think I am breaking the rule of having professional distance though I have to let them feel and know that they have to respect me and see me as their teacher and not just a friend or a big sister. Because who can resist a class that is so sweet and always having a good atmosphere though they make a loud noise but once you stop talking and just stare at them they will suddenly stop and listen to you. That’s why I have to make my stay a wonderful one.

Another Problem, mate!

Problem

This week I had fewer problems, but still the same with my previous problem. I feel like I am starting to know how to manage my class but I have to give more effort. Still needs improvement when it comes to classroom management. My critique told me to always be attentive in calling the attention of my students who are not listening especially those who are at the back. Also, I am struggling with my grammar lessons because I myself am not that confident about my grammar so how will I teach them the proper one?!

 Always Be Optimistic

Solution

Yes, as I have said, I have to give more effort to manage my class and think of a way or strategies to make them listen to me. I don’t have actually problem when it comes to participation because some of them wants to recite even if their answers are a bit far from the question they always try their best so that is commendable. When it comes to not being confident in my grammar lessons, I have to read more books and ask help to my co-teachers if I didn't understand something. I think that’s the best way I can do for now. :D

The Priority

My Goal

My goal for next week is to try to manage my class properly, to have at least 2-3 rated lesson plans, to teach and impart learning to my students in a very active way and to prepare myself for the upcoming observation of our supervising instructor. Wish us LUCK!

Week #5

(September 8-12, 2014)

Burn Baby!!BURN more FATS!!!

My Accomplishments

Yes!! Burning fats is one of my accomplishments this week. My mom told me so!HAhhahh...I'm losing weight she said. And in three more months I'm going to be sexy already.. Oh My Gosh!Can't wait! hahahhah...No seriously with this kind of lifestyle this practicum, without enough sleep (no sleep at all sometimes), a lot of paper works I can hardly eat my food. Sometimes I even skip my meals at night because every time I go home I'm always tired and just want to sleep but I can't, I have to finish my lesson plan. But I'm always thankful because I was able to accomplish another rated lesson plans this week. All of my efforts, my sleepless nights and skipped meals are not wasted. But I guess my best accomplishment this week was finishing my straight teaching successfully. SOOOoOooo HAPPY!!!

HALAH!? High Blood si TEACHER

My Significant Experiences

This week was my high blood week I guess, because I got angry so badly to my first class, my critic teachers' advisory class. Why? I think I have a good reason, because they are not listening to me. I already tried the silent mode, waiting them to shut up mode, but time is running and still they didn't even bother to notice. Then I was talking loud, the best way I can even if I am in my "PA-OS" mode after having my straight teaching last Tuesday.  Still some of them as if they didn't heard a single word I said so I got furious and shout at the top of my voice, the best way I can, of course with my "PA-OS" voice I can't hardly talk. But I did still shout, and then all was quiet. I sermon them of course, in my very calm but angry voice even if my critic teacher was there. It’s okay because she's letting me do it. She said before to give them a "mataray" look because they are not that easy to handle and they might think of me as someone they can joke with or just some "barkada". And I think I did a good job there but then my throat suffered badly, as if I was a boy starting to mature with that croaking voice and I was starting to have colds. SOoOOoo FRUSTRATING!! But I always say "Chilaks" I still want to look beautiful even if how bad the situation was! I still have to look fresh and beautiful like this:

               OHh dibah!! Gandang di mo inakala..Ganda talagah!! Applause Applause Applause!!

Reflection 

My Insight

My accomplishments and experiences this week was one of my happiness because even if how bad it was and how frustrating it was, I still consider it as a blessing and a part of my life. Having experiences like this will actually make you stronger and ahead of others because you were able to experience something that will let you think. At an early age you were able to experience these kinds of challenges in your profession so in the future when you are going to have your own advisory class with diverse students at least you know what to do already. That's why I am always telling to myself that all of this are a BLESSING and just accept and accept every challenge with a BIG BIG SMILE!! Just what ma'am Shin said. 

Challenges Lang Yan!

Problem  

This week was a heavy week I guess because of the struggles I experienced and still be experiencing in the future. The pain in my throat (being pa-os), having coughed and colds that sometimes causes mild headache was my struggles this week. And having those kinds of students every morning was making my headache more in pain. But I was thankful that my critic teacher told me to handle the two last sections that are not that bad to handle.

Stay Healthy

Solution

To have a healthy body and good immune system I have to eat a lot, do some water therapy and take some vitamin C, sleep is part of it of course but sometimes it is not part of our lifestyle now especially if you don’t know how to manage your time. We can sleep but only for w few hours so I have to take lots of food and Vitamin C. And to lessen the stress that my students are causing, I have to think of other ways other than being angry at them all the time.

More Effort

My Goals

My goals next week is to have 2-3 rated lesson plans and to teach more confidently. Also, give more efforts in making and using my instructional materials. And hoping that every instructional material I am providing for my class will be used. Because I experienced providing IMs for my lessons but then there are always changes so instead of using it in my class I let my friends use it so I hope that next week will not be like that anymore.

Week #4

(September 2-5, 2014)

My First Week of Teaching

My Accomplishments

My accomplishments this week was that I was able to teach two (2) rated lesson plan. My first teaching was nerve-wracking because I stammered and was not able to say everything I wanted to say. I forgot my English words that's why I sometimes spoke in Filipino language. But my critic teacher was so kind and generous in giving me grade and evaluation. That's why I always say to myself to do everything to deserve the kindness she's showing me. I also helped her cut some of her decorations for their classroom and photocopied some of their summative test.

Me....Me..and my Experiences

My Significant Experiences

This week I was able to teach my students. The experience was nerve-wracking but kinda fun because I was able to do it, I just have to continue and develop more my speaking skills. Every time I enter the class, there was still the feeling of those shaking feet and butterflies in my stomach but if my students answers my questions I was able to laugh because some of there answers are funny. But I'm worried about their spelling because when I read their essays, there are a lot of wrong grammar. That's why I was always thinking if during my high school days I was this terrible in spelling but I don't think so. Hahhahahaa.... I have to give them more spelling quizzes I guess.

Discover Wildlife

My Insight   

Discover wildlife: be a teacher! ~Author Unknow

Schools is where you find diverse students with different cultures, beliefs, attitudes and characters just like a forest with its different kinds of species. There are students who are funny, friendly, boastful, naughty and other characteristics that's why as a teacher you have to think of strategies and methods that are applicable to all different kinds of students. That's why when I make my lesson, my critic teacher told me to modify some of my activities that will be applicable to my four sections with a very diverse class. After modifying and applying it to my class, at the end it went well, so I was happy.  I realize that being a teacher, you really have to be innovative, creative, enthusiastic and passionate to be able to create a holistic learning. 

More To Come

Problem

The problems I encountered this week was still the problem I encountered last time which is classroom management. I still can't manage them in a gentle way. Because as much as possible, I don't want to get mad all the time to just get there attention and listen to me. I'm also having problems with my way of teaching and the language I am using. When I'm practicing, I can talk fluently in English and I know the sequence of my lesson, but every time I enter the classroom its as if I didn't practice and learned my lesson well. I also forgot the words I'm about to say that's why sometimes I do code mixing.....SOooooo Frustrating sometimes.

What To DO?

Solution

For me to solve my problems about the classroom management, I have to be more strict (in a good way) if being gentle is not enough to shut them up. Of course, I also need to learn more about them for me to know their capabilities and to how can I handle them individually. Though it takes time to know each one of them at least just a bit information about their learning capabilities is very helpful. When it comes to my way of teaching, I have to learn to bring out my confidence more and just forget anything that is bugging my mind.... CONCENTRATE more of whats in the PRESENT than what is in the FUTURE for a while. :D

Goals....Goals...Goals!!

My Goals

My goals next week is to finish another rated lesson plans and to teach confidently. And of course restrain myself to be intimidated by my students for me to teach properly and successfully. I am the teacher I should not be intimidated. :D