Introducing….

OMW! Where did Christmas go? This week I’ve had three, yes THREE, essays due in and lesson planning to do for next week, when I will be wholly completely utterly responsible for the learning of a load of teenagers. Nervous for me?
I will also be responsible for making them behave, and for any potential trainee teachers, I have a tip, which has been handed down to me by an amazing teacher, so I know it’s a gudd’un.
It is simply: …… INTRODUCE YOURSELF!
Apparently, lots of trainees feel a bit uncomfortable putting their stamp on the classroom, but as long as your school agrees, this can really work (I’ll let you know how I get on with it!). What I’m planning to do is create a short PowerPoint to back up what I’m saying to them about who I am, what I respect and what I expect, and what the rewards and consequences are in relation to whether they try or disengage. I’ll basically tell them how they can achieve in my lessons and try to make it a bit fun. I will also introduce a raffle, as in, kids who answer questions or generally show a high level of engagement or enthusiasm, will get a raffle ticket. And then if they win the raffle they get a prize. Apparently, bribery also works wonders.
That’s not the exciting bit though. The exciting bit is that I will be teaching Of Mice And Men and Harlem Renaissance poetry, and making a class magazine. To make it a bit competitive, we’re in competition with another class, who are also making a magazine- it’s going to get a bit cut-throat in the world of journalism at my placement school, I can tell you!