Am I a Teacher Now?

Well it happened; I taught for the first time a classroom full of teenagers. At the time, it felt as if I was in a racecar, everything rushed by so fast, but now that it’s over I can recall every second.

Thursday morning, I kept pushing the rewind button over and over in my mind, reviewing each aspect my lesson. In constant prayer, I made my way to the high school. I rushed to the classroom to set-up my “fun” activity. Instead of thinking positively, I found myself contemplating the worst. “What if they think this is so stupid? What if no one listens to me? What happens if they don’t understand?” Those questions along with the constant “teaching” reminders took over my concerned mind. “Remember to use your teacher voice. Check for student understanding. Walk around the room. Look confident. Don’t forget to say ‘what questions do you have?’” Finally the bell rang and the students took their seats. After giving a brief introduction, I began my lesson. With my hands literally shaking, we reviewed “The Scarlet Ibis.” I introduced the “symbols matching game” (for lack of a better title) to the students. They paired up with a partner and the race to the finish line began. To my amazement, the students loved it. They were working together, shouting out correct answers, and critically thinking about the task at hand. Is it possible for my first lesson to go perfectly? Of course not! Now, come on, that would be way too ideal. I rushed through the lesson thinking the class ended ten minutes before it really did. Ugh, I could have kicked myself. What was I thinking? Mrs. Mann gave me great tips to use for today’s lesson. Which, without a doubt I used.

So, today! The lesson required me to put on my very best acting hat. I told the students I would no longer be at Jackson due to my new job. I would begin working on the latest Disney movie and needed their help; I obviously gave a back story and more details to make the story more believable. My assignment gave me the chance to create a new world filled with classic Disney characters intermingled into one storyline. I needed to find a place/location/ SETTING for the movie to take place. I explained if we used their ideas, they would see their names in the closing credits of the movie. They immediately put their creative thinking caps on and began to work. The students created six absolutely mind blowing ideas. They produced incredible maps to give “my boss” a visual as to what they were thinking. When I finally broke the news, I felt as if I pulled out all their hopes and dreams and crushed them with a huge sledge hammer. I honestly didn’t think they would take it to heart. Plus, my mom engraved in my mind, they wouldn’t believe my story. I felt horrible. At the time, I regretted ever thinking up this lesson, but while reflecting I realized it accomplished/ exceeded my ultimate goals and standards set for the class. The ideas the students created were remarkable. They recognized the importance of the setting in a story like the back of their hand. So, here’s my problem? Was this lesson ethical? I achieved my purpose; the students’ grasp and understanding of the content went above and beyond my expectation. The downside is the kids may question my truthfulness the rest of the year.

To link day one and day two into one concluding sentence, I must finish with “I loving this experience!”

Here are some pictures of the class!