Some days....

Some days are good, some days are bad. All of your teaching days can't go perfect - or else you wouldn't learn anything.

Friday I had one of those not so good teaching days. And the ironic thing is - 2 our of my 4 classes were great. It's always the bad that overshadows the good in the end.

My department head was doing some work in my classroom while I was teaching (which I am uncomfortable with as it is), but after discussed with me how one student was talking while I was doing registration, even though I thought the kids were quite quiet. Another student would throw pens and markers when my back was turned. I don't stand correctly in the classroom - and I need to not give 100% of my attention to someone when I'm talking to them, just so I can ensure the rest of the class was working well.

Even though he wasn't assessing me, he told me that if higher staff was observing I would get some unsatisfactory marks.

I'm not saying that I can't take criticism, because I can. But I was not happy with this conversation. I walked out feeling as though I can't teach and I'm basically rubbish at what I do. Knowing full well I was going to be observed during one of my awful classes next week, I felt as though I was going to have a slight breakdown.

I found my way to Mary, the assistant head in charge of new teachers. I told her about my frustrations with my classes this week - straight out of hospital and the kids feel sorry for you for about ten minutes, and then they continue to act crazy.

Teaching Drama when you are an English teacher is hard work. You don't have the formality you are used to - you don't have the safety of desks separating you. The kids come in with a different attitude and get really excited at the opportunity of moving around. Yes - I'm a bit too nice when I give them the benefit of the doubt and warn them constantly. It's a matter of me saying something and my students accepting it as what needs to be done. Please be quiet during registration - and they don't talk. Please use the chairs like adults - and they don't slide across the floor on them.

So I'm coming up with a list of practical things to do to make life better. I Know I have the support - it's just a matter of me getting a stronger discipline regime. We're all works in progress....