During my placement, I felt things ran smoothly. My mentor was supportive in every way possible and loved to challenge me and my ideas I had about lessons.
In week two, Wednesday and Thursday I had a relief teacher with me in the classroom. Both the students and I were aware that this was occurring. The students had been advised the day before and advised the classroom expectations will remain the same.
On the Wednesday morning, I had arrived at school at 8am as instructed. I arrived at the classroom to set myself up for the day. At 8.15am every morning, students were greeted at the door by my mentor and I, welcomed and advised what the morning would hold.
At 8.25am the teacher had still not arrived in class and I could see the students outside becoming restless. I used my initiative and all my courage to engage with the students myself and attempt to have them settled for the teacher’s arrival.
They were happy to see me and comply with the instructions. As usual, the students entered the classroom beautifully and set up the desks and chairs before starting their Sound Waves.
The teacher arrived at 8.30am to find the students in their seats, settled and doing their work quietly ready for the day.
I gave her a moment to empty her hands and approached her to introduce myself. After conversation, we had concluded this was a new and exciting experience for both of us and looked forward to the days ahead.
We had mapped out the schedule for the two days and the time I had to complete my sequenced lessons.
Standard 6.3 Engage with Colleagues and Improve Practice was very important here. Both Ms F and I needed to be on the same page for the students and for ourselves.
The students did not misbehave too much but I did notice changes to behaviour with a few students. I feel this was important for me to witness as my students may be left one day with a relief teacher and I need to prepare them for those days. As part of my classroom management, having students aware of interruptions and how to deal with them is imperative for a smooth-running classroom.
Upon arrival Friday, my mentor advised that those students whom had a change in behaviour do not cope well with change. Mrs W had left notes and a schedule for the teacher to follow to ensure the routine was kept the same.
This was an interesting and eye opening experience for me. Not only did I get to see another teaching style, I was able to obtain feedback from someone other than my mentor.