Day+1

=
Since I am reflecting after Day 1 of class, instead during my observation week, I might as well mention how I feel that 'bell work' is a very effective exercise to use at the start of any academic day. It grasps the attention of the students, and gets them indulged in something more important than socializing. Simple questions, trivia, puzzles, quotes, etc, can become an effective tool which will keep students on task. A simple math problem on the board can keep the class from getting distracted; therefore, immediately setting the tone for a learning environment. Since the word "Bell Work" is derived from work which needs to be completed before the bell rings (+/- 5 minutes), I think a short assignment relating to the previous days work is what best relates to students. I feel that consistent repetition is what helps students transfer short term memory into long term. Doing a hands on activity, which relates to the previous classwork can also be a great way for students to kinesthetically learn and transfer knowledge. "Bell work" can also be a review strategy used during the semester for exam preparation. =====

=
There are so many strategies that can be used to get the attention of a class. However, I feel that some strategies are harder to apply into a classroom than others. Often grade 7 or 8 students feel childish if they have to clap in order for the teacher to get their attention. Moreover, as a teacher, standing in front of a class waiting silently, or holding a hand in the air, may be too subtle of an approach. Some students may be too distracted to realize that your silent cue means that they need to settle down. Therefore, I think “5,4,3,2,1” or even “all eyes on me” and “let’s get started” are the more mature approaches to consider for an intermediate class. It is important to recognize that getting the attention of any student can be difficult as a result of socializing, distraction, or feeling empowerment over teacher authority/instructions. So as a teacher, it is important to employ the strategy and stick to it, no matter how ‘childish’ or ignored is appears at first. =====

=
 I’m hoping to run a lesson without a huge uproar or disruptive behaviours. The classroom will only be managed if there is a form of respect for each other, motivation to learn, and discipline. My greatest fear is that I will not be able to discipline students in an appropriate manner. For instance, if I let them off easy one day, their attitudes/behaviours may drive me to a point where I have to punish them. With respect to my personality, I want to find a median between my two different approaches to discipline. =====