Ups and Downs

Teaching, as with any job...particularly ones that involve a social aspect, is like an unpredictable roller coaster. One activity will work perfectly with one class, and then tank with another class at the same level. One class might be completely engaged one day and then all over the place the next.

This week, my second week of teaching, was full of ups and downs. The week began with a couple warm, sunny days. Days like that can be far and few between with the fog, clouds and rain in Saint Pierre. Of course, the students could barely contain themselves. But still, we got through those days. Thursday afternoon I had to call in backup from the homeroom teachers. However, the week ended on a sweet note. Today, Friday, went smoothly with the students being attentive and engaged.

The grade 8 class has been working on a unit about mysteries, so we played this game today: http://www.onestopenglish.com/community/lesson-share/lesson-share-archive/speaking/speaking-murder-in-the-classroom/154250.article

In fact, we had spent yesterday going through the story and creating character profiles so that the students would know how to answer questions about their character and today we began by reviewing the questions and key vocab before the students got down to business. I split the class into two teams that were competing to solve the mystery first. They stayed on task and they spoke in English! I don't think I've ever heard them speaking so much English independently. I would highly recommend this game.

The grade 6 class has been working on writing fairy tales. The grade 6 text book has a fairy tale which has some adjectives, nouns and verbs missing. But I gave them the option to write their own fairy tales, which a couple of pairs chose to do. Most of them have finished their rough copies and today they were able to create little folded paper castles in which they will be writing the good copy of their fairy tale. This was the part they were excited to do. I will post pictures of their finished work when we are completely done. That won't be for about two weeks though, because the grade 6s are going away on a trip to Langlade next week.

Anyway, at the end of my last class for the day, a student asked me if I was going to be teaching here in September because he would really like to have me as a teacher next year. I don't know if I will be able to work at this particular school come September, but this child definitely made my week worth all the ups and downs. :)