I am really excited to be teaching rocks and minerals to a class of 4th graders. I think it is going to be fun and a great learning experience for me, my wonderful partner Sarah, and the students. I am looking forward to observing the students working together as they make discoveries. I hope the students will answer their parents question of "What did you do in school today?" with "I learned all about rocks using my 4 senses (the teacher told me I wasn't allowed to taste the rocks!) and I also learned how to record my observations." I know this is aambitious but I'm an optimist! I am excited about what I can give to the students and I am also excited about what I am going to get from them. I know this isn't going to be easy and I will have to deal with my own learning curve but I know that in the end we will all be better off for having done it.
Did I mention that this class has 25 students? A little scary if you ask me. My biggest fear is losing control of the class. It can turn into a dangerous situation if the students get frustrated and start behaving in an unorderly fashion. I also don't want to have to perform the Heimlich maneuver for a student choking on a rock!! I don't want to be boring. Of course I consider myself to be a fascinating person but that doesn't mean a bunch of 4th graders are going to find what I am saying and doing interesting. (That was a joke people!) Plus teaching isn't what is use to be. I need to remember to keep the students engaged and excited about my lessons. I think I have some good examples of what to do and what not to do so that I can have an interesting productive class where the students are engaged in observation and not throwing rocks at each other!
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