Practicas en GDL

Last month was pretty crazy and jam packed with “Practicas Intensivas" (student teaching). This basically means that I had to teach at least six different lessons (English, Math, Science, Art, PE and Spanish) each week. For the most part, my students behaved fairly well – listened to directions, worked on the task at hand, etc.

But here’s the kicker…

One Monday I showed up to realize the class was behind one lesson so the Spanish lesson/reading I had planned would have to be pushed off until Thursday. I explained to the teacher, she understood and then asked if I could instruct the last two pages of the current lesson. Although I wasn’t quite prepared, I obliged and continued on. Once this was done, she pulled me aside and asked if I had any other lessons planned for the day. I didn’t, but she told me she wasn’t feeling well and asked if I could take over. I of course agreed, but little did I know she meant literally take over so she could go home. I asked her what she wanted me to do with the kids and her response was whatever I would like.

So she left me for the day with my 33 little rascals. I don’t know if it was because it was a Monday, but my kids were out of control. Jumping on the desks, crying left and right, choking eachother and punching eachother in their stomachs. Their attention span would last for about 10 minutes before I would have to change the activity. However, the main problem is the teacher has never established formal rules. She let's the kids fight and cry giving the excuse, "It happens," or "It's not my responsibility." Nevertheless, I was utterly exhausted by the time the bell rang.

The next day I was absolutely dreading going to the elementary school. Sure enough, my teacher never showed up nor did they have a sub ready for the class. I went up to the principal, informed her that the teacher never came and that I needed the key to the cabinet with all the classroom materials. Without hesitation, she handed me the key and I was on my “merry” way.

This day went a little smoother thanks to PE and getting a little bit of their energy out of their system. I think I was also a little more mentally prepared to have them all on my own too. I had come to class in mind with a few back up activities just in case. I was also able to gauge my time a little better and have somewhat of an idea what to do based on what we did the day before. Now not to say that my day went perfectly smoothly without any hitting, jumping on desks, throwing pencils into the fan or crying because I took coloring books away from them during math time. The most intriguing point for me was when I read a story outloud to the class. Although they had read the story as a class the day before, I knew they probably didn’t comprehend or here the whole story and decided to be the storyteller. Seeing their sparkly wide eyed faces in awe of the story at hand reminded me that these are still little kids. They are entertained by some of the simplest things and although sometimes I want to scold them for behavior, they are still only 7-8 years old.

Turns out the teacher did not show up ALL WEEK. On Thursday, I was asked why I did not come on Wednesday because they needed me. Feeling under the weather on Friday, I knew I would not be able to teach all day if this was the case again. Sure enough, the teacher never showed up but I informed the principal I would have to leave after one hour due to food poisoning. She said it would be fine but asked if any of my colleagues could teach the class. OR if any of my professors were around and could take over. This alone made me realize even more so that we are being used and they are taking advantage of us being at the school. I told her no and went home.

All in all, a stressful and exhausting week. Writing this only makes me want to take a nap.