Week 1: August 25 - August 29

There were no students for this first week, just lots and lots of planning and meetings. Something I wasn’t totally ready for was Mass at Holy Family Parish. I do not come from a religious background and the last time I attended any church service was when I was probably around 13 years old (and it was all in German). I don’t often get nervous or feel out of my element, but boy did I feel lost on that day. Luckily, my new colleagues were patient and helpful during the service, especially communion, when I had no idea where to walk or what to even do when I got to the front of the line (TQS 1).

This week we also had a meeting to discuss FASD with a specialist, since one of my students this year has FASD and works with a one-to-one EA. We went over strategies and ways to manage his needs in the classroom. I am looking forward to integrating these strategies into my classroom in order to give both him and the other students in the classroom the best possible learning experience (TQS 4).

Something I am a bit worried about is how well I will be able to integrate Indigenous teaching and learning styles into my classroom (TQS 5). I am more worried about this practicum than I have been in other placements, as this school very tightly follows the textbook. Due to the age of the textbook (2003), not much of the content follows or discusses any First Nations, Métis or Inuit aspects. However, I am confident that I will be able to add in my own knowledge of FNMI principles that I have learned throughout my time at the University of Lethbridge.

All of the PD I attended this first week was based on religion, which is not one of the classes that I will be teaching in this placement. However, it was still interesting to learn how Catholic Schools incorporate religious teachings into both the religion specific courses and non-religious courses (TQS 2). I look forward to teaching in an environment that is new to me and I hope being present in this school can allow me to form new understandings of my own spirituality (TQS 1).

Starting in the school on day one is definitely much scarier than walking into an already established classroom culture. There is also much more prep work than I expected with course outlines and presentations to give in the gym for option classes. So far I am the most nervous about speaking into a microphone in front of the whole school, since I don’t really know how close to hold it from my face. I have this weird fear that I’m going to put it too close to my mouth and cause a big feedback noise. Overall however, I am extremely excited to begin teaching!

​

Week 2: September 2 - September 5

This was the first week with students in the classroom but it still didn’t feel like a real start to the school year. This is definitely because, at St. Mary’s, they start with Spirit Week to get the students excited for the year. However, this means that you lose a period every day to an assembly and games in the gym. Additionally, Friday was Blue Day, where there are no classes, just fun activities for the whole day. I ended up having to shift a lot of my lesson plans to the next day or even the next week (TQS 3).

On the first day of each class, I chose not to use a seating arrangement. I explained to the students that I will only use one if it becomes necessary. From this short week, I have already decided that I need a seating arrangement for my Grade 9s. I will be implementing a seating arrangement on Monday for them, which will not come as a surprise to the students (TQS 3).

Classroom engagement so far is quite high, students are excited to answer questions and participate in my class (TQS 1). Many students have already told me that I am their favourite teacher (TQS 1).

The students also got to pick their options this week. I decided to teach a class about dinosaurs and paleontology! Unfortunately, I only had 5 students pick my option class. This means that next week, I’ll need to get some students to switch into my class so that it doesn’t get dissolved. I am planning to bring in all my coolest fossils and explain to students that this option will only be available this trimester (hopefully students will decide to try it out) (TQS 3).

What I am feeling a bit nervous about is conducting fun but also safe labs with my students (TQS 4). Some of the chemicals we will be using in Grade 9 can be kind of dangerous, so I just hope they are able to properly follow instructions and be respectful. We will get into some hands-on labs next week!

 

Week 3: September 8 - September 12

This week was the first full real week of classes. I have been having an increasingly difficult time with classroom management (TQS 3). The seating arrangement has helped but not as much as I have anticipated. I had some good discussions with the students about how I should structure my classroom management (TQS 1).

My TA has recommended that I try to talk slower when teaching to help my ELL students (TQS 4). He also recommended I put more effort into wait time, so that all my students can all have the opportunity to participate (TQS 4).

I have also been invited to observe some other teachers’ classrooms to get a better sense of how they manage the classroom (TQS 2). I’m hoping that this will help inform my decision making with my disruptive students, while also making my classroom environment more inviting (TQS 4).

 

Week 4: September 15 - September 18

This week I had to try really hard to maintain my expectations (TQS 3). The main part of the week was fine, but by the end of the week my grade 9s were totally out of control! However, I think I have discovered the problem… twins who just cannot stand even being near each other (TQS 3).

As for wait time, I think I have gotten better. When I ask questions now, I actively count in my head, and wait way longer than what feels comfortable before calling on a student (TQS 4). Because of this, I have seen an increase in student participation from the students who usually don’t raise their hands (TQS 4).

I talked to my TA about it and he assured me that even though I am behind according to my plan, I am still in line with all the other science classes in the school (TQS 2).

​

Week 5: September 22 - September 26

For this week, I can definitely report that keeping the twins separated works much better (TQS 3). There was a good level of participation and it was not nearly as loud as before.

This week we began my first big group assignment with my grade 9s. I was quite nervous about how well the groups would work with each other (TQS 4). One group seems to be excluding one of their members… I think I am going to talk to Caleb (my TA) about how I should navigate this type of student to ensure he is getting the best education possible (TQS 1, 4).

I was a bit nervous to be observed this week, especially since we would be doing a lab that required a fair amount of trust from my grade 8s. Luckily, I have built up strong expectations and boundaries for lab activities (TQS 3).

I got to meet many of my students’ parents at Meet The Staff night (TQS 1).

My goal for next week is to follow up with the students who are currently failing my class or missing many assignments. I think I will also ask Caleb how he would handle students with many missing assignments (TQS 2).

​

Week 6: September 29 - October 3

This week had a very strange vibe. After the strike vote on Monday, there were a lot of gloomy feelings in the class. It was tough for me to say goodbye on Friday, not knowing when I would see them again (TQS 1).

I was able to make some parent phone calls this week and discuss some of my more troubled students (TQS 1). This really helped me feel more grounded in my teaching practice and less of an imposter in the workplace (TQS 2).

I revamped my whole classroom management strategy to ensure that even without my voice, I would still be able to control my classroom (TQS 3).

One of my students felt so overwhelmed by the state of my classroom they went to the counselor to talk about it (TQS 4). I reflected on how to ensure emotional safety in my classroom (TQS 4).

Today I attended the world teacher rally in Lethbridge to show my support (TQS 2).

 

Week 7: October 6 - October 10

I did not do anything related to my practicum this week. I have still not gotten over my illness and I have also unfortunately spread it to the rest of my family.

This next week, I plan on getting some work done on my E-portfolio to ensure it is ready for the midpoint check-in (TQS 2, 6). I also want to get some planning done for the next unit in both my science 8 and 9 (TQS 3).

I have decided to reduce my screen time on my phone and avoid doom-scrolling online, which I think is helping both my mental health and sleep schedule (TQS 2). I look forward to getting back to the teacher mindset next week if I am finally feeling better (TQS 1).