I'm not really sure what it is, or how to describe it, but I sit here writing my blog after a weekend of pondering my experience last week with the middle schoolers and I can only really think of one thing...they don't like me.
I took a back seat for the first week. Literally. Sat in the back and watched. The students. The teachers. The rooms. Just watched and soaked it all in. I'm not exactly the type who sits in the back silent, EVER. So this past week I was excited to get up and move around the classroom. That excitement was short lived.
Tuesday, movie day. Again. The students in Maureen's classes were still catching up with the Great Debaters. Going back to the speeches and filling out their graphic organizers. Not much I could do there.
Friday was a different story. Students in Tonya's class were working on creating their arguments about school uniforms. I was thrilled to be able to walk around the room and check out student work while offering help and answers to questions. But to my surprise the students weren't as excited as I was.
"Can I read what you wrote?"
"NO."
"I guess."
"Do you need some help? Are you stuck?"
"NO."
"I'm fine."
I'm not sure how to tackle this problem I'm having. I feel like I am an intruder in their classroom and they are never going to open up to me. How do I teach students who aren't open to the idea of me being in their classroom? Teacher week is approaching fast and I'm not sure I have the answer to this question yet.
I'M NOT ALONE!!!! I really don't know what to think or do at this point. I have been trying to stay back and be an observer -doesn't work. I try helping with their work- they don't need my help. As much as I don't want to say it I can't help but wonder if it's the setting we are in?? It's crossed my mind atleast 5 times this week.
ReplyDeleteHmmm I'm not going to pretend I have the answers here- middle schoolers can be tough! BUT- What I do know is that these kids are at the age where there is still a shell around them- it takes time to break through. This is done by just being there, showing them you're there to help- even when they don't need it. but the key is not to give up- these kids are so intuitive- they can sooo tell when you're aggravated or not having a good time. they feed off of the energy you put out. You got this, just try and relax and have fun :) (easier said than done though) Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI echo Faith. These middle schoolers won't be as open as the high schoolers, who can relate to you more. Using your humor and good cheer, as well as being enthusiastic about their work and their lives, will do wonders!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Faith, it is just going to take time to get them to open up to you. I feel like all the extra days off this month plus this holiday week only make it harder for the studetns to get used to us being in their classroom...we got more time with the students in the high schools...this time there were four day weeks and this week is three days.
ReplyDeleteMegan use that big happy smile and charm them! As you know I am always smiling and I have noticed that giving these kids big warm smiles has made them approach me much more easily as well as let me help them with their work! Just be you! :)
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