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1 for the books

Today was interesting. Possibly even all week. The kids are still on vaca in their minds as the previous week was a free week where they did activities till 10 and then had free day till noon.

We release at 1210.

After that, there was a long weekend. So when we leave the room or make a transition, they all go to get their bags because they think its time to go home. On top of that, they are very active and some of their behaviors bleed onto the others whereas it could POSSIBLY be a much more calm group.

Our school has student teachers. . .and Im wondering why as we JUST got the remaining two teachers so that the E and A teachers could be in the same room with each other, the way its supposed to be. I am one of those teachers so I havent had the time to build rapport (for what thats worth with two different languages) or to set and establish routines. That takes time even when everyone speaks the same language. I started school I think the last day in Oct. Immediately, I started assessing with the other teachers. That was for a week. After that, I was allowed to observe for a a week. After that, there was a holiday, then I taught a week. Then a free week followed by a long weekend. So Ive only taught for two weeks counting this one.

I dont think its fair to me or the student teacher for her to be "learning" from me although I WILL say that she may be learning how difficult the initiative is BUT I dont know. . .

She may think it doesnt work. She could think Im an idiot-why did they hire me. She could think a number of things.
Today she asked me why I dont sing songs when the kids are all over the place because they will listen and get back on task. I tried to explain to her the fact that they listen when the Arabic teacher does it because it was taught as a part of the routine. Yes, my closing circle time was a mess today.
No, Im not beating myself up over it. Im going to take a break for the remainder of this day and think about it tomorrow. . .
What can I do differently to keep their attention after theyve had a break and are geared up to play because 15 mins wasnt enough to get the energy out but long enough to take the focus we had before the break?

On a positive note, in an effort to use all of our time wisely and not have any sitting around time, The kids are to read books after snack while waiting for the others to finish as snack time is 30 mins long. I didnt know how they felt about it or if it was something they liked (one of the main things I miss about home-getting to know their personalities and being able to talk to them and have them respond). Today, the schedule was changed and because I wasnt sure what was coming next I didnt bring out the books but a boy walked up to me and opened his hands that were together as if to open a book. He was asking where the books were. I was happy about that.

Now time for a funny story. Sometimes I give stickers. I have to. And when they say the word sticker, you would  think they are native English speakers,lol. Anyway, a boy today had a snot filled nose. I told him to go blow it with words and actions. Although he was speaking Arabic I knew exactly what his response was. . .HE WANTED TO KNOW IF ID GIVE HIM A STICKER IF HE WENT TO BLOW HIS NOSE!!! lol. I told him no and to go blow his nose. After going back and forth about whether or not this would earn him a sticker I shrugged my shoulders and he took that as a maybe and blew his nose.
Could definitely be an argument for intrinsic reinforcement.
In due time. . . In due time Inshallah

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