My first day at school

My first day at school has been an interesting one. It was truly an eye-opener. I reached school early in the morning and I saw that the students were already there and some of them were already having fun with their friends. They were so noisy and excited, as how children would behave.

Mrs W introduced the news teachers to the school. I did not expect that she would also introduce me. Afterall, I am only a teacher on attachment. Yet she did. The students were so excited and happy to see new faces.

As there were no specific plans for my attachment, I shadowed Mdm M for the day. When she taught in the class, I sat at the back of the classroom and observed how she managed the class. The class that she is handling for this semester is that of a class of lower ability. Yet, they did not come across that negatively to me. The students still participated actively in class and answered the questions that Mdm M asked with enthusiasm. When assigned written work, the students did it diligently.

Somehow, through the students' behaviour and their eyes, I do not see much of a tinge of sensitivity to the streaming of abilities which have been imposed by adults.

There was just so much to absorb today. The school itself has so many procedures which I only have a vague idea so far. But I think , things would improve as the time goes by.

I also had a chat with the school librarian. She was warm and friendly and told me stories of the children who visit the library. There are instances when the children stay in the library just to avoid certain classes. There are instances when the children stay in the library just for the air-conditioning.

They have this innocent look on their faces, especially when faced with an adult. A tinge of fear yet with a degree of curiosity. They simply melt my heart.

While, I had good experiences today, there is one issue that I have to work it out myself. I have yet to decide on the range of tolerance of the noise level made by the children. Noises can be positive and they can be negative too. HOw much of the negative noise can I accept? I am not as nice as Mdm M. I tend to be a little stricter and I know I am a no-nonsense kind of person. I guess I can only work that out as time goes by.

A prayer of thanks.......


Dear Lord

Thank you for your blessings and guidance today. Although there has not been much of a structure, I tried to work within the constraints. I am glad that somehow, I am able to feel comfortable when among the children and teachers. I pray for your further blessings and guidance that I will soon be able to establish my own style and character and be able to help the children move on and appreciate learning. At the same time, I pray that I will be able to pick up as much as I can during this one month in preparation for the training and NIE and the actual teaching experience that will soon be coming up.

Thank you Lord.

In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen.