Kids deserve it!

I came across this image one day in the holidays as I was scrolling on Facebook. Another one of my teacher friends had commented on  it, so I decided to read it and I am so glad that I did. This year I have made a conscious effort to regulate my behavior and energy in class. 

Once I read it, it made me reflect on my own attitudes and behaviors in class. I did notice that some times when I was at a point where I would raise my voice and reprimand students, they would be shocked/ taken aback. I think that I had always told myself that I was firm but fair but in hindsight, I was probably not as fair as I thought I was or should have been. I think at times I would fly off the handle a little bit and let my temper get the better of me, certainly far more often than I should. I think my behavior and reactions at times seemed erratic to the kids, and perhaps they felt uncomfortable knowing what the expectation was because I would go from joking and having fun to super serious quite suddenly. I realized that at times I was taking my frustrations out on the kids and that it wasn't fair. 

This year I have put this picture above my desk (not that I sit at it too often!) I look at it every day and I use it to help remind me that the kids will feed off my energy and that I am in charge of my own actions and emotions as the adult and the professional. I have found half way through last year when I changed my eating and exercise habits, my energy levels changed also. It was around this that I realized I was less irritable and just happier in general in class because i had more energy and was looking after myself better. I noticed the impact this had on the relationships with my students, so I knew that I was a major part of a problem that until that point, I didn't even know existed!! Funnily enough, it hasn't actually been that difficult or arduous a task, but conscious efforts have really made a massive difference to how I feel about my practice, my relationships with my kids and in turn their productivity and work output. 

Every day I have made a conscious decision to walk into school the happiest, warmest, best version of myself. Not just into the classroom, into school: through the halls, in the barn, in the car park, From the first kid arriving until the last kid has left, I am ready to explore and laugh with them all day. I'm constantly on the search for magical moments, full of high fives and radiating energy all around. I am ready to surround them with love, encouragement and hope. I am my best each and every single day - because the kids deserve it! 

"Thank you for not laughing at us when we fail"

This year, I am teaching the Level 3 Physical Education Sports Leadership (3PESL) course. One of the assessments requires the students to plan, deliver and evaluate a beginners level coaching session. Last year, we did this assessment at the end of the year and it was quite rushed. Only 4 students in the class attempted and achieved this standard and they planned lessons for our junior classes.

This year, we have the Rosehill Satellite school on site, replacing our previous XA unit. One day I saw Rosehill using the gym for their physical education sessions and it gave me the idea to approach them and see if they would be interested in having our 3PESL students coaching/ teaching them. I know in the past that previous teachers have done this with the XA unit. This year is Rosehill's first year on our campus, and I thought it would be an awesome opportunity to integrate them into school life. Plus, there were also already some connections made with their involvement in our Whanau sports day.

They have been coming to our PE class for a couple of weeks now. This video is of one student Shanaia making a successful shot on Tuesday 26th. The students self selected one of two activities: Shooting drills for those who are confident and wanted a more fast paced activity, or another station for those who were less confident and wanted to practice catching, passing and shooting (more stationary). Shanaia chose this station as well as about 6 others. They all took turns and were trying their best the whole time. Whether they got it in or not, they were positive and supportive of others.

At the end of the lesson, I always give our Rosehill students an opportunity to put their hand up and say something if they wish. After this lesson, Shanaia put her hand up and thanked us all for allowing them to join us for our PE lessons, which was nice. However, the thing that Shanaia said that struck me the most was "and thank you for not laughing at us when we fail". This really warmed my heart and made me realise that this is far more than just a PE lesson for them. At times, teaching can feel like I am just here to tick a box and meet a target, and the true essence of meaningful teaching gets lost amidst the admin. I felt like the work we are doing is meaningful and will make a lasting impression on both the Rosehill and 3PESL students, as they are learning a lot about working with special and different needs to. It presents a major challenge to me to ensure that the lasting impression is a positive one, and that every student involved finishes this year confident and wanting to continue learning! I am really looking forward to developing this particular class learning and seeing what amazing experiences we can all be part of.

Education Council: Our Codes, Our Standards

Below are the new code and standards for teachers. This is what I am required to show evidence of in my practice. This blog is where I will share examples, challenges, and reflections of my constant journey towards transformation and effective teaching.

PTC Criteria for registered teachers

Hello world :)

I am new to blogging and this is my first post! I will use this blog to reflect on my practice and collect evidence towards my teacher registration The evidence I need to collect is based on these 12 PTC criteria.

I would very much appreciate any comments or feedback on future posts.

Nikki :)