Sunday, January 18, 2009

Session #1

Hi,

Our homework of writing myths in group has kept us busy this week! I wanted to give the students some background info before letting them go ahead and write their stories. Having done research on countries on West Africa and creating their own picture books has really helped.

This week we read several African myths as a class and independently to come up with the characteristics of African myths. From here, the students have orally planned for their stories. Tomorrow they will be ready to write their stories. I'm really excited to hear their stories.

We have also started our unit on Ancient Africa in Social Studies. The students are very enthusiastic! The students have started with a lot of prior knowledge because of our study of modern West Africa.

The students enjoyed the first session. We have further talked in class about the stereotypes of an opera singer (e.g., fat lady with horns on her head singing at the top of her lungs!).

At North Kiping we have very high expectations when it comes to behaviour. I was not impressed with the students behaviour. They exhibited behaviours that they would not in the classroom (e.g., calling out, not fully paying attention, etc.) I know they were very excited and hence we saw such behaviours however, having 35 students, I find it important to run a structured program with clear expectations and consequences. The students are very smart and know exactly who they can take advantage of. Can I please suggest, Sedina, that you set your expectations clear with them. It will make the remainder of our time together go smoothly. Thanks!

Looking forward to Tuesday. Also, will we be needing the piano every week. If so, I will have to change the location of our practises since the piano is not on the stage.

Sona

2 comments:

  1. Hi Sona,

    We will definitely endeavour to establish a good standard of behaviour. I will discuss at the beginning of the class on Tuesday. So saying, I didn't find that their behaviour was out of line, but I wouldn't want to set a standard lower than what you have been establishing. So this is well noted and I will attend to it.

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  2. Thanks again. From your point of view you are 100% right - their behaviour wasn't terrible. However, I was disappointed because they do not act the way they did in class. I also know that they were really excited and enthusiastic about the program. Thanks for your understanding.

    I will be away next week. I am in training all of next week. Since the training is at North Kipling, I will try to attend for the hour. If not, there will be a supply teacher.

    See you tomorrow!

    Sona

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