ARE WE DONE YET?!

My recent goals have been going well. I feel that there is a a much better vibe in my classroom as a whole that is helping for students to succeed better. I have started to be more firm about tangents within the classroom. Increasing the focus has provided the students with better notes for the quiz that was given today.

Recently I have had a large influx of students asking, "Are we done yet?" Which is clearly starting to get under my skin as it does with a parent driving a car on a long distance road trip. I am aware that taking notes can be quite a painful task even more so when I hate the sound of my voice, however at some point this is needed for understanding,reinforcement, and instruction. I do think that I have condensed notes that keep things brief and time at the board limited. I allow the kids chances to get to the board and slow the pace of the class. However, it never seems to fail that the students are relentless. I know that there needs to be put a cap on this expression so that I do not lose my sanity. I am not sure of what approach I should take.

I think that my classroom has been better that I provide many digraphs around my room. I like to provide visuals in my room of the chapter that we are currently on so that kids can be use these instead of cheat on their phone or computer. I also think that the visuals help students feel more comfortable to stay on task. I think the colorful pictures also get attention from nosey students.

I have been working on my monitoring of the classroom. I am really trying to hone in on the students that are lacking in skills and afraid to ask questions. I am trying to get to each student at a one on one level to ensure tasks are being completed during the course. I feel that from observations that I watched how other teachers monitor to improve on mine. As I walk around I can hear and notice things from an other level, I like to talk with the students one to one eye level. Having more student work time allows for them to do the work instead of me showing them what is to be done.

Personal addition:
Things have been going well here in Maine. We recently had a hail storm that provided a wonderful 4" of ice on the ground. I have been getting closer to my friends here and I have been able to stay close with my family. The weather seems to be getting on everyones nerves including mine. I am ready for my vacation with Logan and to have my job interview in April.  Living at the dorms tends to get under my skin. The kids are constantly being needy as I would expect since they are high school guys and there are so many of them. I think that there is just too much going on in the dorms and teaching and trying to be part of things at school that have been tough recently. I am learning to live and adapt to surroundings with so many different cultures. This has been an incredible learning experience for myself to teach later English learning students. I am very glad for this time I have. I complain a lot but the guys have been great mostly.

Next week I conquer, "Is this right?" The worst question on the planet!