Well I survived. Even better, I think I flourished (as well as someone can given the situation). My outfit was perfect (a nice dress from Marks, business but functional), my questions were inquisitive but not annoying and I brought a gift for my mentor teacher (MT) (a 6 pack of tissue boxes).
I think I made a good first impression. My MT did introduce me as "Mrs. Groth" but that was fixed by the end of the day. I'm thinking I'll go by "Mrs. G". Sounds cool and kids can't turn it into "Mrs. Gross" - a definite sign of dislike amongst the students!
So what did I do all day you ask? Basically I sat back and observed MT for the day. MT seems like a laid back teacher, doesn't let stuff get to them. I felt a little like a lost puppy, but what else am I suppose to do? Kick MT aside and start teaching. It is only the first day, I'll save that sort of activity until at least Thursday!
The one thing I noticed was the difference between the theory I'll learn in teachers college and the realities of the classroom. It's all fine and dandy to "teacher talk" till the cows come home, but realistically the kids will run you over. They're only 8-9 years old but they'll eat you alive if you let them! There is definitely a fine line between enforcing the rules/expectations and being considered a hard ass.
Tomorrow, I get to do an "energizer" activity with the kids. I'm going to do two games, one called "That's me" and the other one is called "Line em'up". I'll spare you the details, but will let you know how it went. Fingers crossed that none of the kids boo me and call me Mrs. Gross!
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