Whole Class, Whole Mind

Preparing to teach in front of a full class is a daunting assignment. I am incredibly excited to be in front of a class, but being up there for the first time, and working out all the details in lesson plans is a bit nerve-wracking. Trying to think of every possible outcome for questions being posed to the class, and the activities that the students will be taking part in is important, because by thinking of all different scenarios, I know we will be prepared for anything that happens. Because the students are in sixth grade, it seems more intimidating. The content taught to younger grades is generally content I have been taught over the course of my academic career, but to varying degrees of difficulty. Truthfully, I do not remember much of sixth grade, much less about metamorphic rocks and the rock cycle. Being sure to have read up on all the information I need to effectively teach the class as well as answer all the questions the students may have is important to ensure I am providing students with all the information they could possibly need. Practicing the slides I will be teaching to the class is helpful because the other members of my fieldwork group are able to give feedback and help ensure I will be fully prepared for teaching when our opportunity comes.