I am at the doorsteps of 2011. End of Term 1 of the school year.
*insert BIG BIG BIGGGGG SMILE*
It has been a very long term.
An even longer semester of assignments, presentation and above all else - learning.
This term my personal experiences taught me alot about dealing with my students.
I have learnt more about group dynamics and group work than I ever care for.
Really. Too much. As I went through the process and sometimes emotional distress of group work and activity I understand even more clearly how my students feel when I expect them to work in groups for extended periods of time.
I have learnt how to care and love my students even more. Early in my teaching career I was very taken aback by the amount of attention students needed.
"Miss ah want"
"Miss ah need"
"Miss tell me"
"Miss give me"
"Missssssssssss!"
I could not teach until I have addressed their myriad issues ranging from homework to issues at home to issues with other students. I thought to myself, exasperated "Who am I really supposed to be in this job??? Dey mudder??? Steups."
As the years I have come to know that yes- in loco parentis
I am the mother that they do not have, the father they do not see, the listening ears that they do not experience. I am that for them.
I have learnt to embrace this aspect of my profession.
I find myself getting them Valentine's day presents, Christmas tokens, Children's Day....just because tokens.
It is strange but a good feeling.
