A few days ago, my teaching assistant commented on how she admired my passion in teaching my kids English. I was quite surprised considering the fact that I have so much less energy in the class now compared to how I first started off as a teacher three years ago.
I told her that I felt guilty of not bringing more energy into the classroom, especially when I'm currently teaching 8-year olds that are so active and curious. I reflected as well about my attitude in the classroom this past 8 months and noticed that I lose my temper and raised my voice much more often than how I used to three years ago. I also realised that there are so much less classroom activities. I no longer do stations, competitions, show-downs, extensive games or challenges as I used to. All I rely on now are my groupings and point counters. I feel so disappointed in myself.
I also told my teaching assistant that I am so much more tired this year. I could not even stand up for an entire 1 hour in the class anymore (and I am 27!). I used to take pride in standing for extended hours without feeling tired.
This week, I started small (: Change comes slowly, one step at a time, right?
So this week I revived my voice by adding in more drama. I try to have more expressive voices throughout the day. My kids love it and they could not stop laughing (so earning brownie points here!).
I also revived classroom lesson openings with little games. Hangman to guess the study topic, singing (my singing has really gone into the drain but my kids are ever so forgiving, sob) and also "Back at the board". My goodness, my kids went crazy about "Back at the board" as we did this yesterday for a grammar revision activity on "Prepositions"!
I'm a happy teacher today~~~
