Generating+Ideas+Reflection


 * LESSON - GENERATING "BIG IDEAS" FOR PERSONAL ESSAYS **

This was an impromptu lesson on a day that Mrs. Collins was out of the classroom working as a mentor for a new teacher. I was nervous to teach without first writing my own lesson and preparing in advance. However, I was pleasantly surprised at my ability to meet the challenge. I felt comfortable and less "stiff" in front of the students and the students were engaged throughout the lesson.

Not having a script playing in my head was an advantage in this situation because it forced me to think on my feet, and I found this led to a more authentic teaching experience. This is not to say I would lay aside careful planning, but the new experience of teaching took me out of my comfort zone, which tends to be very structured. I will certainly continue to plan when possible, but the benefit of this experience was gaining the awareness that I was capable of successfully teaching under these new conditions. It gave me the confidence that I am evolving as a teacher.