Practice II – Camila Roldán

Reflection on my observations at School N° 4

During the months of June and July I was able to observe two courses in school N° 4. These were 6th grades and the English teacher in charge was Romina Cheme. During her classes I could observe that she is very confident and assertive. When she is in front of the class, she shows herself in control and she is always ready to be sweet and strict.

I wish to have those characteristics during my classes because I am afraid not to be able to control students in the same way as she does. Closely connected with the managing of disruptive behavior is the tone of voice she uses. She does not shout but her volume is really high and every student in the class listens to her. I know this will be another area in which I will probably have to work as I tend not to be heard.

Romina makes a lot of emphasis in students’ behavior so she does not let anyone be disrespectful. She stops the class each time it is necessary and talks extremely serious to students, in doing so she requires them to look at her in the eyes. I think this is a very good characteristic because children need to be taught not only English but also the rules and patterns of behavior that are appropriate for each place. This contributes to their development as people. Besides, kids of these students’ age need to be put limits because they think they can do what they want without assuming any responsibility or consequence.

The first classes we observed, the teacher was finishing a project and closing the unit of Argentine food. The project consisted in the preparation of simple recipes in class in groups of four or five children. They were filmed by the teacher while they explained the ingredients necessary and the steps to follow. I think this was an interesting idea to put into practice because it motivates students a lot and at the end of the class everyone could eat their productions!

Apart from her skills in classroom management and the variety of activities she uses, Romina has been extremely nice and respectful towards us. She helped us every time we needed something and she even offered us to prepare materials when the children started with the unit of animals. Therefore, we took advantage of that occasion and we designed some activities for the students to work with.

Practice II – Camila Roldán

As regards our relationship with the children, I feel that they totally trust on us and respect us because they always greet us not only with a “Hello” but also with kisses on the cheeks, hugs or even special greetings with the hands. In 6th grade “D” children tend to ask more for our help than in the other course and I think this is because of the difference between the two grades. One seems to be more adolescent-like than the other.

In my opinion, the experience of observing has been more than great, the environment is really positive and the kids are cooperative when learning. I am ready for the next step and I hope to keep on learning in the process.