Day 8

Well, apparently the excitement of a new teacher in the classroom is starting to wear off.  The children were sooo chatty today, it was crazy! They couldn't even handle getting a book out of their desk without talking.  I tried everything - turned off the lights, they were quiet. As soon as I turned them back on, they were talking.  I said, "Marshmallows!" (which is when they hold their breath, their cheeks puff out and it looks like they have marshmallows in their mouths... its a technique to make them stop talking haha) which usually works like a charm - not so much today.  So, finally, I just stopped in the middle of my lesson, and said "I'm going to tell you guys something.  I have a professor in college right now that will be grading me on my teaching.  He will be coming in to watch me teach, and part of that grade is how well I can keep you guys on task and listening to directions.  So, when he is here watching me, if you are talking and not paying attention like you are today, it will make me get a bad grade.  I am going to try my best to be your teacher, but I need you to try your best to stay on task and follow directions."  After that, they looked like they felt really bad and were silent for the rest of the lesson.  One boy came up to me about 10 minutes later and said, "Miss Trundle, thank you so much for teaching us."  My heart melted! It was so sweet.  I truly do love my class already, but it was just crazy in there today! Hopefully tomorrow will be better. =)