As a graduate teacher I share something in common with my students this year.....The first day of school is a little daunting. I have my induction in 48 hours. I can not wait to actually meet my classes a week later, but I must admit to feeling a little unsure about my first day (s) as a staff member...meeting new colleagues, finding my way around a new environment, learning how everything is done, and learning what the expectations are. Have I got everything I need? Have I done enough planning? What are others doing? Is the planning I have done suitable for the cohort I will be teaching?
I wonder how many of my students are beginning to feel the same way this week....nervous about who will be in their classes, not sure about finding their way around a new school, or with new teachers, a little (or very) anxious about how things will be done in their new classes and what the expectations will be this year?
As I move through this week, as the 'new kid on the block' I can learn a lot about the things that help me feel more confident in my environment. I can apply that learning then to my classes, hopefully, to help my students feel more confident. What parts of the school environment prove tricky to negotiate? Where do I get lost getting to and from?
One of the challenges of a life long learner is to notice the learning you do, and apply it to other situations, and use it to support other learners. To make my own learning visible makes it useful to others.
So for my classroom....
I can admit my struggles. We all learn from struggling and feeling uncomfortable.
I can admit my mistakes.....when we know others have made mistakes, survived and moved on, we become more confident to recover from our own mistakes.
I can be clear about our class routines and expected behaviour, providing some security in the mundane.
I can be patient as students find their feet. A friendly conversation or email may be all they need to get their confidence on track
I can work hard to get to know the individuals in my class...what are their passions, favourite subjects, biggest struggles etc
And most of all I can remember what it feels like to be the 'new' person, not quite sure of anything and feeling the way as we go and I can reassure my students that the class space is their space as much as mine, we are in this together and we are going to learn a lot together.
Let the graduate journey really begin.