Back in the Saddle again

So this past week I have been in a classroom teaching again. This is the first time in a couple of years.
I had forgotten a few things about the stress of teaching. I

1. It is important to remain hydrated. The voice is crucial to the success of the class and if you dry yours out you will not be speaking very long. It is important in the hydration to space it correctly as you will need to manage breaks appropriately.

2. Listening skills are a wonderful thing to maintain contact with the students. Taking what they tell you allows you to tailor the class and give the students what they need.

3. Packing a good lunch will make the day go easier. Balance in food is important and this will give you the energy to make it through the day.

4. Pacing yourself is important; part of the joy of teaching is to give energy and excitement to your students. If you go to hard too soon you won’t make the week. If you don’t give enough, the students can get tired and worn. Balance is important.

5. Fun is important, if it is not fun people get bored, when they get bored their learning drops badly.

6. No matter what happens you are in charge of the class and what goes right and what goes wrong. Make it work.


So that’s my memory for this week, lots of fun, and I still love the light bulbs going on when the student learns something new.