En Frente de la clase

Well, Wednesday was my first day as the classroom teach of the 6th grade english classes at Varmond School. Wednesday I did not get much accomplished because there were other things going on all day and I´ve been playing catch up all week. I´m a little behind on my lesson plans but I think I will be able to catch up next week. The way the curriculum is designed at Varmond is that you have to get through one book per month and this month it is really important to get through the book because they have exams the first week of March on the last 2 books and this one. So I have the responsibility of making sure they understand this book and making sure they get review questions on the last two books. I have some ideas for fun review games for them in March. This first week has been a little challenging. The students have decided that Miss Katie being in charge means they don´t really have to pay attention so I´ve had lots of practice with my `teacher voice´. I even had to take away 5 minutes of recess yesterday to show them I was serious. The teacher also lectured them about respecting me, so I think next week will be better when they realize that I´m in charge and that I have a say in their grades this month. They are good kids they just don´t like to focus in English class. It doesn´t help that the class leaders insist upon speaking spanish in the classroom, which is not supposed to be allowed. I have to remind them to speak in English. It´s pretty funny how they think I´m naive because I´m new, but they are forgetting that it was only a few years ago that I was in classrooms pulling those tricks and watching my friends pull them. I see when they pass notes, or are hiding gum. I see when they try and cheat and I´m not stupid enough to fall for the `can i go to the bathroom´ and their best friend asking if they can go get a drink at the same time. They tried to pull that one on me yesterday. I´m also learning who has a crush on who in my classroom. Valentine´s day should be interesting with a bunch of 12 and 13 year olds. :)
My plan for the month is to get through the book and hopefully have time to play the fun games I have planned. I think next week will be better now that they are starting to realize that I mean business. I want to be able to have fun with them but they also have to understand that I´m there to be their teacher. So wish me luck I have lots to do with them on Monday! I will post pictures from the classroom next week and probably take some during the Valentine´s party and festival too. Have a great weekend everyone! Stay tuned for more classroom adventures, and a post on my trip tomorrow to Capula!