Open classes, will I do well or get fired?

Yesterday I had my first open class.

What’s an open class? It’s when people from the…district (that’s what we call it at home) well the people from the education office, principal, vice principal, other teachers and even parents can sit in the class to watch you teach. Sometimes they give you feedback and other times they don’t really.

At first I was a bit like “eh…I don’t want people staring at me.” Granted I have kids staring at me all the time.  Then, I was all “Oh yeah, get to teach the kids. Just have a few extra bodies in the back no problem.” 20 minutes before the open class “OMG I’m going to forget everything! What if I forget how to speak English!? OMG OMG I’m going to be fired!”

Yep, I thought I was going to forget my main language and start rambling in German, Spanish, or Japanese. Even worse…all three combined with no English.

My students realized I was nervous and was trying to tell me not to be. They were all “Aisha teacher, don’t worry. You’ll be great!” I was glad someone believed I would be because at that moment I didn’t think so.

People started coming in. Luckily I’ve met them when I went to sit in on an open class, so they weren’t complete strangers. Phew. We started and I felt my nerves. I thought I might pass out. -.-

Of course something had to go wrong…My class started flooding. How? I think it came from the air condition. I was like O.o OMG I’m DOOMED! But while we started it was cleaned up.

Then, we went more into the lesson and it’s like I forgot people were even there looking, writing down notes, and filming it with a video camera. Did not know it was going to be recorded. I was focused on my students and making sure they were understanding the lesson.

They became weather broadcasters! I don’t know why this lesson had me excited. Anyways… While they were writing their scripts, my co-teacher and I walked around to help anyone that needed it. We were all over the room, bending over to write and help out. I felt at ease and realized it’s my class, they are just looking at how it goes on a normal basis.

Next thing you know it was over. We sat down with the visitors to talk. I was waiting on advice to teach better or something. What did I get? None of that. I got “I’ve never seen kids so happy to participate!” “They were speaking in English even when you weren’t talking to them, I was shocked!” and blah blah blah.

I’m like “uh…yeah they tend to be like that.” All of my kids are like that. I told them how they use to be because I guess they were reading me a certain way. I was quiet and just stood there saying a few things here and there. Back then (like a month ago) they wouldn’t say much either. Having that look like “I hate English.” Then later I started loosening up, smiling more and such and they did the same. Now we have this bond that has everyone amazed.

After that open class I realized how well my co-teacher and I work as a pair. If one seems to have a problem, the other will help automatically. It just happens naturally. We learn from each other. I’m sad that she won’t be here next year because she’ll be spending time with her baby. I wish her all the best though. She deserves it. ^_^

When everything was over, my principal and vice principal told me great job. I was all O.o “*bows* thank you!” Even from the guy that came from the education place. That means a lot. Seeing my students trying their hardest yesterday, even my shy ones made me teary. I can say that it was a success.

Now I have to plan for three more this month, because parents are coming to see my after school classes. Yay…Can’t wait until this month of open classes is over. I’ll do my best to show that their children are in good hands.

Anyways until next time~!