Do you sometimes feel that you have no idea what you are doing? that's how I felt today.
When learners come from Grade 3 to Grade 4, they come across a big change in the curriculum. Grades 1-3 only focus on Literacy, Numeracy and Life-skills. In grade 4 there are 9 Learning Areas. (Home Language [English]; First additional language [Afrikaans]; Mathematics; Social Science [History & Geography]; Natural Science [Science & Biology]; EMS [Economic Management Science]; Life Orientation; Technology; and Arts and Culture [Music, Dance, Drama And Visual Arts]).
This is my first year that I start the year with the grade 4's. Last year I only came to grade four during the second term (I used to be with the Grade 2's). So when I started at grade 4 last year, they already knew how to work, and they could work on their own. I never knew that they struggled this much in the beginnig of the year. The leaners can barely open a book on their own, you have to help them (I guess that they might be affraid to work in the wrong book). I can't ask them to write today's date, for they won't do it unless I write it on the black board. Theydo not understand when I say, "Write it on the top line" or "Skip one line." Or "Write in one line only, not two."
Last year when I got here, Every one could work by themself, and I could immediately start working with them. Now, I have to show them how to work; step-by-step. I didn't plan for this, so now I have to go and revise my planning for the first few weeks. Yet another thing which makes my 'start-of-the-year-chaos' more chaotic.
Speaking of which, two new learners started in grade four today; Kingsly and Bokang. Neither of them say much, they cannoth write their own names, and they just stare when I speak to them, so I'm not even sure if they understan English. At least when I put my finger to my mouth and said "shhhhhhhhhh", Bokang knew that I meant "Be quiet." Kingsly just kept on talking to, what I believe is his imaginary friend. But I'm sure that we'll get them sorted in no time.
Luckily, on days like these, I feel that things can only get better (Well, let's hope so anyway).
Happy learning!
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I have to give you a lot of credit for what you do. Honestly, I don't think I could do it myself. It takes a special kind of person to be a teacher.
ReplyDeleteHang in there...