The Lesson Plan

The wait for my first class felt like forever.

One by one, I saw my friends and co-teachers leave for home and I have yet to start my first class that begins at 2:30. I’m glad to have some of my former ‘09 students keep me company as I counted down the clock. Although I don’t expect that to happen too often after today; they will be very busy soon even with the additional breaks. (But I’m sure some will be back. They can’t wait to meet Darth Tater! ^_^)

When that 2:25 bell finally rang, I just told myself, “It’s show time.”

(Quick confession: I tell myself that every time before I begin my first class for the day.)

I felt nervous, to be honest. I always feel nervous on the first day because I don’t know how my students would react to me even if I know how to solicit the reactions I want. To relax me a bit, a senior teacher just told me that eventually nothing will surprise you anymore. But I don’t want to feel that. I want to be surprised! The nervousness kept me on my toes, denying me the luxury of being able to expect anything. That’s always a wonderful feeling when meeting someone for the first time.

Or rather, some sixty or so people.

I met Camia at 2:26. I allowed myself some time to prepare and waited for the second bell before I finally greeted the class. But somehow, it felt like it wasn’t going to come. So I asked the class, “Did the bell ring already?”

They replied, “Yes, sir.”

Ah. So we greeted each other.

Then the bell rang.

“Oh, Camia. You’re sneaky. I like that!” And I actually wrote ’sneaky’ on the class list. “I just recorded my first impression. They say first impressions last so let’s see how long you do.” It was a hilarious moment marking that the school year is officially under way!

I met Adelfa right after them and it was during that class I felt my rustiness creep in. Well, it has been two months after all so I shouldn’t be too hard on myself if I messed up a line or two or more or even more. We had a lot of funny moments though such as the “NOTES”, as well as some really good responses in the recitation.

Great start to both classes!

For today, I began with a little survey of how they felt about history and demonstrated how everything they didn’t like about history is everything we won’t be doing. I just hope that I didn’t set their expectations of me too high. Nonetheless, I intend to deliver on all of my promises. I’m going all out this year so let’s all see how it goes.

I end this post for now but the first day isn’t over yet.

Tomorrow I meet Rosal, Dahlia and Ilang-Ilang for the first time. I can’t wait! See you all tomorrow.