Lame Duck...Therefore, I Teach

As it is late in the ball game with regard to student teaching, I have a few plans for my class. I'm kind of in a lame duck position, finishing up the unit with one more assessment and then quickly handing off the class back to my cooperating teacher. That being said, this is the perfect opportunity to try some new things.

I've already been able to experiment and have some fun with my teaching methods this last week. The students almost went into shock when they saw me access the computer to show them a clip from Youtube. Needless to say, technology is not something that they are used to having in the classroom setting. Seeing this, I realized that I have to leave with a bit of "shock and awe" for the students come next week.

I plan on modifying an experiential learning activity next week about WWI, by flipping the desks over and having students hide in their "trenches" and record their experience in their notebooks as if its a journal. I plan to flicker the lights like artillery rounds lighting up the skies, while simultaneously war noises are blaring in the background to add effect. Some students will be lying in "no man's" land and others will be required to rescue them. Overall, the experience is intended to get the students excited about the material that they will be learning as I leave the classroom.

While there are still some kinks to work out and some modifications being made, I'm so excited to leave the students with an activity like this. I have not had an opportunity to REALLY ENGAGE the class in a full-blown activity like this. It will be good to leave on such a positive note with the students and to have some fun on my last few days. And that's the joy of being a lame duck right? Being yourself and trying new things!