I haven’t been sleeping well, you guys know that.
The reason is because I have a lesson observation on Thursday. I am pretty used to being observed by my manager, but this time it is her along with the Head Teacher, coming to see me in action.
But there are so many things running through my brain all the time, regarding said observation!
Oh My God!
What if…
- …I am doing EVERYTHING wrong!
- …I goof up?
- …the kids don’t listen?
- …I can’t speak?
- …I don’t live up to the expectations of the management?
- …my lesson just ‘doesn’t work’?
- …I can’t control the kids?
- …my staff don’t react in the way I’d like them to?
- …the children look bored?
- …things don’t go to plan?
- …the kids don’t learn?
I’ve spent nights thinking about specific activities that show the children being ‘stretched’ through play, and whether the activity makes sense/is fun/is beneficial/ticks the relevant boxes with regards to the learning intention I hope to achieve.
I worry about whether my behaviour management techniques with the children will be deemed to ‘work’. The children I am being observed with are lovely, but there are a couple of children with additional needs, and the obligatory behavioural issues, not to mention English as an Additional Language for most of the class!
Everything needs to be simple, they are three or four years old. But not too simple that it doesn’t challenge the children that are more able.
I have the additional pressure of the fact that when my colleague was observed, there were a lot of ‘issues’ pointed out, and I know that management want to see me addressing these issues, which I will.
I am confident in myself… until someone comes along to judge me.
Then I go to pot.
I’m the same with exams. I know what is needed, but put me under that exam pressure, and I crumble!
But I am worried that I’ll stutter, or I’ll waffle, to overcompensate and over explain things to the kids, waffling away, as is the case with me normally, so imagine what ‘over-waffling’ could be like?!
Oh dear God, see! I am waffling on here again already… you are reading my nerves!!!!
So please, wish me luck for tomorrow.
Rae Longest
May 02, 2017 @ 13:34:05
What Ifs will kill you! You must read Shel Silverstein’s poem titled “What If”.
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Ritu
May 02, 2017 @ 17:51:29
I shall find it and read it!!!
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Wild Child
May 02, 2017 @ 12:03:31
I’m betting you came through with a glowing report. 🙂 You are so beautifully human my Dear. 🙂 XO
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Wild Child
May 02, 2017 @ 12:04:58
I adore your little illustrations BTW! 😀
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Ritu
May 02, 2017 @ 12:12:21
Credit to Bitmoji for those!!!
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Ritu
May 02, 2017 @ 12:13:52
Thank you so much!
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Ritu
May 02, 2017 @ 12:14:10
I got Good with Outstanding features!!!
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jeremy@thirstydaddy
Apr 30, 2017 @ 16:24:44
we all struggle with this sometimes. Hope it all works out! Good luck!
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Ritu
Apr 30, 2017 @ 16:25:48
Thanks Jeremy! Got Good with Outstanding features!!!
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Think. Write. Inspire.
Apr 30, 2017 @ 16:16:00
Sounds like you are putting way too much pressure on yourself. Just breathe. I have been teaching college Public Speaking classes for almost 20 years. It’s good to be a little nervous. It turns into energy when you are up in front of others. Just take a deep breath, smile, and know you’ve got this.
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Ritu
Apr 30, 2017 @ 16:25:25
Thank you!!!
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angelanoelauthor
Apr 30, 2017 @ 15:08:11
I think you’ll be amazing. So what if they point out an “issue,” that’s their job right? They’re looking for issues- so they WILL find them. It’s like they’re on an Easter egg hunt and they can’t come home without some plastic goodies in their basket. I don’t know if it’s helpful at all to imagine your evaluators in giant bunny suits. . . Good luck! (Even though you don’t need it.)
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Ritu
Apr 30, 2017 @ 16:09:46
Lol!!!! Thank you Angela!!! In the end I got Good with Outstanding features! We’ll chuffed!!! 😊
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Parul Thakur
Apr 30, 2017 @ 10:14:32
You will do great. Good luck and tell us more when it’s done and dusted.
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Ritu
Apr 30, 2017 @ 12:00:25
It was good Parul!
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Nilma Macedo Paulino
Apr 28, 2017 @ 18:37:31
I like your Blog!
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Ritu
Apr 28, 2017 @ 18:38:41
Thanks 😊
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Judy E Martin
Apr 27, 2017 @ 20:12:04
Oh Sis, I hope that it all went well todayand that you showed them just how wonderful you are!! 🙂
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Ritu
Apr 27, 2017 @ 20:23:22
Thanks sis..put it this as..I’m relieved it’s over!!!
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susieshy45
Apr 27, 2017 @ 08:19:58
Ritu
Good luck and hope the ordeal is soon over.
Sure you will come through in flying colors.
Susie
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Ritu
Apr 27, 2017 @ 08:43:10
Thank you so.much!!
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oneta hayes
Apr 26, 2017 @ 23:49:51
You know you are a good teacher. Don’t let it get to you! You’ll sail through. My “observations” long ago were sometimes unannounced. The observers were fair and they chose the better times of the day, when a real lesson was going on. I was relieved when they became planned observation times, but it does lead to more stress and anxieties.
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Ritu
Apr 27, 2017 @ 06:48:33
It’s hard because I should have been observed a month ago.. . but it got delayed with one thing or another. Hanging over your head for so long. that’s no fun! Thank you!
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fattymccupcakes
Apr 26, 2017 @ 23:48:37
Good luck!! I HATE observation time! Just think, you will feel so amazing when it is done and over with!
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Ritu
Apr 27, 2017 @ 06:47:31
Oh man I so hope so hun!
roll on the end of the day today… My Observation isn’t until after lunch… and I really don’t know when feedback will be either!!
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fattymccupcakes
Apr 27, 2017 @ 15:29:14
I hate waiting for the feedback!! How did it go??
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Ritu
Apr 27, 2017 @ 17:03:14
Posting later on… but does this give you a clue? 😁😁😁😁😁
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fattymccupcakes
Apr 27, 2017 @ 17:19:57
Hehe!! Good!
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Ritu
Apr 27, 2017 @ 17:27:32
😉
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Chris White
Apr 26, 2017 @ 21:24:56
Have fun, Ritu. Let us know how you get on.
Remember … they will know how you feel as they’ve been through it.
And one day … you’ll be the observer.
😊😊😊🍹
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Ritu
Apr 26, 2017 @ 21:26:50
Thank you Chris! I will let you all know once I get my feedback!!! 😊
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noellekelly
Apr 26, 2017 @ 17:36:46
Best of luck lady (But I’m sure it’s not needed!) 😁
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Ritu
Apr 26, 2017 @ 18:04:04
Thank you Noelle!!!
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Kathy
Apr 26, 2017 @ 16:40:53
Good luck!
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Ritu
Apr 26, 2017 @ 17:44:56
Thank you 😊
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colinandray
Apr 26, 2017 @ 15:07:54
Just remember that you, like me (and like them) are not perfect and do make mistakes. Hopefully they are mature enough, and professional enough, to allow for you being self-conscious under those circumstances and, if they have trouble with that rationale… give them my email address!!!! Have a wonderful day tomorrow.. and just be yourself! 🙂
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Ritu
Apr 26, 2017 @ 17:44:10
Aw thank you for your words Colin 😙
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colinandray
Apr 26, 2017 @ 17:48:09
🙂
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Linda
Apr 26, 2017 @ 14:57:22
Good Luck!! I’m sure you’re worrying over nothing – you’ll do great! 🙂
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Ritu
Apr 26, 2017 @ 17:42:51
I hope so! Thank you Linda!
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Linda
Apr 26, 2017 @ 23:45:43
You’re welcome! 🙂
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Yinglan
Apr 26, 2017 @ 14:41:51
Good luck!
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Ritu
Apr 26, 2017 @ 17:42:35
Thank you 😊
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syl65
Apr 26, 2017 @ 13:54:40
Oh and get some good sleep later!!
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Ritu
Apr 26, 2017 @ 17:42:15
Fingers crossed Brother!!!
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syl65
Apr 26, 2017 @ 17:49:47
Mine too Sister!!!
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syl65
Apr 26, 2017 @ 13:54:05
You got this Sister, we are 💯+ behind you!! You have the skills to want them to hire a thousand or more Ritus ❤️
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Ritu
Apr 26, 2017 @ 17:42:01
Aw Brother!! Thank you so much Brother 😍
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syl65
Apr 26, 2017 @ 17:50:48
You’re welcome Sister, always!! ❤️
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charlypriest
Apr 26, 2017 @ 13:25:25
I got the solution, hire me as the consultant and make me talk. That should work out.
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Ritu
Apr 26, 2017 @ 17:41:27
Charly. . Talking is never a problem for me… It’s working out when to stop! But thanks for the offer!
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mercyngum
Apr 26, 2017 @ 12:37:18
My Dear Ruti everything will be ok. Just Believe in Your Self and all the Years you Have put in at work. You’re More than you think you are. Get some sleep relax its gonna be ok.
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Ritu
Apr 26, 2017 @ 12:53:14
Thank you so much!!!
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pagesvoice
Apr 26, 2017 @ 12:33:03
Keep your head up and know your credentials and your ability. My wife has been a teacher for 42 years and still gets nervous during observations. It is all part and parcel of the school environment. At least my wife is retiring in June. Good luck!
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Ritu
Apr 26, 2017 @ 12:34:27
Thank you so much 😊
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SickChristine
Apr 26, 2017 @ 12:20:53
My sister is a teacher. We were just talking about how nervewracking her observation was, but she did very well. I suspect you will, too. Best of luck!
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Ritu
Apr 26, 2017 @ 12:34:05
Thank you Christine 😊
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josypheen
Apr 26, 2017 @ 10:18:51
Good luck!
But you don’t actually need it. I am sure you will be amazing! It’ll probably all be over by the time you read this!
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Ritu
Apr 26, 2017 @ 12:11:59
Thank you Josy. It’s tomorrow!!!
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josypheen
Apr 26, 2017 @ 12:49:28
Right! In that case extra good luck for tomorrow! 😀
I still think you’ll be amazing.
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Ritu
Apr 26, 2017 @ 12:53:46
Thank you dear!!!
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tesscol
Apr 26, 2017 @ 08:40:26
Keep calm stay positive….. Forget all the ‘what its’…….
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Ritu
Apr 26, 2017 @ 12:11:14
I shall try!! Thank yoi 😊
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davidprosser
Apr 26, 2017 @ 08:37:13
Very best of luck Ritu. Just be yourself, that’s enough for anyone. You’ll be fine.
xxx Huge Hugs xxx
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Ritu
Apr 26, 2017 @ 12:11:02
Thank you David!
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Erika Kind
Apr 26, 2017 @ 08:03:01
I understand your ponderings very well. In the end, it is a day like any other too. There are simply visitors but knowing what visitors gets the thinking process spinning. You want to find the best option to present the kids, their skills, and that in combination with your way of teaching (your strategies). You know what? What if… it works out fantastic? What if you are doing everything perfectly right? What if you succeed? What if the kids are totally with you because they know why and that it is important to listen? You are a good teacher (confirmed several times) and the kids love you? The ones who observe you know how kids are btw…. So, this is not the day to test you but the day you can finally show all your joy and passion for what you do every day! So, what if it all goes fine? 😉
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Ritu
Apr 26, 2017 @ 12:09:08
Thank you sis!! I love those what ifs!!!!
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Erika Kind
Apr 26, 2017 @ 18:15:31
I am glad you did not mind my response but I can be pretty much the same and need to change the way of looking at it deliberately in order to not weaken myself unnecessarily. Those what ifs can create miracles. All will be well at the end…. remember 😁😊😘
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Ritu
Apr 26, 2017 @ 18:29:57
I totally agree sis!!! Xx
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Erika Kind
Apr 26, 2017 @ 19:10:44
You know what? I am sending you the strongest hug ever and if this is not enough there is another one following right away 💖💖
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Ritu
Apr 26, 2017 @ 19:38:23
Bless you my darling sis!!!
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Erika Kind
Apr 27, 2017 @ 07:02:01
All the best, my dearest angel sister 😘
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Ritu
Apr 27, 2017 @ 07:11:10
Thank you Mwah!
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Erika Kind
Apr 27, 2017 @ 07:16:46
Mwah, mwah!! 💪
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April Munday
Apr 26, 2017 @ 07:59:48
The only people who don’t worry about these things are too stupid to know that they’re not good enough. So, keep worrying, and get what sleep you can.
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Ritu
Apr 26, 2017 @ 12:08:36
Thank you April!! 😊
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Ompong
Apr 26, 2017 @ 07:20:35
wishing you the best of luck! and believe me, there are a million ‘ifs’ and if you think each one of them, you’ll be losing your sanity! hahaha!
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Ritu
Apr 26, 2017 @ 07:28:02
Oh I know I had to stop at 11… I was repeating myself! They are all variations of the same thing…What if I’m not good enough?
But thank you so much! Your luck is very much appreciated! 😀
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Ompong
Apr 26, 2017 @ 07:31:32
You ca do it… And you’re absolutely good enough! 😊😊😊
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Ritu
Apr 26, 2017 @ 07:42:33
Bless you! And thank you again! 🙂 🙂 🙂
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