Welcome To...

I like to use the analogy of travel when coming in to a new class for the first time. You are the outsider. You must learn the new customs and routines of the people you are visiting in order to thrive. You have to be open and flexible to your new situation. And, like many other (or maybe all other) life situations, you have to have a healthy sense of humour to make light of all that happens.

I feel like I am in a new country.

And that doesn't mean to say that this new country is better or worse than the other places I have visited, but it is different and needless to say there is a degree of culture shock involved with this week. I am forever grateful to the creation of the observation week. This is why I love it:

So rarely before you begin a new job do you get to come and just watch what is happening and be witness to the people, the routines, the culture and the norms so you will be more successful when you do start your “work”.
It gives you a chance to warm up to the students and the students a chance to warm up to you.
When you leave the school and go back to classes, knowing who your students and your teacher is, you can more effectively plan and prepare your lessons.
You get used to waking up at the wee morning hours and getting yourself to school on time.

This all being said, I have to admit that 5 full days of observing is tough. Even for the keenest observers out there (so maybe this is me, I am a people watcher, what can I say?) - I often feel like I should be doing something. Like sitting, taking notes, and generating ideas is not enough. My last placement the observation time was cut down to 2 and a half days. God bless the independent school system. All kidding aside, 5 days is a long time and I look forward to second year when observation time is a little shorter...or so I've been told.