My First Day...

The day (Thursday) I found out where I was going to be placed I was a little worried. The reason being I was not familiar with the school or the area. I immediately googled it on my computer to find out where it was! That Sunday I was so nervous I had a hard time sleeping and many questions running through my head. Finally, when that Monday came I had mixed emotions I was nervous and excited at the same time. It felt weird to be in such a different place and a school I had never been to before. I was curious about the school and their teachers. When it was 7:30 am I signed in at the office and decided to finally meet my teacher. When she saw me she had a very warm smile and hugged me. She introduced me to her son and told me what would happen that day. She introduced me to a few other teachers and EA's at the school. In the beginning you feel out of place but when you get to meet more people and talk to them you feel at ease.
What made me feel so comfortable was the staff and the teachers at the school. Everyone is welcoming and willing to help you. Especially, my mentor when she greeted me she had a very big smile and hugged me. (I was surprised!) Also, the students are also very accepting and willing to help you. It also helps when you have your fellow cohort members too. It makes you feel at little less alone and it's a mini support system.
I think it's important to make any child who enters your classroom to feel welcomed, comfortable and safe. One example would be when my mentor greeted me, it made me feel welcomed and comfortable within her classroom instead of nervous. Instead, of feeling nervous I felt more confident and focused on my mentor teacher in what she wanted to teach me. And, that is the same with your own children when you have your own class, when you make them feel welcomed or comfortable that makes a huge impact on your students if they do not feel comfortable, they would most likely not do well in the class. In that kind of environment they want to learn and ask question or be involved in an activity.  A small hello and a smile or even when they are late saying "I'm so glad you could make it!" makes them feel like they are avital part of the class.