Observation

Today was my first observation period. I took a seat and experienced the beginning of a lesson on Linux, of which I have only passing knowledge.

It’s definitely summertime. The kids have sparks in their brains but I’m immediately struck by how involved they all are in the lesson. Wrangling everyone at the beginning is a bit on the rough side but it doesn’t take long for everyone to start getting to work and soon they’re all asking questions about what they’re supposed to be doing. These are real questions, based on genuine curiosity about what AJ and Felipe are teaching them. They’re not the stupid things I would have asked about when I was a teenager, that’s for sure.

Even more interesting is that they’re helping each other. There’s very little ego going around. I’m definitely getting the idea that they know each other and, most importantly, enjoy working together. It’s good to see bonds like that between kids. Usually everyone’s prickly in that unique way that comes with the insecurities of youth.

If I’m concerned about anything while I’m watching the students and the teachers it’s my own lesson plans. I’m stepping into something important here and I can already see that the students are willing to work hard. They deserve the same in return.