Summer VBS

 

On June 7, 2016, I observed the bible study teacher conducting the bible study class at New Hope Baptist Church. This was the first day off-book, which means that students could not look at their bibles, and attempt to memorize the bible verses for that day.  According to Mrs. Donna (class teacher), this is a difficult time because if one person misses their lines, then the rest of the class could possibly miss the lines as well. Although, I was very optimistic because of the improvements made since last Sunday.

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Arriving early at 12 pm, I headed towards the sanctuary to find a place to observe these bright actors and actresses perform our daily song and dance. Before and also during practice, Mrs. Janet (music teacher) talked with individual students on how to “be free” on stage. This tactic would relieve any stress or anxiety these students may face from time to time.  Many students were already rehearsing there scenes on the stage, and as the teacher went by she would say positive words to them to keep going. When the official dance and song started, she directed the students and sang along with them.

 

At 3:30, a few of the students began to get loud off stage with each other. At times they can become restless, but this time it was much worse than anticipated. Instead of using a nonverbal tactic, Mrs. Donna had to raise her voice. This did not fully quiet down all of the students. She then physically rose from the back and went to the side of the stage and nicely asked the kids that was being loud to leave the area if they could not be silent. This advance, rather put an end to their discussion, it fully disrupted the structural flow of the class.

 

By 5 pm, the remaining students went to Mrs. Janet for additional help on stage for the presentation. Although she was tired, the teacher continued to help the students with one-on-one contact. They all went back on stage and began to move set piece of back drop creations that show a specific scene to exact places on stage. Mrs. Janet began showing them where this should go and at what time it should be on stage. She was very exact on what moods a scene was about and what way it should be presented to the audience.

 

 Summary

Personally, I would have done exactly what Mrs. Janet did. It is said that teachers who yell at students will not get respect from them in the long run. If I were to be teaching these students, the only thing I would have done different would be that I would have put exact class management appeals in the area where the students would be working. They would be able to see what I expect of them in this classroom or on stage.