When Classrooms Teach You Too: Reflections from Week 2

Weekly Reflection 

Week 2 (21 July – 26 July 2025)

Day 1 – Monday (21/07/2025)

The day began with heavy rain, and as a result, the special assembly planned for International Lunar Day had to be cancelled. We reached the school by 9:15 AM and signed the attendance register. This day also marked the arrival of TTC students for their teaching practice, and we warmly interacted and shared our space with them, which added a refreshing dynamic to our experience. I had my scheduled class in the first period with 9B (English medium), starting at 9:45 AM. Compared to the previous week, I was able to manage the class more efficiently. I had learned many students' names by then, and I noticed how calling them by name helped reduce distractions and increased engagement. I made better use of my teaching aids and classroom strategies. I also got a substitution period in 9B, where I continued to apply these improved techniques. For the noon meal service and road crossing duties, we were supported by the TTC trainees, which created a nice sense of teamwork.

Day 2 – Tuesday, 22 July 2025

Today was a public holiday declared as a mark of respect following the demise of veteran Communist leader and former Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan. The school remained closed, giving us a moment to reflect on his legacy and contributions.

Day 3 – Wednesday (23/07/2025)

We arrived at school as usual. As per the timetable, I had a class in 8B. I was pleasantly surprised to realize that I had already learned all the students' names in that class. While the students were generally attentive, there were moments of distraction. I managed to bring their focus back using interactive strategies and audio-visual aids, which helped maintain their interest. I also received a substitution period in 9B. These repeated engagements are helping me understand individual student behaviors and classroom dynamics better, allowing me to adapt my teaching style accordingly.

Day 4 – Thursday (24/07/2025)

Today was Karkkidaka Vavu, a day of spiritual observance in Kerala, and hence the school remained closed. It was a day of rest, reflection, and mental preparation for the busy days ahead. Even on holidays, I found myself thinking about lesson plans and how to fine-tune my methods.

Day 5 – Friday (25/07/2025)

The school day started as usual. According to the timetable, I had two continuous periods—first in 9B (English medium) and then in 8A (Malayalam medium). Handling back-to-back classes in different mediums was challenging but manageable. Despite having a sore throat, I delivered both classes and maintained energy throughout. In the afternoon, I received a substitution period in 9B. Later, along with fellow teachers, we conducted a Lunar Day Quiz, which turned out to be fun and educational. During the last period, we visited 8B to collect data for our practicum work. The day was tiring but fulfilling, especially as I saw myself handling multiple responsibilities more efficiently.

Day 6 – Saturday (26/07/2025)

Although it's a Saturday, the school followed a Thursday timetable to compensate for the holiday. Only UP and HS sections had class today, so the campus felt unusually quiet, especially since LP students were absent. I didn’t have any scheduled classes today, but I got two substitution periods—one in 8A and another in 9B. As always, I was prepared for any substitutions, which gave me the opportunity to reinforce previously taught concepts and maintain continuity. Sitting in the usually vibrant LP section felt calm and nostalgic without the usual lively noise of young learners

Week 2 of my teaching practice was a blend of growth and adaptability, where I improved classroom management, built better rapport with students by learning their names, and effectively used teaching aids, despite facing challenges like unexpected holidays and throat discomfort. Collaborative experiences with TTC trainees and participation in events like the Lunar Day quiz added to the richness of the week.