Changing the audience

On December I ended the year by saying "I need a change". This year, I got to know that that change had come. After spending four years in 6th form, this time I had to face 4th formers with all the readjustments that it implies.

It may seem something obvious but it is not the same the way you interact with a pre-teen and a kid. I realized that after so many years I had my mind and my teaching style adapted to elder children. 

While giving explanations or setting examples I got to know through their faces that I was not being clear enough for them, so quickly, I had to resort to easier or simpler ways. Of course, this process took only seconds, and they are things that you notice and that can be solved on the go. 

I feel really comfortable with this new challenge. Although I have a VERY noisy and talkative group, I find it a little bit easier to set limits related to behaviour and discipline. Pre-teens get used to confront you but little kids (generally) tend to comply with your orders easily.

It is essential whenever you are in front of a group to bear in mind their level and age. And, you, as a teacher, should readjust, readapt and retrain yourself in order to suit them. Only in that way, an appropiate interaction can take place.