WEEK 8 OF TEACHING PRACTICE PHASE 1 (DAY 33-36)

 DAY 33, 4/11/24

Today, November 4th, marked the 33rd day of my teaching practice. I arrived at school at 9:00 AM to fulfill my discipline duty responsibilities. After ensuring that all students adhered to the school's dress code and ID card policy, I signed the register and was assigned substitution duties for the 5th, 7th, and 8th standards. As most of the teachers were alloted with the kalolsavam duties this week, many classes were free, and many substitution duties were alloted.

During the first period, I supervised the 5th-standard class in the absence of the teacher. In the second period, I taught the 8th C class on the taxonomic hierarchy of the domestic cat (Felis domesticus). I used ICT slides to visually represent the hierarchical levels of classification, from kingdom to species.

After the lunch break, I had two consecutive periods with the 8th C class. I introduced the foundations of taxonomy, highlighting the contributions of key scientists like Carl Linnaeus, who is often referred to as the father of modern taxonomy. To make the learning experience engaging, I incorporated a role-play activity where students took on the roles of different scientists.

I also covered the taxonomic hierarchy of the coconut tree (Cocos nucifera), emphasizing the importance of memorizing the scientific names at each level. By the end of the day, I had successfully completed the planned lessons and signed out at 4:30 PM.

DAY 34, 6/11/2024

Today, November 6th, marked the 34th day of my teaching practice. I arrived at school at 9:30 AM and signed the register. I was assigned substitution duties for the 5th, 7th, 8th, and 9th standards.

I was fortunate to have two consecutive periods with the 8th C class. During this time, I focused on the taxonomic hierarchy of the mango tree (Mangifera indica). I explained the hierarchical levels, from kingdom to species, and emphasized the importance of memorizing the scientific name.

To reinforce the concept of binomial nomenclature, I presented various examples of organisms with different common names across different regions. I explained how the binomial nomenclature system provides a universal language for identifying and classifying organisms. To enhance student understanding, I incorporated interactive activities and discussions.

After completing the lessons, I fulfilled my remaining substitution duties at 5th 7th and 9th standards and left the school at 4:30 PM.

DAY 35, 7/11/2024

Today, November 7th, marked the 35th day of my teaching practice. I arrived at school at 9:30 AM and signed the register. I had a busy day, filled with substitution duties and a physical education observation.

During the first period, I taught a yoga class to the 8th C class, focusing on Padmasana (Lotus Pose) and Naukasana (Boat Pose). Due to my pregnancy, I demonstrated the poses using visual aids and had three students volunteer to perform the asanas in front of the class.

In the third period, I had a class observation conducted by Mr. Gopalakrishnan, our physical education teacher. The observation focused on a lesson on vitamin deficiency. I covered various vitamins, their sources, and the associated deficiency diseases. I emphasized the importance of a balanced diet and sunlight exposure, particularly for vitamin D.

After the observation, I continued with my substitution duties, teaching the 6th, 7th, and 9th standards. In the 7th period, I taught the 8th C class on the five-kingdom classification system proposed by R.H. Whittaker. I explained the characteristics of each kingdom: Monera, Protista, Fungi, Plantae, and Animalia. After completing all my duties, I signed the register and left the school at 4:30 PM.

DAY 36, 8/11/2024

 Today, November 8th, marked the 36th day of my teaching practice. As it was a half-day due to the Sub-District Kalolsavam, I arrived at school at 9:00 AM.

In the first period, I taught the 8th C class about the modern trends in taxonomy, specifically the introduction of the 'domain' level in the taxonomic hierarchy by Carl Woese.

In the second period, I taught the 9th B class about the movement in microorganisms, focusing on bacteria, amoeba, and paramecium. I explained the different modes of movement, including cilia, pseudopodia, and flagella.

The third period was dedicated to a sociometry activity with the 8th C class. I administered a questionnaire to assess the social relationships within the class, identifying groups, cliques, isolates, and the class's 'star.'

In the final period, I conducted a yoga class for the 8th C class, focusing on Paschimottanasana (Forward Bend) and Vajrasana (Thunderbolt Pose). I demonstrated the poses and guided the students through the correct postures. After completing all the scheduled tasks, I signed the register and left the school at 1:30 PM.