Week 15: Getting artsy

On our return to school again this week we were moved to a younger class as they spend less time speaking in Maltese, despite enjoying being taught some new Maltese vocabulary I think this decision was best as we will understand more of what is going on in the classroom now. We were moved to a Year 2 group which would be a Primary 3 class at home. I have never observed or taught this age group before, so was interested to see how I would find it. Having missed out on teaching practice at home I have really appreciated being able to get into a school and spend time working with children, however the university doesn't allow us to teach any classes which I am a bit disappointed about as I feel I am missing out on a valuable experience.

Enjoying having my visitors over!

Beautiful sunset in Bugibba 

Infinity pool at Cafe del Mar

Enjoying a break from tour guiding!

Despite not being able to teach I have observed some great lessons and have definitely gotten some ideas for my teaching practice next year! My favourite was an art lesson about Paul Klee. The teacher began the lesson by telling the children about the artist, she did this as if she was telling a story which captured the children’s attention and interest. As she was telling the story she kept the children involved by asking them questions, for example the artist was born in Switzerland and she got children to guess this by giving them a clue that it was a European country beginning with S and ending in d, she continued this by asking them what people from Switzerland are called. McGee and Richgels (2014) support this style of teaching as they believe that “teachers should engage children’s interest by using some, but not many, lower-level questions interspersed.” She continued the lesson by looking at some of his artwork and pointing out key elements like how he originally used dull colours however after time began to use more bright colours. She then explained to children what they were expected to do and wrote a step-by-step guide on the board of how to achieve this, therefore identifying the success criteria of the lesson to the children. She circulated around children providing help and guidance and directed children towards the guide on the board if they weren't sure of what to do next. She continually kept children motivated by using table points and if children had finished their work she got them to help with others who wanted help. It was clear to see this teacher’s enthusiasm for working with children and also her love for the subject art. This is an important characteristic of a teacher recognised by Day (2004) as he states, “Passion is associated with enthusiasm, caring, commitment, and hope, which are themselves key characteristics of effectiveness in teaching.” 

An example of Paul Klee artwork

Sunday visit to Dingli Cliffs- our last Sunday without
any visitors!

Making the most of our last few weeks in Malta