In P.E., we had a project where we were asked to teach another class using our oral French skills. My partner and I chose to lead a “Fitness Friday” activity. It was a challenge to communicate clearly and confidently in French so that everyone could understand. I also found it difficult to motivate the students and to get their attention when starting the activity. Most students, not wanting to have a fitness day, were talking or not doing the exercise properly. I found it helpful to go over to the stations and remind them to be on task as well as to talk to their teachers to find out what they do to get the students’ attention and motivation.  

Our plan was also to use the inside of the gym, though we ended up doing our warm-up outside and then transition into the gym. This took much more time than originally given and we had to adapt our exercise time.  

Despite these challenges, I believe my partner and I were well prepared. We created a clear lesson plan, communicated with the teachers in advance, and practiced our instructions before the day of the activity. On the day of the lesson, I felt that both the student teachers evaluating us could have provided clearer expectations for the class, and it would have helped if we had reviewed those expectations together beforehand. 

Overall, I learned a lot about communicating in another language and leading a group. This experience helped me improve my confidence and ability to adjust when things don’t go as planned. 

Oral communication is one of my biggest strengths. I have been working on my communication with teachers while missing school for sports and vacation by emailing and asking for my homework ahead of time. I will always put up my hand when the teachers ask questions, and I am not afraid to ask questions when I do not understand. I try to always be confident when being called on by a teacher.
I am also working on my social awareness skills by communicating in a team setting. I am a soccer goalie, throughout my years as a goalie I have had to learn how to communicate with all the different members of our team. I need to make sure our team is keeping good spirits and to make sure everyone understands what I am communicating to them.
And I have also worked a lot on my personal awareness recently, as I am trying to join the national wakeboard team. I need to keep working on personal awareness by continuing to work with multiple coaches and reflecting on my progress.
My goal for the next year is to keep working on my communication skills and my written output by continuing to work on getting my thoughts on paper. I have always struggled with putting my thoughts on paper and making it in a way that makes sense for others. I will keep working with teachers to find the best ways to write my thoughts on paper.