Lunchroom Observation Essay

The lead teacher went on break and a substitute teacher entered the classroom. The assistant teacher shouted at the children to sit down at the table and to be quiet while they waited for lunch to arrive. The children ran around the classroom, talking loudly with their friends. Some settled down in their spots for lunch, but continued misbehaving at the table. The substitute teacher and assistant both requested repeatedly for the children to lower their voices. However, the students were getting increasingly loud and restless, so the substitute teacher led them in singing songs about manners. When the food arrived, both the teacher and assistant joined the children for lunch, and directed the conversation towards the upcoming holiday. The teachers ensured that the students took turns when sharing their plans for the break and that every single student received a

The children were still energetic and rambunctious after recess, and singing songs proved to be an effective tactic to subdue them. Furthermore, the inclusion of the teachers at the lunch table was a simple way of making emotional connections with their students, and the children were eager to share personal anecdotes. Unfortunately, when not under the careful observation of a supervisor, the assistant teacher was hostile towards the students, and got easily flustered by their antics. When the assistant teacher was cleaning, the students viewed it as an opportunity to play while she was distracted. If she would have waited to begin cleaning until after she made positive that the children were sleeping, the transition into nap time would have been less of a challenge. Additionally, the assistant teacher threatened the students misbehaving, but these turned out to be empty threats, which confirmed in the minds of the students that they could resume playing without