Like, I'm 15 and absolutely hate when the teacher calls on me to go up in front of the class for something, I dread it, and get so nervous and I shake when I'm nervous too. It sux. But If I'm not good with stuff like that, will I not be a good elementary school teacher? Cuz that's what I'm thinking of being. Just to teach like kindergardners and 1rst graders and maybe even up to 4th...
2006-09-22 16:41:44 · 23 answers · asked by K 3 in Education & Reference ➔ Teaching
You'll never be that afraid of children. You may be nervous your first day of childhood teaching, but only due to the parents. When you get wrapped up in your job and get used to it, it'll be like clockwork and you'll be coaching the parents through what's to happen. When you go up to the front of the class bring a notebook so the paper wont shake when you read it. Focus on what you have to do and how you feel rather than thinking about what everyone is thinking about you. Concentrate on your breath and you'll stay very calm. After a while, you'll eventually get used to it, and it'll be nothing to you. Don't hold people in such high regard, you're going through the educational process to better yourself in life, not to impress them. Always keep your focus. You'll do awesome.
2006-09-22 16:51:56 · answer #1 · answered by Answerer 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Don't sweat this at all. You are only nervous because the audience is your peers or others who you see as being judgmental of you. You will not feel this way around kids once you are a teacher. It is really natural to talk to your students and you won't be scared one bit.
The only times you might get a little nervous is times when parents are in your classroom or other place and when your administrator is evaluating you!
If you are serious about being a teacher, then take some time to volunteer reading at your local elementary school. You should be able to ask your school guidance person to get you out of your classes at the high school. Ask a teacher (grades K-3 are great) if it is OK if you read a book to the class. Be natural and have fun. The kids love it when you are silly and it is such a great stress reliever to be with kids. You can be a goof and they think you are the most cool person ever to walk the planet! lol
2006-09-22 20:44:05 · answer #2 · answered by Roger S 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that there is a huge difference between having to give a presentation in front of your class when you are in high school, and being a teacher in front of the classroom. I used to hate speaking in front of the class when I was a student. I would get so nervous. But that does not mean that you won't be a great teacher, because in college, you pick up tricks for public speaking. It is also different, because when you are the teacher in front of students, you really know your stuff, so you aren't as nervous. Your focus is not on your presentation and what the students think about it, it is on how you are going to help the students learn what you know. So good luck, hang in there, and I am sure you will make a great teacher!
2006-09-23 02:00:50 · answer #3 · answered by chelebelle722 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
VERY few 15 year olds feel comfortable speaking in front of a class. It's just something you have to do when called on and it will come up often in college. I used to have the same sort of problem, except I would also turn extremely red. However, the more I had to do it, the easier it got. You will be a great teacher!
2006-09-22 16:51:19 · answer #4 · answered by gambia_joy 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There are a few things that I have picked up that could help you.
Breathing exercises, repetition of deep breathing (breathe in, hold for a few seconds, breathe out, hold for a few seconds)
*Do not hyperventilate
Another thing would be practice... practice... practice. I know it feels like the end of the world when you're in front of people you know and you have to do a speech.. but the more you do this the easier it is going to get for you. Ask a few friends or family members to help you out. The more familiar you are with this, the more comfortable you will end up being.
Laughing and telling jokes to your audience.. it's one of the greatest ways to relax.
Audience participation, especially in the beginning of the speech. It bonds you to the crowd, so you feel more like a group of people just talking instead of you standing in front of a crowd.
Hope this helps, and I hope others have more suggestions!
2006-09-22 16:54:21 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Being an elementary school teacher and talking in front of your class with your own peers is so different. I have the same problem, I cant talk in front of a class either, but I dont think being an elementary school teacher would be difficult the kids will be younger and they aren"t judging you. Good luck
2006-09-22 16:53:08 · answer #6 · answered by foxyraley 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just like everything else, practice makes perfect. I was the same as you when I was 15, I had a fear of speaking in front of others. However, with years of practice, I am comfortable speaking in public. You just need to give yourself some time to develop and practice, practice, practice! You can practice in front of a mirror or in front of some friends or family. I also recommend taking a "public speaking" class in the summer. Just so you know, after overcoming my fears I was a tv meteorologist and now I'm a teacher :)
2006-09-23 05:08:11 · answer #7 · answered by WxEtte 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I dreaded this in high school too... In college I got stuck taking this public speaking course... and it was great. I hated it at first, but it helped improve my speaking skills and taught me to not be as nervous. After that class I had lots and lots of practice through other class presentations, and after a few it was no longer a big deal. ..The more you do it, the better you'll get at it, and the more you'll get used to it and won't even bother you.
If you have project presentations, practice and practice them at home till you know it really well. I'm sure throughout high school and college you'll have lots of chances to practice, and when it comes time to teach you'll be more than ready :)
2006-09-22 16:54:42 · answer #8 · answered by IAskUAnswer 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I find that a fear of public speaking is something that can only be overcome with experience. I think for the time being, you'll just have to choke it up and do it. The toughest part seems to be the anticipation that builds up before it actually happens.
But as far as college is concerned...In many colleges and Universities, it's not uncommon for all students to take speech class as a requirement so that you to become more comfortable with conveying and expressing your ideas infront of an audience. So I think you'll be fine in that respect.
2006-09-22 16:48:53 · answer #9 · answered by omarr215 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
One of my students had to speak in front of not a class, but the local town council.. and it was being broadcast!
I told her that if she spoke not at the GROUP, but at one person at a time, it would be more like a conversation. Say your piece, but say it to one person in the back... ignore the other people. It might help to have a friend you do this with. Just have them sit in the back and tell them what you need to say from the front.
Then part way through switch to a different person. Do this often and you will get the message across and it really does help!
2006-09-22 17:03:38 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋