WEEK 1 – A FRESH BEGINNING: PHASE 2 TEACHING PRACTICE AT GMGHS THEVALLY (15/10/25 to 19/10/25)

“Every new beginning brings with it a chance to grow, reflect, and shine brighter than before.”

The first week of my Phase 2 Teaching Practice at Government Model Girls Higher Secondary School, Thevally, began on 15th October 2025. After a short break following the first phase of practice, returning to the same familiar campus filled me with warmth and enthusiasm. The smiling faces of students, the supportive teachers, and the school’s vibrant atmosphere instantly made me feel at home again. I was well prepared with my lesson plans, teaching aids, slides, and activities, and was also equipped with extra plans in case of substitutions. This week marked the beginning of a new phase of learning and responsibility, blending confidence gained from the first phase with the excitement of continuing my teaching journey.

Day 1 – 15/10/2025- Wednesday.

The first day of my Phase 2 teaching practice began smoothly. I had one regular period as per my timetable—the first period in 9B Physics. It felt wonderful to meet my students again after the break; they welcomed me warmly and were eager to continue learning. I started a new chapter, “Gravitation,” using the Concept Attainment Model (CAM). Through examples and non-examples, students actively participated in identifying the concept of force of gravity, which made the lesson both engaging and effective. The class turned out to be a great success and served as a refreshing and innovative start to my second phase.

Later, due to the absence of several teachers who were on Sasthramela and training duties, I was assigned additional substitution periods. In 8B Chemistry, I handled the topic Acids and Their Properties using a 5E lesson plan. The students performed simple litmus paper tests using substances like curd and vinegar and watched short video demonstrations of metal–acid reactions. We discussed the corresponding chemical equations and the property of acids to release hydrogen gas on reacting with metals. In the next substitution in 9B Physics, I conducted a class on Factors Affecting the Force of Gravity using a spring balance demonstration and video simulation. The students were fascinated by the connection between the gravitational pull of Earth, the Moon, and the Sun in causing tides. Later, in 9A Physics, I repeated the same CAM lesson and spring balance experiment that I had conducted earlier in 9B, and both sessions went smoothly and confidently. After my teaching hours, I spent time in the science lab along with my co-trainees arranging materials and conducting some preliminary experiments for upcoming lessons. It was a long but fulfilling first day of Phase 2, filled with meaningful classroom and laboratory experiences.

Spring balance experiment at 9B physics

Day 2 – 16/10/2025 - Thursday

The second day began with a special morning assembly conducted by Class 10 students in connection with World Food Day. The assembly included informative speeches, posters, a pledge, and a handwashing demonstration emphasizing the importance of healthy eating and hygiene. After the assembly, I took my first-hour class in 9B Physics, where I taught the Universal Law of Gravitation using digital slides. The students were introduced to the law’s equation and its derivation, after which we solved simple numerical problems to understand how gravitational force depends on mass and distance. They were amazed to learn that the attraction between two humans is negligible due to the small value of the gravitational constant.

In addition to my scheduled classes, I was assigned substitution periods throughout the day. During the fourth hour in 9B, I handled the topic Acceleration due to Gravity. The students explored how all objects fall at the same rate regardless of mass, with exceptions due to air resistance, such as feathers or paper. In the fifth period, I assisted my co-trainee in demonstrating some experiments related to acids, bases, and salts in 8A Chemistry. My sixth-hour class was in 9A Physics, where I once again took the topic Universal Law of Gravitation and guided students through problem-solving. During the seventh period, I conducted an engaging session in 9B Physics on Variation of g on Earth and the Feather and Coin Experiment. Students observed the difference in fall between a feather and a coin in normal conditions and through a video showing the same in vacuum. We discussed how the value of g varies slightly at poles and equator. In the eighth period, I demonstrated simple experiments in 8B Chemistry, such as the reaction of calcium carbonate with acid producing carbon dioxide, and an acid–base neutralization reaction. By the end of the day, I felt satisfied with how well I managed multiple classes and transitions between Physics and Chemistry lessons.

Special assembly on World Food Day

Chemical experiments related to chapter acids bases and salts of class 8 chemistry demonstration

Day 3 – 17/10/2025 - Friday

The third day brought a slightly different experience. Many students from Classes 8 and 9 were away on a one-day trip to Vagamon, and we were instructed to engage the students who remained in school. Since I had only one period as per my timetable, I prepared some revision activities and additional lesson plans to make the best use of the day. However, my plans changed unexpectedly when I was assigned sports duty for the Jilla Athletic Meet. I accompanied my co-trainee Athulya and a Class 10 student, Anju, to SKV School, Thrikkanamangal, where she participated in the long jump competition. We left the school by 9:30 a.m. and reached the venue by 10:45 a.m. The event began around 2:45 p.m. and concluded by 4:15 p.m. Though our students didn’t secure prizes, it was a proud moment to see their enthusiasm and effort. This experience gave me a glimpse into a teacher’s role beyond academics—supporting, motivating, and standing beside students in their extracurricular endeavors. I returned home late that evening, feeling tired but deeply content.

Kollam Jilla level sports duty at SKV HSS thrikkanamangal

The first week of my Phase 2 teaching practice at GMGHS Thevally was filled with renewed enthusiasm, new responsibilities, and valuable experiences. Returning to the same school after the break helped me reconnect easily with my students and colleagues. The week gave me opportunities to experiment with various teaching models like the Concept Attainment Model and 5E Learning Cycle, both of which proved effective in engaging students. Handling multiple substitution classes improved my classroom management and adaptability, while participation in the sports duty broadened my understanding of a teacher’s multifaceted role.

By the end of the week, I felt more confident, capable, and connected to the teaching profession. The smiles of my students, their active participation, and their curiosity motivated me to give my best in the coming weeks. Thus, the first week of my Phase 2 practice came to an end with a sense of satisfaction and a desire to continue learning and growing as a teacher.

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