WEEK 8 (22nd - 26th Sept 2025)

 Monday

It’s the first day back to school after the one-week school holiday! The school felt lively again as everyone returned, chatting and laughing while sharing stories about what they did during the break. I was excited to see my students again, especially 1 Santubong, who looked refreshed and energetic.

Since it was the first lesson after the holidays, I didn’t want to rush into heavy topics. We started with a few fun revision activities to help them recall what we had learned before. The students were a bit talkative at first, probably still in holiday mood but once we started, they became more focused and cooperative. It was a pleasant way to restart the week and get everyone back into the learning rhythm.

Tuesday

Today was quite a calm day, but I was busy preparing for my first teaching observation scheduled for Thursday. I reviewed my lesson plan several times, making sure the objectives were clear and achievable. I also prepared teaching aids and materials to make the lesson more interactive.

Even though I felt slightly nervous, I tried to focus on the excitement instead of the pressure. My mentor reminded me to be confident and to trust my preparation. I spent the evening rehearsing how I would open the lesson and manage group activities, just to make sure I’d be ready for anything that might happen.

Wednesday

The day before my observation! I spent most of the morning making final touches to my slides and activity sheets. I also tested the projector and checked that everything in the classroom was ready for tomorrow. During class, I told my students that I’d be observed the next day, and they promised to behave and participate actively. Their encouragement really helped calm my nerves. The rest of the day went smoothly, and I went home feeling prepared and just a bit anxious!

Thursday

The big day finally arrived my first teaching observation with my mentor! I woke up early and revised my notes one last time before class. When the lesson started, I felt a rush of nervousness, but as soon as I began teaching, everything started to flow naturally. The students participated well, answered questions eagerly, and seemed to enjoy the activities.

After the class, my mentor shared her feedback. She said my lesson was well-planned, my teaching aids were clear, and I managed the students effectively. She also gave some constructive comments about improving my instructions and pacing. I felt so relieved and proud, all my preparation really paid off!

Friday

Today, there were no regular lessons because the school held a dental health talk conducted by a group of dentists. The whole school gathered in the hall to listen to the talk about oral hygiene. The doctors gave interesting demonstrations on how to brush teeth properly and shared tips for keeping gums healthy. The students listened attentively, and a few even volunteered to answer questions.

Even though I didn’t teach today, it was still a meaningful and educational session. It reminded me that school isn’t just about academics, it’s also about teaching students to take care of their health and well-being.

My students liked the activities!

Broken Telephone Game!

SWOT ANALYSIS 

Strengths

One of my key strengths this week was my ability to adapt quickly after the school holiday and manage my time effectively, especially when preparing for my first observation. I was able to balance classroom teaching with preparation and still stay calm under pressure. During the observation, I demonstrated good classroom control, positive student interaction, and clear lesson structure. Another strength was maintaining good communication with my mentor, which helped me understand my areas of improvement and build more confidence in my teaching style.

Weaknesses

This week, I realized that I still tend to overthink before major evaluations. The anxiety before my observation made me question small details unnecessarily, which slightly affected my confidence early in the week. I also noticed that I need to work on giving clearer step-by-step instructions during group activities, sometimes students needed me to repeat directions. In addition, since Friday was filled with a school program, I didn’t have much time to continue with my regular teaching plan.

Opportunities

My first observation provided a valuable learning opportunity to receive constructive feedback and improve my teaching methods. It also gave me the confidence to explore new approaches to make lessons more engaging and student-centered. The dental health talk was another opportunity to see how non-academic activities can contribute to students’ holistic development. It reminded me that learning can happen in many forms, not only through lessons but also through awareness programs and real-life applications.

Threats

The main threat this week was the pressure of being evaluated for the first time. Nervousness could have affected my performance if I hadn’t managed it well. Technical issues like malfunctioning equipment or time constraints could also have disrupted the flow of my observation lesson. Additionally, having non-teaching programs like the dental talk reduced available classroom time, which might delay lesson progress. Still, these challenges taught me to be flexible, calm, and prepared for unexpected changes, important traits for any teacher.

WEEK 7 (15th - 19th Sept 2025)

 

School Holiday Week Blog

This week was the school holiday, which meant no classes, no lesson plans, and no rushing to get to school, just a full week of rest and recovery. After a few busy weeks filled with teaching, lesson observations, and school events, the break came at the perfect time. It allowed me to pause, recharge, and reflect on my journey as a trainee teacher so far.

The first few days of the holiday were all about rest. I spent most of my time catching up on sleep, spending time with family, and simply enjoying slow mornings without alarms. Even though I wasn’t in school, I found myself thinking about my students and the lessons I had conducted. I realized how much I’ve learned from improving classroom management to finding creative ways to engage students.

Midweek, I started to feel more productive again. I looked through my past lesson plans and mentor feedback, taking note of areas I could improve. I also browsed through online resources and teaching videos for new activity ideas. Some of the games and group tasks I found looked fun and interactive. I can’t wait to try them with my students once school reopens.

Besides that, I took some time to tidy up my study area and organize my teaching materials. It felt refreshing to clear my workspace and prepare everything for the upcoming school week. I also reflected on how far I’ve come since the start of this practicum, how I’ve grown not just as a teacher, but also as a person. The break gave me a sense of gratitude for the journey, the challenges, and the small victories along the way.

Overall, the school holiday was calm, restful, and meaningful. Even though I didn’t go to school, I still learned something valuable that rest is also part of being a good teacher. It helps renew energy, restore focus, and remind us why we started this path in the first place. I’m thankful for the time to breathe and reflect, and I feel ready to return to school with a refreshed mind, stronger motivation, and new ideas to bring into the classroom. 🌸✨

WEEK 6 (8th - 12th September 2025)

 MONDAY

The week began with a sense of routine and stability. Although there were no special events yet, I continued my regular teaching schedule and focused on delivering clear lessons. I tried to maintain a positive classroom environment and monitor students’ progress as usual. Normal school days like this remind me that consistency plays an important role in helping students build strong learning habits.

TUESDAY

Tuesday continued with the usual lesson routine. I made an effort to engage students in group activities to support their understanding. I reflected on my teaching strategies and reminded myself that meaningful growth often comes from small improvements in everyday practice. Even without special programs, I felt satisfied knowing that learning continued smoothly.

WEDNESDAY

On Wednesday, I proceeded with the same teaching schedule. I took this opportunity to strengthen my classroom management skills and communicate instructions more confidently. I observed the students’ participation and identified areas where I could offer better support. This ordinary day provided valuable professional learning for me as a practicum teacher.

THURSDAY

Thursday was also a typical school day. I completed my lessons as planned and helped students revise previously taught content. Although the week was heading toward a big celebration, I focused on keeping the learning momentum stable. Calm and steady days like this help me develop a stronger teaching routine.

FRIDAY

Friday was a very special and lively day because it marked the closing ceremony of the National Month celebration. The entire school gathered to celebrate Merdeka with various performances. There were exciting shows such as dragon dance, Bollywood dance, and traditional Malay dance. Some students and teachers also presented beautiful singing performances that highlighted unity and cultural pride. One of the highlights was the fashion show where all teachers were required to wear outfits representing the colours of their birth state. I proudly wore a black and white outfit to represent Terengganu. We also marched according to our respective states while holding the state flags. The atmosphere was full of joy, colours, and patriotism. Witnessing the students express their love for Malaysia through art and performance made me feel grateful to be part of such a meaningful celebration.

Class activity

Merdeka Celebration

SWOT ANALYSIS

Strengths

One of my strengths this week was my ability to adapt to both regular teaching days and large-scale school events. I maintained classroom focus from Monday to Thursday even though students were already excited for the upcoming celebration. I also built stronger relationships with the students outside the classroom during the preparation and Friday program. I demonstrated good teamwork with other teachers, especially when coordinating the dress code and marching for the closing ceremony. My enthusiasm in participating helped me gain students’ trust and respect, showing them that learning and school culture go hand in hand.

Weaknesses

I still need improvement in balancing instructional time with school activities. The shift from normal lessons to major celebrations made it slightly challenging for me to maintain the same level of academic attention in every lesson. I sometimes felt unsure about how to manage transitions smoothly, especially when students were distracted by the preparation for Friday. I realized that I also need to improve my confidence in giving highly engaging instructions when time is limited. These weaknesses motivate me to work on better planning and flexibility during event-heavy weeks.

Opportunities

This week offered many valuable opportunities. I was able to observe how cultural programs influence students’ confidence, creativity, and patriotism. The Friday celebration gave me a chance to understand students’ diverse backgrounds and appreciate the richness of Malaysian culture. Participating in performances and marching gave me the opportunity to be part of the school community beyond academics. It opened the door for me to design future lessons that include cultural elements, helping students see English not only as a subject, but as a language to celebrate identity and expression. I also watched how senior teachers organized such a large event, which helped me learn effective event management strategies that I can apply in my future career.

Threats

Time management and student focus were the main threats throughout the week. The excitement for the closing ceremony affected students’ concentration, which could risk falling behind on lesson objectives if not handled properly. There was also the pressure of meeting practicum expectations in a week filled with distractions. Another possible threat is that students might prioritize event excitement over academic responsibility, making it harder to transition back to normal lessons afterward. These threats remind me to always be prepared with backup strategies to guide students quickly back to learning.

WEEK 5 (1st - 5th September 2025)

 MONDAY

The week began with a strong spirit of patriotism as the school held a special assembly in conjunction with Malaysia’s Independence Month. Students and teachers gathered proudly to sing patriotic songs that celebrated the country’s history and unity. The atmosphere felt vibrant and full of pride, and I found myself smiling while watching the students sing confidently with their flags held high. It made me appreciate the privilege of living in a peaceful nation where diversity is embraced. After the assembly, I continued with my regular teaching schedule. Although the lessons were typical, the patriotic mood carried into the classroom. Students were more energetic than usual, and their positive attitude helped create a lively learning environment.

TUESDAY

Tuesday was a completely normal school day, which allowed me to focus fully on my teaching responsibilities. I delivered my planned lessons and monitored students’ understanding through individual and group activities. I noticed that some students still struggled with certain areas in English, so I used additional examples and guided practice to support them. Even though nothing extraordinary happened, I took this opportunity to improve my teaching approach by observing my students’ responses more closely. Days like this remind me that progress in education is not always loud or noticeable. Sometimes it happens quietly through patience, consistency, and small breakthroughs in the classroom.

WEDNESDAY

Wednesday was the most exciting and memorable day of the week. During the co-curricular session, the school organized a National Food Cooking Competition involving all clubs and associations. My club, the Environmental Club, collaborated with the English Language Club to prepare a well-known Malaysian dish, roti jala. Teachers and students worked together in the school hall to prepare the food. There were moments of laughter, teamwork, and joyful chaos as everyone tried their best to create the perfect dish. While helping the students, I realized how activities outside the classroom strengthen relationships and promote valuable life skills such as teamwork, creativity, and cooperation. I genuinely enjoyed being part of this event because it helped me build stronger connections with my students and colleagues.

THURSDAY

Thursday returned to the usual routine of teaching and learning. Even though there was no special celebration or competition, I used this time to reinforce previous lessons and maintain continuity in the students’ learning progress. I practiced giving clearer instructions during my lesson delivery and encouraged active participation by asking more open-ended questions. It was a steady day that helped me practice classroom management skills and build my confidence as a future teacher. Sometimes the calm days are just as important because they allow me to reflect and refine my professional growth.

FRIDAY

The week ended with a meaningful and inspiring event: the Patriotic Poetry Recitation Competition. Students took turns presenting poems about independence, love for the nation, and the sacrifices of past generations. It was heartwarming to see them perform so confidently in front of their peers and teachers. Their strong voices and expressive delivery showed not only patriotism but also great improvement in their communication skills. Watching them perform made me feel incredibly proud, especially knowing that teachers play a role in shaping their courage and self-expression. This event reminded me that education is more than academic achievement. It is also about building character, identity, and confidence.

Patriotic Poetry Recitation Competition

Class activity

Umbrella decoration

Cooking competition

SWOT ANALYSIS

Strengths

I was able to actively participate in a variety of school activities beyond academic teaching. This helped me build stronger relationships with students and colleagues. I demonstrated good teamwork during the cooking competition and managed to maintain effective teaching even on days filled with events. I also improved my confidence in classroom management and instructions.

Weaknesses

Since I am still learning, I sometimes felt unsure about delivering certain activities smoothly. On busy days, I struggled to balance my teaching responsibilities with event coordination. I also realized that I need to ask more reflective questions during lessons to better check students’ understanding.

Opportunities

The Merdeka-themed events gave me a chance to engage with students in more informal and interactive ways. I was able to explore new teaching approaches and discover what motivates my students. These experiences could help me develop future classroom activities that are more creative and culturally connected. This week also allowed me to observe and learn from senior teachers’ leadership during programs.

Threats

Time constraints were a constant challenge. With many non-academic events taking place, there was a risk of falling behind on syllabus coverage. Noise, excitement, and movement around the school could distract students from focusing on lessons. There is also the pressure of meeting practicum expectations while adapting quickly to the busy school environment.