I'm being observed for the first time in new school tomorrow. Help!

[SenoraSurf]

My HOD is observing me tomorrow for the first time since I started working at this school. They have only seen me teach at interview.

I haven't been observed in absolutely yonks and It's just dawned on me that I'm absolutely bricking it.

My lesson feels ok- I'm not 100% confident as it's a dull topic and I've not taught it using the activities I've planned.

Any words or wisdom for me? I know I'm being silly but just feeling overwhelmed (also 12 weeks preggo and yet to tell them that too )

Wear really sexy undies. It always gives me a little bit more confidence knowing something they don't!

What year group and what’s the LO-maybe we can help?

Stay calm, practice what you’re going to say in front of DH/the kids/cat (!), have some ‘turn to your partner and discuss x’, mini plenaries planned etc

@Bobbiepin omg amazing. Love that!

@Holidayshopping top set year 9s covering allotropes of carbons. Im doing a question research game which is quite good, followed by a categorising activity and then will finish off with some exam q bits.
Want to jazz up the exam question part tho so that's my task for this evening.

How will you (and therefore the observer) know that they’ve learned what you want them to?

Observations are like your driving test. You know that you look in the mirror before changing lanes but in your test you exaggeratedly look in the mirror so the examiner knows too.

Have two versions of the lesson plan. Put the timings on yours but not theirs. Ensure that the plenary proves that progress has been made. Don't sit down. Good luck!! Xx

Keep it simple, start briskly, try to ensure everyone is involved and can access the lesson. Make sure they will have something clear and obvious to take away from the lesson. And good luck; I bet you will do a great job.

I would resist the temptation to jazz it up.

I’m sure this won’t help BUT if I know I’m having an observation, when I think about it, I’ll pretend I’m doing a tap dance in my head. During the lesson, again in my head, I’ll still be tap dancing.

I’ve never actually tap danced in my life but it seems to help!

Me too. Keep it simple, show progress.
Activity isn't always learning.

Start with a blind quiz at the beginning so you can show growth? Make them multiple choice and write letters on flip chart and they have to move around the room to the letter that corresponds with the answer?

I am old school though.

Trad edu Twitter would have a field day with this thread

Good luck OP. You'll be fine.

Thefallenmadonna - edutwitter would be alarmed that there was an observation in the first place

When you jazz things up for an observation invariably the kids will think wtf? and act up. Keep it familiar.

YY to no jazzing. Go in and do what you do well.

Aw, no tips, but I remember it myself.
Good Luck

What does jazzing up involve? For me jazzing up would be a bit of clipart on my worksheet.

Watch out for these: teacherhead.com/2018/10/06/lessons-that-misfire-good-intentions-bad-theory-poor-results/