Teaching My First Class...

truelife · 10-04-2006, 10:20 PM

I have spent so much time preparing, researching, writing outlines, deciding on handouts, etc. but now that I am 4 days away from teaching my first series I'm really questioning myself. I am doubting whether or not I will provide them with the information they need/desire, if I really even know enough, and am really hoping I don't stutter through the whole time. I don't want them to feel like they wasted their time or money.

Anyone have these last minute doubts or similiar thoughts?

jesscardona · 10-04-2006, 10:24 PM

I just think you're nervous! it's normal to be nervous.. I was nervous for my first birth, and I know I will still be for my other births.. I'm sure you'll do fine, I'm not a CBE, but some of the other ladies could help you out in that area! but try to stay calm!!

teachinmamaof4 · 10-04-2006, 10:36 PM

I've seen you teach and know you're going to do great!

Just that little bit you did at training was awesome so with more preparation, research, etc. you don't have anything to worry about!!!

I'm jealous you have everything together and are ready to teach!!!

DL · 10-04-2006, 10:57 PM

I just attended the Passion for Birth Lamaze training seminar this past weekend. I haven't taught a CBE series yet, but I was TERRIBLY nervous about the 10 minute peer teaching (that's so an understatement; I had been fretting about it for MONTHS)!

I don't *think* I will be as nervous about teaching expectant couples (especially since I do some of that on a smaller scale with my doula clients), but I'm SURE that I will be nervous, nonetheless. Like Jessica said, it's normal to be nervous! You'll see... you'll do awesome!

I can't wait for you to post back and let us know how awesome you were!

Let us know!

You go, girl!!

truelife · 10-04-2006, 11:21 PM

Gosh, you ladies are so awesome! Thank you all for understanding and being so supportive. It just hit tonight once I realized all I pretty much have to do is go get the folders! I am really excited and will make sure to post ASAP after the class.

Big

to you all - THANK YOU!

AussieDoula · 10-05-2006, 12:46 AM

You'll do just fine!

A great way to get around forgetting/not knowing things is to have a mailing list. If you get stuck, say something like:
"You know, I'm not really sure/can't remember/don't have that with me right now, but catch me after class and I'll take your name down and mail you out the information or we can go over it during the next session."

Be yourself, and take some pictures for us LOL! Good luck mama!

douladot · 10-05-2006, 06:13 AM

I have no doubt that you will do GREAT Niccole!! Good luck and let us know how it goes!

MindfulBirth · 10-05-2006, 10:45 AM

Best wishes! I'm very jealous that you have a class to teach. Is it as a hospital/birthing center or a private group? How did you get your students? Is it a "basic" CBE class or a Bradley/Lamaze/whatever?

truelife · 10-05-2006, 11:20 AM

You guys are amazing! I love how supportive everyone is on here!

My MW (was also my preceptor & close friend) referred these clients to me. They are planning a homebirth, I am teaching a private class in their home, and if I had to say that I taught with any "style" it would be Bradley; HOWEVER, I am CAPPA trained. I love the freedom that I have with CAPPA as I am not held to any specific curriculum or material. Hopefully the clients will keep coming - I really like the idea of the private classes, but I need to teach it first to really be able to say that!

Matrescence · 10-05-2006, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by truelife

I have spent so much time preparing, researching, writing outlines, deciding on handouts, etc. but now that I am 4 days away from teaching my first series I'm really questioning myself. I am doubting whether or not I will provide them with the information they need/desire, if I really even know enough, and am really hoping I don't stutter through the whole time. I don't want them to feel like they wasted their time or money.

Anyone have these last minute doubts or similiar thoughts?

I'm going through the exact same thing right now, my first class is in 1 week (7 days

) I'm still writing my outline and notes for the last class in the series

I'm a procrastinator, big time. I'm not so much nervous about the information I'll give them as much as I am about their responses or acceptance of it. I'm nervous about showing birth videos because I don't have the money to get the pricey stages of labor type videos and all I have are the artsy birthy videos, I'm nervous about staying unbiased and most of all I'm nervous just about speaking

So, anyways I'm no help but just wanted you to know you're not alone

I bet in a few weeks time we'll both be right back here saying how great it went

Gentlebirthmama · 10-05-2006, 11:39 PM

September 1992 I taught my first class. One of the hospitals actually let me use a conference room and I had one couple, yes one couple, signed up.
The night of my first class I had sweaty palms, shaky hands, and butterflies in my stomach.
I got there early, set up the room, and then knowing I had a while before class started, I sat down on the floor and did my relaxation to calm my nerves! It worked wonders.
My couple showed up...a young couple having their first, a homebirth and totally into the classes. They came to every class for 12 weeks, told me after each one what a great teacher I was, and then to top it off invited me to their birth.
Awesome class, awesome couple, awesome birth.

Take that nervousness and channel it into lots of good energy. You'll do great!

emmabella · 10-06-2006, 12:38 AM

I still feel that way sometimes! It's just nerves.

Remember this is not the be-all end-all, I change and improve and learn something new with each class I teach. There is never "perfection". Every group will have different needs and learning styles and your most important job is to be flexible enough to meet them where they are at! You will be suprised with how much they already know if you take the time to involve them in the learning process.

Above all... be enthusiastic and positive just like you are here with us!