One Step at a Time

“One step at a time.” This popular lyric to Jordan Sparks’ new song is this week’s anthem. I kept reminding myself to just keep taking one step… one step at a time.

Tuesday, my classmates and I spent time working on our portfolios. By the end of the semester, we must upload our ten day unit plan, video poem, and other lesson plans that meet NCATE standards. We began designing our templates and uploading documents. We also signed up for our “last semester as an undergraduate” classes; I think it finally sunk into our minds: “O my gosh, we’re graduating!” After spending eight semesters contemplating what classes to take or what professor to pick, it all came to the end. One more semester and I’ll be an adult. Right?

Wednesday, Mr. Noden came to observe my lesson. He wrote only positive comments about my characterization game. During the fall semester, my practicum instructor (Mr. Noden), and my student teaching supervisor will observe while I teach. Mr. Noden looks for the positive and my supervisor looks for ways to improve my teaching.

These pictures are from the characterization game. Students divided into four groups. Half the group became the writers and half developed into distinguished actors. The writers picked three character traits out of my beautifully designed “Jackson” box. They wrote scripts for the actors to perform. As a class we would try and identify the character traits. I think the students enjoyed the lesson.

Thursday we continued learning about characterization. We read the short story “Thank You M’am.” The story depicts two distinct characters. For homework they were assigned to write a song from the point of view from one of the characters. Of course, I thought I should lead by example and write a short song myself. I played the only three notes I knew how to play over and over until I finally finished a -sure to be- Grammy award winning song. I think the kids thought it was totally lame, but I witnessed a few smiles peak out from behind their “we’re cool” teenagers’ faces.

I know these kids only think of me as their goofy student teacher, but to me these kids are my thoughts. I think about the class constantly throughout the day. I think about what lesson they’ll think is “totally awesome.” I think about what is the best way they’ll learn. I think about their well-being. I think about how they’re doing in other classes. I think about what fun conversations we’ll have the next day. I think about whether or not they’ll win their football game. I know they don’t think so, but I truly care about them!