This week began my first week as a full-time student teacher. Monday morning I woke up incredibly early and began getting ready for an incredible journey. I went to school and began prepping for my first class. I gave my little spiel about my expectations and discipline policy for the class. I also gave them information about myself. I told them I’ve ran a marathon, skydived, and completed a triathlon. I gave the same speech three times, and quite honestly by the end of the day I was bored. I knew Tuesday I would need to think of something to spice up my delivery and make each time I taught a new creation, something different, and unique.
Five in the morning came awfully early on Tuesday. This waking up extremely early is going to take me awhile to get use to. The lesson I planned required each student to create an individual and personal poem. We walked through a pre-writing activity and they turned in their poems at the end of class. Tuesday went a lot better than Monday, and I enjoyed reading their writings.
Wednesday equaled a snow day! I think getting a snow day as a teacher is better than a snow day as a student. When I realized Jackson didn’t have school, I was beyond excited. Actually too excited; I couldn’t go back to sleep.
Thursday all the classes witnessed my favorite teaching style. Students helping other students learn, while participating in a game. They began with solving riddle poems as a group and moved on to “refrain” musical chairs. I thought the day went quite well.
Today I needed to clear up a few behavior issues that arose yesterday. I practiced my stern teacher voice in the mirror before I left my house this morning. To my surprise the students didn’t realize the trouble and were eager to fix the problem. Jackson students are great kids. In class we played “onomatopoeia” scattegories and ended the class with a quiz.
This week went very well. Even though I’m loving my student teaching experience, I’m really hoping there’s another snow day next week. My internal clock is having a hard time waking up this early! To those who have yet to student teach, practice waking up before the sun. This will help you in the future!
Friday, January 30, 2009
Friday, January 23, 2009
Spring Semester: Bring It On!
Even though my mom wasn’t there to take my picture in my new first-day school clothes, this week was my last “first week” of my college career. After four years, eight semesters, and countless hours of hard work, this semester is what I’ve been waiting for. I can see the finish line. I can see the graduation certificate. All I have to do is complete student teaching, ace senior seminar, and pass Praxis II. It might be tough, but boy will it be worth it.
Tuesday began a three-day senior seminar for all ADED (Secondary Education) student teachers. We sat through workshops dealing with classroom issues we would face in student teaching and in the years to come. After completing day one, I felt a bit defeated. I felt overwhelmed because I realized how much work this semester is going to be. We discussed licensure, interviewing, ESL students, and what to expect this semester. It’s a lot to take in, all in one day.
As I entered the room Wednesday, I felt stressed. Mr. Contini, my student teaching supervisor, came to the rescue. He spoke to my cohort about the Praxis III, and made me feel as if “I can do this!” We broke for lunch, and returned to the seminar with the other ADED student teachers. The speakers spoke on the reality of parent/teacher conferences, and how to achieve successful classroom management. I left the session in high hopes; I now believe I can truly succeed, and live through the semester!
Thursday we learned about legal issues, and our cohort focused on resume writing. Even though I felt overwhelmed at the beginning of the week, I left with my head high thinking “bring it on!” I am truly excited for this semester. Senior seminar shot a lot of issues and ideas our way, but I know now how truly important the information is and how I am better prepared for the next several weeks. I would like to thank all of the outstanding and inspirational presenters who spoke to us, and I wish all the student teachers the best of luck.
Today I went into the high school to talk to Mrs. Mann about my lesson plans and meet with the assistant principle, Mr. Hamm, about my time at Jackson. I feel truly blessed to have such an awesome co-operating teacher. She makes me feel so comfortable and confident. Her comments are guanine and sincere; I know I have a teammate through this experience. My meeting/ orientation with Mr. Hamm went fantastic. He went over the rules, schedule, and paperwork of Jackson. He helped me with an ambitious project I hope to complete with my 9th grade students, and gave me a tour of the gigantic school. Jackson is lucky to have such an exceptional administration. I was more nervous than excited about student teaching walking into the school this morning, but now I’m ready to show them what I got!
Tuesday began a three-day senior seminar for all ADED (Secondary Education) student teachers. We sat through workshops dealing with classroom issues we would face in student teaching and in the years to come. After completing day one, I felt a bit defeated. I felt overwhelmed because I realized how much work this semester is going to be. We discussed licensure, interviewing, ESL students, and what to expect this semester. It’s a lot to take in, all in one day.
As I entered the room Wednesday, I felt stressed. Mr. Contini, my student teaching supervisor, came to the rescue. He spoke to my cohort about the Praxis III, and made me feel as if “I can do this!” We broke for lunch, and returned to the seminar with the other ADED student teachers. The speakers spoke on the reality of parent/teacher conferences, and how to achieve successful classroom management. I left the session in high hopes; I now believe I can truly succeed, and live through the semester!
Thursday we learned about legal issues, and our cohort focused on resume writing. Even though I felt overwhelmed at the beginning of the week, I left with my head high thinking “bring it on!” I am truly excited for this semester. Senior seminar shot a lot of issues and ideas our way, but I know now how truly important the information is and how I am better prepared for the next several weeks. I would like to thank all of the outstanding and inspirational presenters who spoke to us, and I wish all the student teachers the best of luck.
Today I went into the high school to talk to Mrs. Mann about my lesson plans and meet with the assistant principle, Mr. Hamm, about my time at Jackson. I feel truly blessed to have such an awesome co-operating teacher. She makes me feel so comfortable and confident. Her comments are guanine and sincere; I know I have a teammate through this experience. My meeting/ orientation with Mr. Hamm went fantastic. He went over the rules, schedule, and paperwork of Jackson. He helped me with an ambitious project I hope to complete with my 9th grade students, and gave me a tour of the gigantic school. Jackson is lucky to have such an exceptional administration. I was more nervous than excited about student teaching walking into the school this morning, but now I’m ready to show them what I got!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)