Back in the Game

To my surprise, my second semester at college has me placed at a school to work with kids. They call it a practicum placement. It is exactly what I did in TAP, so i'm completely happy and comfortable in my environment. I'm working with 2nd graders at a very rural elementary school in Jefferson City, Tn. I'm not sure if it would be appropriate to name the teacher and school, but the basic information is all that matters. 
I've been to the school four times now, and each time I grow to like it more and more. Second graders are different than kindergarteners in academic and behavioral development, but their sweet hearts and desire for love and affection remain the same. I can see reflected in all their little eyes that they just need someone to listen to them and provide love and help. I observed them at recess, running around like hooligans on the HUGE playground. It shouldn't surprise me, as rolling hills surround the school for miles. Welcome to the country.
In the classroom, the lessons are delivered smoothly and efficiently. Most of the children's time is spent actually doing the work. I have read with groups and helped them with worksheets based on the reading. Math is a big part of the day, and the kids definitely have a harder time than with the reading. The teacher does a very good job explaining though. The school uses RTI, which I have observed and found to be very interesting and appears to be effective. I look forward to learning about it more. Basically, i'm ecstatic to be back in a classroom. I know it's where I belong. I know i'm going to learn a lot. 

A New Beginning

I have started college and am beginning my journey to become a certified teacher. I won't be working directly with kids until next year, so I won't be blogging until then. This blog is all about hands-on work. I'm excited to read what will one day appear on this blog. Who knows what I will be doing? So off I go!

TCAPS

I went to my school today and was told no visitors were allowed because of TCAPS. Kindergarteners don't take them though so i'm bummed the school won't let any grade level have outside helpers. Next week will be the last time I will see these kids. I go to the school I attended as a child, so working here brings back fond memories of my childhood. When I leave next week, who knows when i'll be back, or if I will be back. Beginning a path toward education is exciting, but also scary. Interning as a high schooler is a lot different from being one in college. In college I am making a real commitment. I know this is what i want to do, but the kid inside of me kind of wants me to just stay a cadet forever. no pressure. Lots of fun and experience. I will miss the kids, teachers, and the school. It's almost like leaving the school all over again.
I still remember on my last day of fifth day, walking out of my school and seeing my mom holding a graduation balloon. I walked up, took the balloon, an began to cry on our way home. I love this school. I love being here and seeing the perspective of my teachers when I was a child. It still seems like yesterday though. I won't get a ballon this time when I leave, but I know i'll cry. I love this school.

Ruminations

The year is coming to an end along with my interning at both of my schools. the fact that my kids will move on and grow up, and I will just be a vague memory. I love these kids. They're sweet, funny, kind, thoughtful, and so much more. I can tell this is going to be really hard for me as a teacher. The woman I have been learning from since last year has become sort of a friend. We talk, and she treats me like an equal. I wish I could learn from her forever, because she is exactly the teacher I want to be. Her classroom smells like candy, which I really love.
In my other teacher's class today, I traced and cut out 30 giant leaves. I was surprised by how long it took. For the past week though, she has let me lead circle time and read them stories. I love singing with them and asking them questions about the dates, money, and even plot elements from the books we read. The teacher is kind and really good at her job. i have been so blessed to work with the teachers i've had. I have so much gratitude for these women.
I will miss the kids terribly, but I still have a few days left to help and learn. I don't know when I will get to intern with another Kindergarten class, but I know when that happens I will be ecstatic. This is the grade level I want to teach.
In my first classroom, I have had so much fun with them. We have made paintings, mother's day flowers, imaginative painting. There have been so many other things. I am given the struggling kids to work with. When they begin to make progress, I feel happy. Moments like these assure me I truly want to be a teacher.
Of course, none of this would have been possible without my teaching as a profession teacher, who is devoted to helping us be in good placements. She really cares. So a big thank you to her for undoubtable helping make my future career.

butterflies

In the classroom, the teacher had bought catipillars, which, made cocoons, which turned into butterflies. It was really cool to experience. We let them go the other day and the kids were ecstatic to see the butterflies fly away until they were tiny specks, and then disappeared. I will definitely do this in my future classroom. It was a great learning experience that the kids were able to experience in person. I myself found it fascinating and fun!    

Exciting Events

School continues on a steady role, but new things are introduced constantly. The children and parents threw one of my teachers a surprise Un-birthday party. she was very excited and touched, telling me none of the parents had ever done anything like this before. It was nice to see a teacher being appreciated. I have been working one on one a lot with struggling kids and I feel the short time I spend with them makes a difference, however small it may be.
In my new placement, I often work with them in groups doing fun learning activities. She finds a lot of her activities on Pinterest. She has been teaching for a long time so it's nice to see the use of technology. I have led a circle time in her class, read several books, and sang many songs with them. Each classroom is different, and I am learning a lot from each one.

I am thankful for

 1. I enjoy seeing the kids walk through the door every morning, saying hello and seeing them smile.
2. I love teaching calendar time so I can experience teaching
3. I love walking around the classroom and helping the kids with their work, as they have many questions.
4. I love encouraging them when they're discouraged, as I feel i'm making a difference.
5. I love making crafts with them.