Respect for Teachers

All I do everyday, all I think most about everyday, is teaching. So, it should not come as a surprise that I will be blogging about it most in the next few weeks.

There is an expression out there-"those who can't do, teach." I think it is funny. But so far from the truth.

The more I student teach, the more gray hairs I probably get  I realize what a challenging and respectable job teaching is should be.

Simply put: You are responsible for the social, emotional, and intellectual growth of at least 18 students daily.

Managing 18 students in an educational setting is no small task.

Put all of that together and you have one anxious student teacher. I want to get things right sooo badly but it is a learning process. Most days I feel like I got it. Tuesday of this week though, I was walking the students down to music class and thought to myself that the classroom teacher might as well tell me that I should reconsider what I have wanted to do since 2nd grade. To teach. Today on the other hand, went so well. The Lord knew I could not handle two "bad days" in a row. (Well one lesson made it a bad day Tuesday).

It is so wonderful how the Lord works though. During my drive to and from the school, I listen to sermons and songs and they seem to be speaking straight to me through their encouraging words. I even read a devotional Tuesday morning that talked about not giving up because "I could do all things through Christ who strengthens me." If God has got me this far, he will help me to become the teacher I want to be.

Blessings,   

Classroom Fun

I can't believe it's been over a week since I blogged. Time is flying by so fast- I though it was only a few days ago that I'd blogged.

I'm on Winter break this week-my 1st time since starting college, but since I am "student teaching" I have it off. I don't feel like a student teacher at all. The 2nd week in the classroom-when I was only suppose to be teaching 1 lesson a day, I was already teaching 2-3 lessons. By the end of that week I was teaching 50% of the day. And now, I am doing all but 1 hour of the day . The other student teachers in my group say they are only teaching 1-2 lessons still. I'm blessed with the experience, but it is a lot of work. Not to mention, the grading and then entering the grades into the computer, meetings, school plays, teacher luncheons, and work I have to do for my supervisor. (I managed to get myself into a few "extra" things at the school-somehow this always happens).

So this was Valentines Day. We had a little party with big messes. Somethings you just have to let go-like realizing you cant always having the classroom "in order." The kids were so excited and had such a fun time. We watched a Valentines Day cartoon-Charlie Brown, The kids loved it.

After the kids left for the day we rearranged the room a bit. Now this looks like a classroom conducive for student learning. 

I've never wanted kids to call me by my last initial- L, but I did not want to put them through trying to remember how to call me so Miss. L it is.

 As I've mentioned above, teaching has been a lot of work but I am loving every minute of it. I sometimes wondered whether I love teaching for other reasons than "loving to teach children" because I do like the busyness of it, the structure, the leadership, etc. but those fears faded. My favorite parts of the day are helping and watching the kids learn and grow! I also always had this fear of "what if I'm not a good enough teacher-what if they do not understand anything I say" and even that fear was put to rest. They seem to "get" what I teach-Praise God! (I hope I did not say that too soon). I know it might seem silly-because "how hard is it to teach?" but I don't want the kids to suffer because of a student teacher's inability to be effective. Teaching is not as easy as it looks-at least in my opinion. 

I can't believe I have a little over 3 weeks left in this placement. I am going to miss these kids so much. Even in my short time there, I have grown to love them and am so happy to see them every morning.  

Blessings,

Storm Nemo

Hi all.

A few weeks ago in the morning I was driving to school and thought it was beautiful out, but pretty bad for driving.

Friday I was driving home in this. Storm Nemo was underway. Here it wasn't so bad but there were areas I drove through that were so much worse. I take a 15 minute long road home from student teaching. Of course, some schools did not find it necessary to dismiss early so I got lucky enough to enjoy the beautiful scenery for a long 40 minutes on what is usually a 20 minute drive. It was funny because the songs that kept coming on, on the radio related to how I felt about driving that day. The song lyrics that came on when I began to drive were "It's just a long way home" and then "I know the journey seems so long You feel you're walking on your own..." It just made me chuckle because it was a long way home and sure was all alone. Thank God for his protection.  

Blessings,

Natural Remedy

Hi all.

If you have a cold, try this because it works! Thought I'd pass it along... 

1 tsp raw honey 1/4 tsp cinnamon. Combine and swallow it in a gulp or dip it in a fruit or whatever.  Continue to do for 3 days, 3-4 times a day or when you no longer have a cold.

Blessings,

Student Teaching

Last Monday I began my student teacher placement. I can't believe I am already here. God is so good.

I have loved every minute of it so far. I have been doing a lot of small group instruction the first week so I could get to know the students and the routine. This week I am going to start teaching a Sky Calendar Unit and Native American readings along with writing tasks. I want to do a good job so badly and I know it won't always go as planned. I don't want those poor students to suffer because of a student teacher :/ Lord please help me...
I look back at my journey and can truly say that this is the Lord's will. God gave me this desire and I am so thankful I pursued it after soooo many doubts, in my own self. (Note to self: Next time I doubt myself in my teaching skills, (after tomorrow's lessons) read this post!)

Blessings,