Spring Break

It's called spring break but it is so cold. I haven't had a Spring break in April since high school, so it's a nice change. 

I've been going to work everyday this week because it's a good time to get most of my student teaching requirements done. The more I do now, the less I will have to worry about in the coming weeks. (At "work" I get paid to do my homework). Then I met up with Yulia for some Tim Horton's chili. It was so good and we had a good time chatting since we haven't seen each other in a while. 

 One of my student teaching requirements is to create and teach a unit. The unit happens to be poetry. I found a bookmark poem on Shel Silverstein's site, (you should all know him if your took poetry somewhat seriously in elementary school) and made these card stock bookmarks for the kids. I enjoy planning and I relearn so much about the topic myself. Now I just have to decide what the best way to teach it is -that's the hardest and most exciting part. There are so many fun activities you can do with teaching poetry. 

By the way, April is National Poetry month!

Blessings,

Memories from a 3rd Grade Classroom

Tomorrow is my last day at my first student teaching placement. 

These are some things I don't want to forget.

"Who is she? She's doing a great job."

"How old are you?" The kids would ask. "20." Wide-eyes "You are so young!"

Random hugs from students during the day.

"Miss. L, I have to tell you something." 
"Ok, you can tell me" 
"...."
"I can't hear you. Whisper louder."
"Miss. L, I said I want to marry you."

"Do you have a boyfriend?"

"You seem to have a natural ability working with these kids, like it's second nature to you."

"You go to church?"
"Yes."
 So you don't eat meat on Fridays?"
"No, I do...."

"What kind of music do you listen to?"
"Christian."
What is your favorite band?"
"Casting Crowns. You can youtube them."

"I love you Miss. L"

"Miss. L, you are going to make a great teacher." (Kids/teachers would say this at such random times, and it always made me smile and encouraged me).

"I don't want you to leave. I want you to stay with us."

"R thinks you're cute. He told me."

"Do you have to leave?"

Do you still wonder why I love teaching and loving kids?

Atypical Tuesday Night

Today after student teaching, then work, and tutoring I did something I have not been able to do in a long time. I went over to friend's house and we had a relaxing Tuesday evening.

Tuesdays are my long days-they always have been since I started college. I got out of tutoring an hour earl, just as my cousin texted me to see if I wanted to spend the evening at a friend's house. 90% of the time my answer would be no because I always seem to have things planned, or be busy, etc. Today I was actually able to go and we had such a good time.

 We enjoyed out cheesecakes and talked-I think I did most of the talking. No, I'm sure I did most of the talking. 

We watched a "Christian" movie called Unconditional. I dislike most movies, but this was worth watching. It was beautiful and based on a true story. I do recommend it.

 Finally, Monday evening I found out I passed my NYS teacher certification exams. Another reason to celebrate with a relaxing evening. Honestly, I never thought God would be so gracious to me. I had already taken two exams (there's 4 total). This time I took the two remaining exams. One I had hopes I'd pass. The other one, I honestly took, just to "see how it is." I had no intentions of passing. I prepared myself mentally for taking it 3 or 4 times, because so many I've talked to have had to do that. But, once again God had mercy on me. I am so thankful. If I look tired in this picture, it's because I am! I have been trying to get most of my reflections done this last week, before moving onto my next student teaching placement.

Blessings,

 

Perfect Teacher

I used to be the perfect teacher. Until I found myself responsible for teaching a classroom full of students for a few weeks. I found myself always being anxious. At first all went well. Then I started teaching each week with the thought in mind that this week too shall pass. I could not wait for the weeks to be over. I had no desire to hang out, socialize, or relax. I was so anxious about everything going well at school. I started depending on myself and not seeking the Lord for strength.

Anxiety. I have never experienced such anxiety in my life. I am a person who worries a lot. But this was different. The past three weeks I could not eat during the school day. I ate an orange, or a yogurt because I knew I needed to. My hands would shake during the day, my mind never stopped thinking, and I constantly felt pressured. It all started with what I thought was an extremely bad lesson. My initial thoughts: how am I ever going to improve?? From there on out, I did not give myself a break. There were days I thought I should quite. I remember coming home one day and my mom telling me literally to relax, to go lay down and stop aimlessly pacing around the house.

I knew these thoughts and feelings were not from the Lord. I prayed. I prayed that God would give me wisdom and guide me and give me strength. He has. Last week was my "solo" week. It's basically teaching by yourself, without the teacher in the room. At the end of the week the teacher told me, "You did a great job." Those words made me sigh a sigh of relief. She has never said anything positive or negative about my teaching so I never knew what she was thinking. After my first few lessons we discussed what went well and what I should work on, but I already knew what I did and didn't do well so I would tell her and there was not much more to say.

Finally, God comforted me and sent people that would encourage me. I would literally hear teachers telling my teacher that I was doing a great job. I know that God did that for me. I am not writing this in a prideful manner-no not at all, but I am writing this to say that God cares so deeply for us and knows our needs. He knew I needed words of affirmation.

Today at lunch time I finally felt hungry. I thought all over again about how I would not want to do anything else. I know God used this experience to draw me closer to Him and show me that yes I can do this because God works all things together for good for those who trust God. It is so hard to place everything into God's hands sometimes, but once you do, God takes care of it all.

I am now just observing other classrooms and helping in the class since I completed my solo week and this placement is coming to a close. As I've said, now I see how God has worked all things together for good. 

 

Blessings,

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,

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,

Kindergarteners and Friends

Last Friday I subbed in a Kindergarten classroom. The kids were so great and I had so much fun. Again, it made me happy to think that I will be going to work everyday, when I am done with school, excited for the day. Working with kids is truly a beautiful environment to work in. (Unless you don't pray for the Lord to give you patience and love for each child)!

             The teacher's assistant snapped this photo of me. We were learning literacy through the arts :)

Afterwards I had an appointment to get my hair done. Then Angela and I had plans to grab dinner at Chipotle-my first time eating here. We had a great time and those are fake earrings Angela likes to put on. She is so funny. We are so different but so alike. A few weeks ago my mom told me that she does not think I'll ever find the kind of friend Angela was back when we were younger. My mom said she feels like she is ours when she comes over. Clearly, the sister my age I never had! Now we have to make time to hang out since our schedules are so different. 
 

Blessings,

Playing School

Hi all.

Sometimes I think about how sad it is that here I am studying to be a teacher, but neglect my siblings' education. When I was in elemetary school myself, I made Nick and Mark "play school" with me. I literally taught them, and they did both school homework and separate homework that I assigned to them every week. I still wonder how that worked-they were so cooperative!

So, one of my goals that school year is to spend more time with helping the kids with homework-especially Andrew, because it's the most fun with him. 

After I started helping Andrew with his letters I asked Leah if she wanted to "play school." She did. I told her to trace her name, after I wrote it. She started writing it at the bottom of the paper-completely ignoring what I was saying! Later I read a book I bought her at Marshalls. They got to decorate the little people from the story.

Andrew is such a quick learner, and so eager to learn! He had a book he wanted me to read after we practiced letters, but when Leah started acting like she was about to cry, he said, "it's okay Leah, we can read your book first." He ALWAYS has such a sweet heart. His kindergarten teacher said, he has no problem making friends and everybody loves him.  The other day he was trying to find words that rhyme-for at least half an hour he kept talking and talking, making up words if he had to, to get things to rhyme. 

 

Blessings,

Lesya

Heart of a Teacher

Hi all.

I saw this today and loved it. I thought I would share. 

I've been praying and still pray that God helps me to be the kind of teacher and role model that all students deserve and to serve my students from the heart both in Sunday school and academic/regular school.

Blessings,

Lesya

Carnival Day

Hi all.

I'm still catching up with posting...during the last week of preschool, the teacher recreated a Carnival for the kids in the classroom. She did such a nice job. I tell her that she does SUCH a great job with the kids, even though she didn't go to school for teaching. God has truly gifted her with creativity, etc.

Face Painting Station

Bubbles from the bubble machine. This was pretty neat. The kids loved it!

They earned tickets for playing the different games, and traded those in for candy.

One of the stations. If you pick up a duck with tape on the bottom, you get a ticket.

Popcorn!

This is just one class idea- not that any of my readers can find this useful. I pray God gives me the wisdom to come up with fun and exciting learning experiences for my future students. I want the kids to love coming to school and I definitely think  learning through fun works.

Blessings,
Lesya

Lena's Class Play

Hi all :) 

Last Friday I took off work to help my mom all day-with shopping. I also have an interesting little sister that makes her family attend every. single. school function she has. This time it was a play so we had to attend that or else I don't know what Lena would have done.

The class did a cute play on the States and their Capitals. They were all "aliens" exploring the United States. I'll say it again, I can't wait to be a teacher-Lord willing. I love when students can engage in interactive learning and make learning fun! 

We also picked up Victor from school that day. It is so funny how these two basically played together since they were little and now they are forming into two totally different personalities. Victor is such an easy going child compared to Lena. Example, you tell him to go to sleep, he goes. Lena, you have to tell her 10 times to go upstairs-she does have a hard time falling asleep though, just like her sister. Also today, she came home from school saw me and my mom looked at us and said, "actually, I'm just not gonna say anything because I know what the answer will be."

Tomorrow (well today actually) they are celebrating summer birthdays. She knew I'd say you don't need to bring anything in, and that's exactly what I said. Her response was something about that not being an option and we better go to the store today. Victor on the other hand, even if he wanted to bring something in, and we said no he wouldn't fuss about it. They always bring things in for their birthdays but it is so funny saying no to Lena because the word no doesn't exist for her. It's funny because she's a good girl, just soo spoiled I guess?

Blessings,

Lesya

Birthday Celebration with Preschool Friends

Hi all.

Laptop is back :)

Monday, June 11th was Preschool graduation so I went in and helped out with that. It was so sad to see the kids go. Afterwards, we went out for lunch to Kobe's hibachi, for my birthday celebration. 

I suggested we go to hibachi and they all enjoyed it. One of the girls could not make it because she had to bring her daughter to the dentist-it was a last minute thing, so that was sad. I love coming into preschool not only because I love the kids, but the teachers are sooo great. They are such great examples of true Christian women. 

Jen and I, while waiting for our food. All of us like to get together for Birthday celebrations, and to celebrate Christmas. We were even planning on having a movie night one night. I love having different groups of friends, and it's such a blessing that the Lord directed my paths to meet all of these girls. 

They were so sweet and got me gift cards to Starbucks, and Old Navy, and a Scarf from Charming Charlie (love that little boutique!).

Blessings,

Lesya

A Teacher's Prayer

Hi all. 

Inna sent this to me today :)

I've been subbing, and will be for the rest of this week, and a few days next week and I just love it. I look forward to "work."  I have also been learning so much about myself as a teacher. The idea of myself being a teacher-to the reality of it: how I actually interact with students and teach in the class. Today I learned that I am more soft than strict. This wasn't the kind of teacher I thought I would be. 

 

Blessings, 

Lesya

Words

Hi all. 

I thought it'd be fun to write up a list of words that I always have to think twice about when I am writing them :)

Receive( I want to write it as recieve)

Receipt (again, the ie mix up)

Response (I always want to write it responce)

Practice (I always want to write it: practise)

Sentence (I want to spell it sentense)

I don't know...do any of you have words that you've spelled a thousand times but still have to second guess yourself??

Also of my "miscues" as we call them in educational terms make sense, but sometimes I think...seriously? I have to think about how to spell a word even now?

Blessings,
Lesya

A New Perspective

Hi all. 

The title of this post doesn't match up to the content..it's nothing huge or life changing, but nonetheless, a learning experience.

My professor had us write lesson plans and teach them. She told us she was more concerned with our writing of the lesson plan, than how it went. 

Well I thought to myself, how could a planned lesson go wrong if you've thought it through, etc. 

I had to teach fractions. All the students are at different levels so I had to start with the basics, but make sure the students who were at the higher levels weren't bored. 

Anyway, I started teaching and I first thing a child said to me was, "you're going too fast." I started getting anxious and said "thank you for letting me know." 

I used a brownie batch to explain the fractions, but then gave them little "pizzas" to practice. Well, I think that is what caused the confusion. I should have stayed with one shape. 

I also used a trapezoid so that they can represent 3rds in addition to the pizzas. 

 I looked at the classroom teacher halfway through and just wanted to cry! I felt like I was "failing" the kids and I haven't ever experienced this. After several examples the kids got it but I did not get a chance to do what a planned, such as think. pair. share. etc. 

I told the teacher that I did such a horrible job, etc. She didn't think so. I guess I did not look nervous or stressed at all up there-which is good! Her point of view was that: the lesson was clear and concise-I thought the complete opposite, and I did a great job. She told me to stop being so critical of myself. I can't really help that. I have high expectations of myself, for teaching at least. I guess I felt very unorganized during the lesson and the kids had less background knowledge than I thought.

So, this has taught me yes I will have lessons that while I'm teaching, I will want to run and hide from, but standing back up and learning from them is what's going to make you a great teacher. I have been reflecting on it since Monday, and can't seem to "let it go" but I'll only grow from it.

Blessings,

Lesya 

Teacher's Conference

Hi all.

Another week has passed by...for me that means that there are 2 more weeks of school left! 

Today Olga and I went to an Education Conference which was held at our college. It was great!! It was so motivational and informative. One of the keynote speakers said that his philosophy on education is: "I don't care if you learn anything. I just want you to have fun." He is a great teacher-hence keynote speaker.

Anyway, I was reminded of that as I began planning my lesson tonight. I was (and am, still working on it) enjoying the planning process. I just love it! There are so many different ways you can teach in my case, fractions, and it is just so exciting coming up with your own ideas and then having the opportunity to teach them. Then I get feedback on how I taught. I hope I am always so enthusiastic about my career because right now I am simply loving it and thank God that he blessed me with a love for, and desire to teach my little friends-the children.

The downside of going to the conference, then having a portrait picture(s) appointment today is that I have so much homework and I do not know how I am going to complete it all by Tuesday. I know it'll all work out, but I am starting to feel exhausted. 

Tomorrow  Sunday School. Hopefully I don't forget to take some pictures so that I can blog about it because I just love teaching there too!

Blessings,

Lesya

It's the Little Things

Hi friends!
Today as my day begun at 6:15, and ended 10:30 with everything school, career, work related, two things made me smile...

Today I went to the city for my field experience hours. One of the boys drew this for me. It is a picture of me...in case you had trouble figuring it out. In the front of the "card" he wrote "You are grat Mis L." He sure did put a smile on my face. It's the little things. I didn't even bother to correct his spelling ;) and I'm keeping this forever. I'm sure it is going to be one of many (LOL).

2nd thing: I slept over my cousin Ira's house so we went to sleep late as it was, but the following morning she got up early made us breakfast, and said she'd make me a sandwich. I initially thought she had in mind for breakfast, but she actually handed me a brown bag and said that it was for lunch. That was sweet enough but she made a complete lunch: an apple and this candy (the only proof I have) as I was eating my sandwich while driving, which was very good by the way. When I saw the candy I shook my head and chuckled. It was just so sweet of her, and totally hit spot on with "family first." It may seem like "who cares, its just a lunch," but I don't know, I guess it meant more to me. The only thing that she missed was putting a note saying, "we love you" but that's okay, she tells me frequently enough.

I guess this poem would sum it up for me: It's the Little Things in Life

It really is the little things
That mean the most of all...
The "let me help you with that" things
That may seem very small
The "I'll be glad to do it" things
That make your cares much lighter,
The "laugh with me, it's funny" things
That make your outlook brighter...

The "never mind the trouble" things,
The "yes, I understand,"
The interest and encouragement
In everything you've planned
It really is the little things,
The friendly word or smile,
That add such happiness to life
And make it more worth while.

-Mary Dawson Hughes

School, Food, Fun

In midst of writing my paper, I felt an urge to blog, so here I am.

Hi all!

Yesterday was a day of unexpected occurrences.  

I had planned to go to the preschoolers, teach the Ukrainian culture class, write the paper (that I am currently writing) have dinner with Kelly and go to church.

My lunch ended up being this at McDonalds. How's this camera on my new phone? Not so bad I'd say...

Basically, the school asked me to be a substitute for the 4th graders for the afternoon. It was very unexpected but of course I said yes! This was right before I left. I knew I had to document my first time officially instructing a class. We did some history, and English during the afternoon and went outside for a bit at the end. Dismissing them was a bit chaotic because I'm not familiar with the school procedures and "bus waves." They also asked me to teach an elective course on Ukrainian culture Friday mornings, so yesterday was the first day as well.

I was out of school by 3:30 and met up with Kelly at T.G.I. Fridays. I've been meaning to take her out to catch up, ask how her Mexico Trip was celebrate her belated birthday. I really like it there. I don't know why we don't go more often. We got fried mozzarella sticks as appetizers and this steak for the entree. I loved the garlic buttery sauce on it. This is only half the steak in this picture. Also, sweet potato fries are so good, it was my first time trying them.

This was our dessert :) Yes, it was good! We shared the meal because neither of us was really hungry but we ended up with left overs still.

June

We look quite different in a few short months. 

September

Blessings,
Lesya

***I added a recipe in the "My Recipes" section of this blog. Do check it out.***

Blah, blah, blah

Hi all!
Let me tell you, the financial aid office is so busy. (I'm cutting right to the point, aren't I). So, when they asked me to work all 5 days this week I agreed. They tell me I'll have so much work outside of teh classroom with teaching, but in this office some of the workers stay until 8 pm, and come in early. IT does slow down later, but not by much. Basically, I couldn't relax on my last week before school. Oh well. Anyway after work I went to the library to print off some material for tutoring.
I've been on the lookout for good educational sites and haven't come across one I really liked until today.


The site is www.havefunteaching.com
I know that once school starts I won't have time to plan as much as I do now, so I wanted to get some material ready beforehand. I'm also going to tutor all three boys. I guess I've past the tutor trial point, with her first two boys.



As I was getting ready to go home, my mother called me, telling me to stop by Rite Aid and buy hand sanitizer for Lena, because she needed it for school. Well, I also picked up this candy bar. These chocolates are my favorite! Just so y'all know ;) Also, after more than a month of working, I got my first check so I dropped it off at the bank. I am done spending. I think if I turned that into an action, it would do me some good.

I got home, payed some bills online for mother, got ready for church, and picked up my grandparents. We actually had a choir practice today. It was a great success, even with 10ish people. I call it a small group choir. We are preparing for the Buffalo conference. This isn't in Buffalo, but a replica to what our combined NY choir will look like.

Blessings,
Lesya