I am officially on spring break, and done with full control. Where the time is going, I do not know. This week was easy in the sense that I only went to school two days, and those days weren't even full instruction days.
We had a snow day on Monday and Tuesday. I was able to get a lot of wedding planning done, as well as study for my PRAXIS...what an unexpected blessing this was.
We had a delay on Wednesday, but still went to school. I felt very refreshed and happy to be with the students. It was a wonderful feeling. I felt more patient and energetic. I had not really noticed how worn out I had gotten, but the two snow days took care of that no sweat.
Due to the snow days and delay yesterday, waking up this morning at the regular time was a bit difficult, to say the least. I had been spoiled into a more relaxed lifestyle...shame on me, haha. Today was far from normal, but that far from normal was fabulous! We just finished the story of Moses and so as a special treat, I allowed my students to watch Disney's The Prince of Egypt. The students then went to library for their Thursday special. When they got back, we reviewed manners used when a guest speaker is present. We reviewed these manners because we had a very special visitor coming in. Last semester, my class (obviously, my not being involved) write letters to their classmate's uncle who was a soldier over in Afghanistan. He is back stateside and wanted to express his appreciation of their notes by giving them a flag that flew at his base while he was over there. What a valuable experience this was for the students. The local newspaper got word of our special visitor and asked to come over too. Our class should be featured in the local newspaper tomorrow. This too was a valuable experience for my students as we have been talking about the symbols of America, the flag being one of them. What a special time this was. Our day wrapped up with an Easter party!
My plan is to get some rest tonight as it is my first night of spring break. I will head down to Charlotte tonight to meet my mister as he gets off work and then spend the evening with him and his parents. I will fly home first thing Saturday morning before Daniel goes to work. I will not be able to be home for long, but mainly to get some things decided for the wedding, and spend Easter with my precious family. I fly back to Charlotte Tuesday evening and come back here Thursday. I hope and plan to rest and work on school work my last few days of break. I love my living arrangements this year as I will be able to rest and "be home" without having a long drive the day before classes resume.
Only three weeks left of student teaching once I get back from break. From now on, I begin giving the classes back to my host teacher. I am three quarters of the way through student teaching...yikes!
That's all for now folks...check back next week to read about the adventures of a teacher on break!
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Monday, March 25, 2013
Week #8
This was a wonderful week! I am getting in the swing of things and loving the flexibility of being full control. Last week's post expressed my hardships, but I would like to now share the other side of things...I have been thinking long and hard about how to solve what I see as problems (students failing tests).
After much time spent evaluating, I think I have discovered one of the problems, and it is me. A lot of my review and teaching time has been passive. The students could easily tune me out and not be involved. When I call on them, they answer the question, and then tune back out. So...I have planned ten practice problems, but they are only reaping the benefits of one practice problem.
Trying to mend this problem, I have worked to revamp my time teaching and reviewing to involve all students at all times. On the spelling test this week...I saw the rewards! It was so exciting. I am eager to see how it worked in math and phonics.
We have finished our study on Moses, and will conclude it by watching The Prince of Egypt this week. I am excited to hear my students response when I tell them about this!
On Friday, the majority of our classes were review, via stations. The students love stations because it involves several games, done in short periods of times. I believe my students favorite game is a matching game with homonyms (language). I find great joy in watching my students have fun learning.
On the wedding side of things...planning is progressing quite nicely. Kari went with me on Tuesday to get my dress altered. I was thankful for her company, and the two of us had such fun making an evening of it! We enjoyed dinner with a mutual friend (who is another student teacher) and sharing stories. We then giggled almost the entire way back. I think we both needed that time. I am very thankful for her friendship!
After much time spent evaluating, I think I have discovered one of the problems, and it is me. A lot of my review and teaching time has been passive. The students could easily tune me out and not be involved. When I call on them, they answer the question, and then tune back out. So...I have planned ten practice problems, but they are only reaping the benefits of one practice problem.
Trying to mend this problem, I have worked to revamp my time teaching and reviewing to involve all students at all times. On the spelling test this week...I saw the rewards! It was so exciting. I am eager to see how it worked in math and phonics.
We have finished our study on Moses, and will conclude it by watching The Prince of Egypt this week. I am excited to hear my students response when I tell them about this!
On Friday, the majority of our classes were review, via stations. The students love stations because it involves several games, done in short periods of times. I believe my students favorite game is a matching game with homonyms (language). I find great joy in watching my students have fun learning.
On the wedding side of things...planning is progressing quite nicely. Kari went with me on Tuesday to get my dress altered. I was thankful for her company, and the two of us had such fun making an evening of it! We enjoyed dinner with a mutual friend (who is another student teacher) and sharing stories. We then giggled almost the entire way back. I think we both needed that time. I am very thankful for her friendship!
Today, I am snuggled up on the couch watching the snow fall and You've Got Mail...Happy Snow Day! I am enjoying my day immensely though I find myself missing my students. I had this week meticulously planned full of fun activities, and some of those will have to go now. Easter break begins Friday, and I plan to go to Vermont on Saturday after spending the evening with Daniel and my future in-laws.
It is Week #9 and my last week with full control. After break, I will give Bible and Reading back to Genna, then Language and Math in Week #11. Week #12 is my last week of student teaching and I give Phonics, Spelling, and History back. I can hardly believe this phase of my life is quickly approaching an end.
Please be praying for me as I study for my PRAXIS (equivalent to the boards for a lawyer, or doctor/nurse), work on my e-portfolio, and travel this upcoming week. I appreciate your prayers, and hope you stay warm as winter closes out with a bang!
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Week #7
I am going to be honest with you....life has picked up, and very very quickly. I feel as though both wedding planning and student teaching have gone full forward. I am tired and simply finding their are not enough moments in a day. My fiancé is so good... he answered his phone tonight (after midnight) after I call crying because one of my students failed a test. I never knew this would affect me this way, but at the same time am thankful for the love and genuine care that the Lord has given me towards my students. Daniel listened to me blab on and on about my woes, and simply reminded me of his love and prayed with me. He prayed for my students. Ladies, find yourself a man who brings your many sorrows to the Lord with you.
I promise, week 7 was good...great in fact! I love having full control. It really gives a whole new perspective on teaching. I love the flexibility it offers, and the many opportunities for cross curricular application. I still enjoy teaching language the most, but I also really enjoy teaching spelling. There are so many games that can be played with spelling and I enjoy researching and implementing them into my lesson.
Monday started with oversleeping...I never ever want to relive that feeling. I woke up at 7:53 and was at school by 8:03. Without going into long detail, I was really able to see God at work through this situation though.
Daniel drove to VA on Tuesday to finish loading stuff that had been stored at his grandparent's. On Wednesday he got the keys to our apartment. I hated missing this experience with him, but we both knew that I needed to stay here. Him and his parents put in some long hours. I have seen pictures and a personalized Skype tour of the apartment and am pleased. It will be a nice first home for us. Thankful for how the Lord provides, both big and small.
The week finished off very well with school. I find my eyes being more opened to the reality of the many hats a teacher wears. Teaching her students is one of many expectations of a teacher. I am learning a lot from my host teacher and asking questions galore.
Pray for strength this week, as I am tired. Pray for clarity of mind as I think and teach, and pray that my teaching would be clear to the students. I also ask that you pray for my students. I have nine sweet first graders (3 girls, and 6 boys). If there is any way I could pray for you, I would be delighted to, please just let me know! Take care!
I promise, week 7 was good...great in fact! I love having full control. It really gives a whole new perspective on teaching. I love the flexibility it offers, and the many opportunities for cross curricular application. I still enjoy teaching language the most, but I also really enjoy teaching spelling. There are so many games that can be played with spelling and I enjoy researching and implementing them into my lesson.
Monday started with oversleeping...I never ever want to relive that feeling. I woke up at 7:53 and was at school by 8:03. Without going into long detail, I was really able to see God at work through this situation though.
Daniel drove to VA on Tuesday to finish loading stuff that had been stored at his grandparent's. On Wednesday he got the keys to our apartment. I hated missing this experience with him, but we both knew that I needed to stay here. Him and his parents put in some long hours. I have seen pictures and a personalized Skype tour of the apartment and am pleased. It will be a nice first home for us. Thankful for how the Lord provides, both big and small.
The week finished off very well with school. I find my eyes being more opened to the reality of the many hats a teacher wears. Teaching her students is one of many expectations of a teacher. I am learning a lot from my host teacher and asking questions galore.
Pray for strength this week, as I am tired. Pray for clarity of mind as I think and teach, and pray that my teaching would be clear to the students. I also ask that you pray for my students. I have nine sweet first graders (3 girls, and 6 boys). If there is any way I could pray for you, I would be delighted to, please just let me know! Take care!
Monday, March 11, 2013
Week #6
I am halfway through student teaching and it hardly seems possible. This is a huge time in student teaching, as it comes with great excitement, nervousness, fear, joy...and the list could go on. I am peaking the hill, only to find time going quicker, and my heart falling more in love with my students, the staff, and this school in general.
I was mentioning today how much I enjoy grading papers. I know...you don't hear that too often. If I have to do work in the evenings (which is almost always), I would rather grade papers then write lesson plans. I say this because grading papers is a time I grow close to my students, and my eyes are opened to their personalities, their strengths, and their needs. I see areas in need of improvement, and am provided with areas in which I may praise them. I find this time very revealing as it grows my love and passion for these dear little ones.
Student teachers have said before "this is your first ever class, and they will always hold a special place in your heart". This could not be closer to the truth. These are the students patiently going through this experience with me, and teaching me so much. What an awesome experience this has been.
Week #6 was insanely crazy as we had Dr. Seuss week, mixed with a week of snowy weather. The weather brought a snow day, and two 2-hour delays. My teacher self shone brightly, as I questioned "how am I going to teach them what they are supposed to learn this week when I don't have enough time?" Don't misunderstand me though...I loved those extra hours too! It was a week of stretching me in flexibility (which I told my professor at the beginning of the year I needed to work on this...a key attribute needed by every teacher).
We had spirit days, extra assemblies, and my host teacher and I tried to tie Dr. Seuss in every place we could. For math, I used goldfish as manipulatives for the day when we acted out Dr. Seuss' famous book, One Fish, Two Fish, Blue Fish, Red Fish. I created story problems into relating to Dr. Seuss, and we did crafts every day. An art lesson I taught was in making a Lorax paper bag hand puppet. They turned out so cute!
In starting math this week, I learned 30 minutes is simply not enough time at all to teach math. I have so many fun games I want to do with the kids, and not enough time. This was also revealing to me in how many times you have to teach a concept before they actually get it. This has been teaching me patience.
Week #7 is quickly approaching, and that means FULL CONTROL. My host teacher is in the room (most of the time), but I am the teacher, teaching everything and leading every activity and minute of the day from when they walk in the room, until they walk out the door to get in the car to go home. I am excited about this, yet also nervous as this brings a lot more responsibility, and a lot more paperwork. Being at week #7, I find myself completely overwhelmed with the paperwork and extra side requirements. I am frantically trying to keep up and to [as I am constantly reminding my students] do it for the Lord, not for man! I ask that you join me in praying that I not be overcome with paperwork, but instead that I endure in this journey, and that I seek to please the Lord above all else.
On a side note from student teaching, I am submitting another resume to a school down in North Carolina. A friend of mine knows this church and spoke with the school administrator last week, who expressed great interest and said to "send the resume". I am eager to begin hearing back from the schools and to learn more. This particular school is just under a mile from Daniel's and my apartment.
Which brings me to...Daniel is moving into our apartment this week! We are thankful for the housing that the Lord has provided for Daniel thus far, but are also very excited about the realities we are seeing in our future life together. His parents will help him move in, for which we are so thankful. Moving here will cut his commute to work just about in half. How special it is to watch the Lord work.
Considering the time, I am going to close off this blog entry. Yes, I am busy, but I appreciate those of you who use this to pray for me (and Daniel). You are a blessing in my life, and I want to keep you updated on how He is answering your prayers. Check back next week to hear how FULL CONTROL week went!
I was mentioning today how much I enjoy grading papers. I know...you don't hear that too often. If I have to do work in the evenings (which is almost always), I would rather grade papers then write lesson plans. I say this because grading papers is a time I grow close to my students, and my eyes are opened to their personalities, their strengths, and their needs. I see areas in need of improvement, and am provided with areas in which I may praise them. I find this time very revealing as it grows my love and passion for these dear little ones.
Student teachers have said before "this is your first ever class, and they will always hold a special place in your heart". This could not be closer to the truth. These are the students patiently going through this experience with me, and teaching me so much. What an awesome experience this has been.
Week #6 was insanely crazy as we had Dr. Seuss week, mixed with a week of snowy weather. The weather brought a snow day, and two 2-hour delays. My teacher self shone brightly, as I questioned "how am I going to teach them what they are supposed to learn this week when I don't have enough time?" Don't misunderstand me though...I loved those extra hours too! It was a week of stretching me in flexibility (which I told my professor at the beginning of the year I needed to work on this...a key attribute needed by every teacher).
We had spirit days, extra assemblies, and my host teacher and I tried to tie Dr. Seuss in every place we could. For math, I used goldfish as manipulatives for the day when we acted out Dr. Seuss' famous book, One Fish, Two Fish, Blue Fish, Red Fish. I created story problems into relating to Dr. Seuss, and we did crafts every day. An art lesson I taught was in making a Lorax paper bag hand puppet. They turned out so cute!
In starting math this week, I learned 30 minutes is simply not enough time at all to teach math. I have so many fun games I want to do with the kids, and not enough time. This was also revealing to me in how many times you have to teach a concept before they actually get it. This has been teaching me patience.
Week #7 is quickly approaching, and that means FULL CONTROL. My host teacher is in the room (most of the time), but I am the teacher, teaching everything and leading every activity and minute of the day from when they walk in the room, until they walk out the door to get in the car to go home. I am excited about this, yet also nervous as this brings a lot more responsibility, and a lot more paperwork. Being at week #7, I find myself completely overwhelmed with the paperwork and extra side requirements. I am frantically trying to keep up and to [as I am constantly reminding my students] do it for the Lord, not for man! I ask that you join me in praying that I not be overcome with paperwork, but instead that I endure in this journey, and that I seek to please the Lord above all else.
On a side note from student teaching, I am submitting another resume to a school down in North Carolina. A friend of mine knows this church and spoke with the school administrator last week, who expressed great interest and said to "send the resume". I am eager to begin hearing back from the schools and to learn more. This particular school is just under a mile from Daniel's and my apartment.
Which brings me to...Daniel is moving into our apartment this week! We are thankful for the housing that the Lord has provided for Daniel thus far, but are also very excited about the realities we are seeing in our future life together. His parents will help him move in, for which we are so thankful. Moving here will cut his commute to work just about in half. How special it is to watch the Lord work.
Considering the time, I am going to close off this blog entry. Yes, I am busy, but I appreciate those of you who use this to pray for me (and Daniel). You are a blessing in my life, and I want to keep you updated on how He is answering your prayers. Check back next week to hear how FULL CONTROL week went!
Sunday, March 3, 2013
Week #5
I didn't forget this time! This has been a weekend of lists, but I have gotten a ton done! Week #5 was a full week with two two-hour delays.
I enjoyed adding Language to my teaching this week! I was nervous as ever about filling up the time, but I ended up with the opposite problem...I wished I had more time. We were able to play lots of games, and I was so impressed with the students in how they used technical terms...this is the prefix found before the root word. They are in first grade! They make me a proud teacher (Genna taught them this, not me).
All other activities continued to go well. We finished Junie B. Jones and are now reading Flat Stanley. They enjoy this book, but not as much as Junie. I continue to enjoy teaching Bible and Reading.
I take on full control next week. This adds 2-3 additional classes worth of lesson plans. That has been my biggest struggle in student teaching...keeping up with the paperwork. Please pray that I be able to get those lesson plans written this week. Another struggle of mine is teaching music. I need to get some of these done, and my human nature wants to put them off. Please pray also that I be able to get done all of the miscellaneous requirements. I am just about halfway through my time of student teaching, it hardly seems possible.
I thank you for reading this post, but this tired teacher must get some shut eye. The morning comes early! Goodnight folks!
I enjoyed adding Language to my teaching this week! I was nervous as ever about filling up the time, but I ended up with the opposite problem...I wished I had more time. We were able to play lots of games, and I was so impressed with the students in how they used technical terms...this is the prefix found before the root word. They are in first grade! They make me a proud teacher (Genna taught them this, not me).
All other activities continued to go well. We finished Junie B. Jones and are now reading Flat Stanley. They enjoy this book, but not as much as Junie. I continue to enjoy teaching Bible and Reading.
I take on full control next week. This adds 2-3 additional classes worth of lesson plans. That has been my biggest struggle in student teaching...keeping up with the paperwork. Please pray that I be able to get those lesson plans written this week. Another struggle of mine is teaching music. I need to get some of these done, and my human nature wants to put them off. Please pray also that I be able to get done all of the miscellaneous requirements. I am just about halfway through my time of student teaching, it hardly seems possible.
I thank you for reading this post, but this tired teacher must get some shut eye. The morning comes early! Goodnight folks!
Monday, February 25, 2013
Week #4
What a week and weekend. Life is crazy insane and I don't see it slowing down until I get back from my honeymoon in just under twelve weeks.
It was a wonderful week though with a fabulous ending...I was able to be the full time student teacher on Friday! I absolutely loved it. Genna had everything planned and set out so that made it a lot easier, but still, I really enjoyed it. The students were very well behaved and knew they would not get away with anything different from me.
Teaching Bible and Reading also went very well. I had been very nervous about teaching reading, only because it was two groups, at different levels. The Lord helped me though and I ended up really enjoying it.
This week began the lack of sleep though and has me quite tired. It didn't help that the weekend was crazy busy between working and church activities.
I am in week #5 now though and have added Language to my teaching. I apologize for this being late, but thank you for your faithful support. Let me know how you are doing and how I may most specifically pray for you!
It was a wonderful week though with a fabulous ending...I was able to be the full time student teacher on Friday! I absolutely loved it. Genna had everything planned and set out so that made it a lot easier, but still, I really enjoyed it. The students were very well behaved and knew they would not get away with anything different from me.
Teaching Bible and Reading also went very well. I had been very nervous about teaching reading, only because it was two groups, at different levels. The Lord helped me though and I ended up really enjoying it.
This week began the lack of sleep though and has me quite tired. It didn't help that the weekend was crazy busy between working and church activities.
I am in week #5 now though and have added Language to my teaching. I apologize for this being late, but thank you for your faithful support. Let me know how you are doing and how I may most specifically pray for you!
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Week #3
I can hardly believe that I am a quarter of the way through student teaching and get to marry Daniel twelve weeks from yesterday. My how time flies when you are having fun.
I taught Bible this week. I had a lot of fun doing it. Unlike the other subjects, we do not have a "Teaching Bible" class because they assume between our Bible classes (content) and our other teaching classes (technique), that we did not need a class specifically for "Teaching Bible". I can see the wisdom in that, but it still left me a little nervous, so that is why I did it first (that is how I do things). I ended up really enjoying teaching this and trying to pass on an excitement for God's Word. I had my first really big blunder though. Our memory verse was Psalm 23:5. We have been working on Psalm 23:1-4 since before I got there. I have known these verses for years, but froze up. It was a humbling experience.
I taught an art lesson for both first grade classes. I was nervous with this because of not knowing the other students, but knowing some of their needs. It all went well (thanks to the help of the two teaches) and the students really enjoyed the project. We decorated boxes for their valentines. The students did this by cutting up lots of pieces of red and pink paper and gluing them to their box. They then put a sign on their box that read "I love you to pieces!" I was impressed with how well they all turned out.
I led another PE game and continued Read Aloud. Both of these went well. I love the opportunities I have to work with the students.
This week also held some fun celebrations with Valentine's Day. Tuesday afternoon, I had a handsome visitor waiting for me when I got out of school. Daniel came up and took me out to olive Garden for Valentine's Day. We vowed to not talk about school or the wedding. That ban in conversation was needed and well enjoyed for its time. I also had fun doing some extra baking for the holiday. Here are a few pictures!
I taught Bible this week. I had a lot of fun doing it. Unlike the other subjects, we do not have a "Teaching Bible" class because they assume between our Bible classes (content) and our other teaching classes (technique), that we did not need a class specifically for "Teaching Bible". I can see the wisdom in that, but it still left me a little nervous, so that is why I did it first (that is how I do things). I ended up really enjoying teaching this and trying to pass on an excitement for God's Word. I had my first really big blunder though. Our memory verse was Psalm 23:5. We have been working on Psalm 23:1-4 since before I got there. I have known these verses for years, but froze up. It was a humbling experience.
I taught an art lesson for both first grade classes. I was nervous with this because of not knowing the other students, but knowing some of their needs. It all went well (thanks to the help of the two teaches) and the students really enjoyed the project. We decorated boxes for their valentines. The students did this by cutting up lots of pieces of red and pink paper and gluing them to their box. They then put a sign on their box that read "I love you to pieces!" I was impressed with how well they all turned out.
I led another PE game and continued Read Aloud. Both of these went well. I love the opportunities I have to work with the students.
This week also held some fun celebrations with Valentine's Day. Tuesday afternoon, I had a handsome visitor waiting for me when I got out of school. Daniel came up and took me out to olive Garden for Valentine's Day. We vowed to not talk about school or the wedding. That ban in conversation was needed and well enjoyed for its time. I also had fun doing some extra baking for the holiday. Here are a few pictures!
The valentines that I made for my students were pencils and a maze that read "You are a-MAZE-ing!"
I made strawberry cake chocolate chip cookies. I had never made cake cookies, but was impressed with how they turned out. One cake mix made over three dozen. The recipe can be found here.
I also made some white chocolate covered pretzels with heart sprinkles, but I have a student allergic to milk, so I made goodie bags for some of the girls here on campus. So they got some pretzels and strawberry cake chocolate chip cookies!
All of the valentines all ready to go to school with me.
This upcoming week, I add reading to the classes I teach on top of the things I have been doing. I appreciate your reading this blog and for your support. Have a wonderful week!
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Week #2
My second week began with a snow day being called on Sunday evening. It was fun knowing ahead of time. Monday morning I was able to speak in advisor's chapel on campus. It is different being in these shoes, but I pray I was able to help some of the el ed students see how worth it is. I don't sugar coat things....it is HARD! But....it is so worth it when you know this is what God has.
I was able to observe four other classes this week, which was fun. I went in consecutive order which I found very interesting to see the progression in development. It was fun seeing the variety in teaching styles too. I learned a lot, to be sure!
I started read aloud this week. We are reading Junie B. Jones is a Party Animal! I love this time because the students are absolutely captivated by reading. I make it my personal goal to read with SO much expression...and we all have a blast.
I taught my first two 'real' lessons this week. On Wednesday, we played Musical Hula Hoops and Rabbit/Coyote. The students seemed to really enjoy it. The noise level was hard because we had to do it in the cafeteria with preschoolers napping just down the hallway. Hopefully we didn't wake any sleeping bears.
On Thursday, I taught an art lesson. We started the story of Moses and so we made "Moses in the Blushes". They practiced their skills with scissors. They colored a picture of baby Moses in a basket, cut it out, and glued it on a blue piece of paper. They then traced their hands on green paper and cut them out to make the bulrushes. When glue only at the bottom of the palm, they are able to push the fingers/bulrushes back and see Moses. They did such a great job, maybe pictures next week!
Parent teacher conferences were on Friday. It was a little nerve-wracking before they occurred, but my host teacher handled it so well and put me to ease. I was able to meet two of my students' parents. It was such a great experience to be able to learn from my host teaching in this setting.
This coming week I start teaching Bible. I will continue the story of Moses as well as we will add Psalm 23:5 to our Bible memory (they are so good with it). With it being Valentine's day on Thursday we have some special activities planned. I will continue Read Aloud (all twelve weeks), probably do another PE lesson, probably another art lesson, learning center, teaching aid, technology highlights, and so on! If you are praying for me, I thank you!
Also this week, I have a special visitor coming....my sweet fiancé! He wont be up long, but I will take him for as long as I can.
Well folks, this teacher has turned into an ole fuddy duddy and 9:45 means bed time. So I thank you for taking interest in this great adventure that the Lord is leading me through called Student Teaching!
I was able to observe four other classes this week, which was fun. I went in consecutive order which I found very interesting to see the progression in development. It was fun seeing the variety in teaching styles too. I learned a lot, to be sure!
I started read aloud this week. We are reading Junie B. Jones is a Party Animal! I love this time because the students are absolutely captivated by reading. I make it my personal goal to read with SO much expression...and we all have a blast.
I taught my first two 'real' lessons this week. On Wednesday, we played Musical Hula Hoops and Rabbit/Coyote. The students seemed to really enjoy it. The noise level was hard because we had to do it in the cafeteria with preschoolers napping just down the hallway. Hopefully we didn't wake any sleeping bears.
On Thursday, I taught an art lesson. We started the story of Moses and so we made "Moses in the Blushes". They practiced their skills with scissors. They colored a picture of baby Moses in a basket, cut it out, and glued it on a blue piece of paper. They then traced their hands on green paper and cut them out to make the bulrushes. When glue only at the bottom of the palm, they are able to push the fingers/bulrushes back and see Moses. They did such a great job, maybe pictures next week!
Parent teacher conferences were on Friday. It was a little nerve-wracking before they occurred, but my host teacher handled it so well and put me to ease. I was able to meet two of my students' parents. It was such a great experience to be able to learn from my host teaching in this setting.
This coming week I start teaching Bible. I will continue the story of Moses as well as we will add Psalm 23:5 to our Bible memory (they are so good with it). With it being Valentine's day on Thursday we have some special activities planned. I will continue Read Aloud (all twelve weeks), probably do another PE lesson, probably another art lesson, learning center, teaching aid, technology highlights, and so on! If you are praying for me, I thank you!
Also this week, I have a special visitor coming....my sweet fiancé! He wont be up long, but I will take him for as long as I can.
Well folks, this teacher has turned into an ole fuddy duddy and 9:45 means bed time. So I thank you for taking interest in this great adventure that the Lord is leading me through called Student Teaching!
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Week #1
I have successfully completed my first week of student teaching. It was wonderful to meet the students that I have been praying for. I have nine precious little first graders in my class. My host teacher is a friend from college. She has been a great help in offering experiential advice, information on the students, and what she expects from me.
Unfortunately, by Monday evening, I had picked up some kind of illness. It is slowly but surely getting better, I think. It has been in my head, so my ears ache, my nose throbs, my eyes hurt, my teeth hurt, and I am very dizzy a lot of the time. The Lord has given me the strength to keep going though, and I am so thankful. I cannot afford to miss any. Several of the students have been in and out with sickness as well. Please pray for health, not only for me, but for my class too!
To be honest, life has me rather overwhelmed and stressed right now, but when I take a step back and look, I am thankful for the causes of stress. I am thankful that the Lord has carried me through four years of college, and gotten me to this point. He has increased my work load, enabling me to accomplish each step of the way. The requirements of student teaching will be no exception. I am thankful for a Godly man that I love and get to marry! The wedding plans are very stressful right now as (Praise the Lord) our wedding day is quickly approaching. I am getting a lot of help though from several dear people, helping relieve a bit of the stresses. I am thankful for a solid Bible church where I am able to attend, worship, and teach publicly. Why it is so easy to lose sight of the blessing that is, I will never know. I am thankful that I am about to graduate and will be qualified to teach. I am thankful for the open doors that the Lord is providing. Yes, filling out employment applications is not something I have loads of time to do, but I am thankful for how He is opening doors. So...all in all, I am working hard to focus on the blessings behind the stresses.
The topic of future job is in the making! I have sent a letter of interest to schools around the area that Daniel and I plan to live. All glory to God, I have heard back from two! Neither one was a definite, but the door was not closed for which I am thankful. This has added more to my work load, but again, Daniel and I are thankful for the open doors and possible opportunities.
as mentioned above, Daniel and my wedding day is quickly approaching...in fact, we are down to double digits! He is such a huge support and help as I finish up my schooling.
I hope you all have a wonderful week. Check back next week to read how Week #2 went. I will be teaching an art lesson, an indoor PE lesson, and creating a learning center!
Unfortunately, by Monday evening, I had picked up some kind of illness. It is slowly but surely getting better, I think. It has been in my head, so my ears ache, my nose throbs, my eyes hurt, my teeth hurt, and I am very dizzy a lot of the time. The Lord has given me the strength to keep going though, and I am so thankful. I cannot afford to miss any. Several of the students have been in and out with sickness as well. Please pray for health, not only for me, but for my class too!
To be honest, life has me rather overwhelmed and stressed right now, but when I take a step back and look, I am thankful for the causes of stress. I am thankful that the Lord has carried me through four years of college, and gotten me to this point. He has increased my work load, enabling me to accomplish each step of the way. The requirements of student teaching will be no exception. I am thankful for a Godly man that I love and get to marry! The wedding plans are very stressful right now as (Praise the Lord) our wedding day is quickly approaching. I am getting a lot of help though from several dear people, helping relieve a bit of the stresses. I am thankful for a solid Bible church where I am able to attend, worship, and teach publicly. Why it is so easy to lose sight of the blessing that is, I will never know. I am thankful that I am about to graduate and will be qualified to teach. I am thankful for the open doors that the Lord is providing. Yes, filling out employment applications is not something I have loads of time to do, but I am thankful for how He is opening doors. So...all in all, I am working hard to focus on the blessings behind the stresses.
The topic of future job is in the making! I have sent a letter of interest to schools around the area that Daniel and I plan to live. All glory to God, I have heard back from two! Neither one was a definite, but the door was not closed for which I am thankful. This has added more to my work load, but again, Daniel and I are thankful for the open doors and possible opportunities.
as mentioned above, Daniel and my wedding day is quickly approaching...in fact, we are down to double digits! He is such a huge support and help as I finish up my schooling.
I hope you all have a wonderful week. Check back next week to read how Week #2 went. I will be teaching an art lesson, an indoor PE lesson, and creating a learning center!
Friday, January 25, 2013
entering a new phase
Student teaching orientation has come to a completion, I have said my goodbyes to my fellow teachers, and we are all about to embark on this new phase of life...student teaching. Where has the time gone? I know this semester will fly by, and it is my hope and prayer that I keep up with it and make the most of the time I have. I am about to meet my first ever class and I am excited. I know I will never class as they hold a special place in my life as my first class. I do not know anything more then their names at this point, but by this next time next week, that will be totally different. What an awesome responsibility God has entrusted me with, and I only pray I use this time to its fullest.
I have a few areas I will be praying for myself with, and welcome you to join me.
My goal is to update my blog weekly about life as a teacher, so check back often. I thank you for reading and supporting me in this amazing call on my life.
I have a few areas I will be praying for myself with, and welcome you to join me.
- That I continually deepen my relationship with Christ, providing my students with a positive example. I pray that they will be able to follow me as I follow Him.
- That I keep the proper perspective that I am in the ministry of people. The academics and tasks are important, but the people are what matter.
- That the Lord give me a genuine love for my students and host teacher.
My goal is to update my blog weekly about life as a teacher, so check back often. I thank you for reading and supporting me in this amazing call on my life.
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