Once again, another important event in my life...our wedding! It goes without saying, but it was a beautiful day, and I have so much to write about, but not enough time, nor room. So instead, I resort to photographs. These have been taken by a variety of people and compiled together for this post. Photo credits go to (but are not limited to): Mom Hewitt, Mom Miller, and Grandma Meigs!
Saturday, May 18, 2013
Friday, May 17, 2013
A picture is worth a thousand words...Graduation
We all know I can get a bit long winded at times, and graduation was a spectacular life event, and so it is predetermined that I would get long winded, and bore you to death. Therefore, I am going to refrain from telling you all the details, and instead post pictures that I have gotten from my Mom.
Monday, April 29, 2013
Week #12
Can you believe I am done with student teaching and graduating in less than a week? It seems so surreal. I had a wonderful experience with student teaching and would not trade it for the world. I learned so much and grew in so many ways (not to say I don't still have need for growth). I am just about done with college. I have grown to love West Virginia, and am sad to leave. This has been my life the past four years. I told Daniel yesterday, that I am thankful I have exciting things in my future, because it makes saying goodbyes a bit easier.
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Week #11
I can hardly believe that I only have one week left of student teaching. This brings mixed emotions, to be sure.
We had our achievement testing this week, so the schedule was way off. My students did so well though with the testing, and having positive attitudes about sitting silent for so long. I am so proud of them. This meant that I essentially had all morning of sitting still and quiet in the back too. I was able to get a lot of work done though, for which I am thankful.
The students have been learning about contractions, so for a learning center, I made several contraction flowers. They are laminated separate from the stems/leaves, so the students have to match them up.
We have also been traveling across America visiting different landmarks of our country. As a cross curricular activity, the students each made a Flat Stanley, that we sent to different people across the country. Here are a few pictures I have gotten back, signifying their state...
I had wanted to post this last week, but clearly that did not happen. My sweet host teacher gave me a gift to help relax for the PRAXIS. She has been a huge blessing.
We had our achievement testing this week, so the schedule was way off. My students did so well though with the testing, and having positive attitudes about sitting silent for so long. I am so proud of them. This meant that I essentially had all morning of sitting still and quiet in the back too. I was able to get a lot of work done though, for which I am thankful.
The students have been learning about contractions, so for a learning center, I made several contraction flowers. They are laminated separate from the stems/leaves, so the students have to match them up.
Flat Ella in Virginia with the Dogwood flower.
Flat Stanley in Pennsylvania at the Steamboat Inn in Lancaster.
Flat Ella in North Carolina in the cockpit of a commercial flight. The Wright Brothers had their first flight in North Carolina.
I had wanted to post this last week, but clearly that did not happen. My sweet host teacher gave me a gift to help relax for the PRAXIS. She has been a huge blessing.
I had my last observation this week, and am working on tying up all loose ends as I finish student teaching on Thursday. Friday is our senior day, and then next week is post student teaching meetings, and then Bible Conference. I graduate in two weeks--WOW. I get married in three weeks--WOWER! So thankful for the Lord carrying me and allowing me such blessings.
Sunday, April 14, 2013
Week #10
It was so good to be back after being gone for Spring Break, oh how I love my students. I have a natural tendency to get sad simply anticipating a sad event. This is no exception. I find myself getting teary realizing that very soon I will be done attending Daniels Bible Church, and will be done teaching in this precious first grade classroom. I am thankful there is great excitement though in my future to counteract the sadness of phases of my life ending. I will admit, I don't expect to miss the college scene too much, though that is not to say I did not enjoy my college days.
I dropped Bible and Reading this week, which was an adjustment. I have been teaching those two subjects for several weeks. I learned a lot though in observing from the perspective of having done it.
The weather was spectacular, allowing us to go outside. My host teacher had mentioned that I would notice a huge change in the demeanor of my students once they were outside...this could not have been more true. They are ready to sit for classes when they have been outside in the fresh air, allowed to run around, scream, and wiggle, to their heart's content. It is also nice for the teacher to sit outside and get some warmth during student teaching.
Yesterday, I took my PRAXIS (test determining if I am eligible for my state licensure). I could never have imagined how exhausted I would be. It affected me a lot more then I remember the SAT or ACT ever affecting me. I was thankful to have a dear friend go with me, also taking the test. We both walked out, took a deep breath, and simply said "I never want to have to do that again". We were famished hungry (after a good hearty breakfast and nutritious snack between the two tests) and so decided to get some lunch. The results are scheduled to come out on Daniel and my wedding day. I ask that you not ask me about it though on my wedding day, haha.
This upcoming week is our standardized achievement testing. I am eager to observe it from the perspective of a teacher rather then the student taking them. I technically give Language and Math over to my host teacher this week, but because of the testing schedule, I will be in charge of afternoon activities and she will be in charge of all morning activities (including testing).
The teachers try to not do any traditional academics this week, just to alleviate the pressure of testing. It works out well as I had several PE activities that I needed to get in before I left, so we are doing lots of fun activities in the afternoon. Another fun afternoon activity is a project where the students are designing their machine to do a first grade chore. It will be fun to see what comes of this.
I had hoped to put pictures in this post, but alas, there are only words. I thank you for your continued prayers, Only 2 weeks left of student teaching, 3 weeks until graduation, and 4 weeks until I become a Mrs!
I dropped Bible and Reading this week, which was an adjustment. I have been teaching those two subjects for several weeks. I learned a lot though in observing from the perspective of having done it.
The weather was spectacular, allowing us to go outside. My host teacher had mentioned that I would notice a huge change in the demeanor of my students once they were outside...this could not have been more true. They are ready to sit for classes when they have been outside in the fresh air, allowed to run around, scream, and wiggle, to their heart's content. It is also nice for the teacher to sit outside and get some warmth during student teaching.
Yesterday, I took my PRAXIS (test determining if I am eligible for my state licensure). I could never have imagined how exhausted I would be. It affected me a lot more then I remember the SAT or ACT ever affecting me. I was thankful to have a dear friend go with me, also taking the test. We both walked out, took a deep breath, and simply said "I never want to have to do that again". We were famished hungry (after a good hearty breakfast and nutritious snack between the two tests) and so decided to get some lunch. The results are scheduled to come out on Daniel and my wedding day. I ask that you not ask me about it though on my wedding day, haha.
This upcoming week is our standardized achievement testing. I am eager to observe it from the perspective of a teacher rather then the student taking them. I technically give Language and Math over to my host teacher this week, but because of the testing schedule, I will be in charge of afternoon activities and she will be in charge of all morning activities (including testing).
The teachers try to not do any traditional academics this week, just to alleviate the pressure of testing. It works out well as I had several PE activities that I needed to get in before I left, so we are doing lots of fun activities in the afternoon. Another fun afternoon activity is a project where the students are designing their machine to do a first grade chore. It will be fun to see what comes of this.
I had hoped to put pictures in this post, but alas, there are only words. I thank you for your continued prayers, Only 2 weeks left of student teaching, 3 weeks until graduation, and 4 weeks until I become a Mrs!
Monday, April 8, 2013
Spring Break
Spring break is done, and I am back at teaching. Thankfully I love what I do so much that going back wasn't too hard...besides being exhausted. Last night I was having panic attacks in my sleep from nightmares. This is my second restless night of wedding detail nightmares. A wedding is wonderful, but involves far too many details. The one part I most particularly remember from the nightmare is that the food we had lined up for the reception didn't work out at the last minute and we ended up having to serve our guests popcorn. That is a terrifying nightmare... let me tell you!
My spring break involved a lot of traveling. Having no school on Friday, I was able to head down to Charlotte. I made it just in time for my eye appointment. There was a bit of traffic, but I still made it. Early Saturday morning I went to work with Daniel and caught my flight. The flights were not looking probable at all, but, Praise the Lord, I made the flights and landed in Albany soon after 11. Tim, Beth, and Evan picked me up. Needless to say, this aunt did not mind sitting in the back with her quickly growing nephew.
I was able to spend a few days at home working on wedding details. I specifically took Sunday off though to celebrate Easter with my family and friends. What a fun time that was. We had over 20 people at our home. So thankful for the lessons I have learned from my mom on hospitality.
I flew back to Charlotte Tuesday evening and then had Wednesday and Thursday morning with my mister. We explored our new city and simply enjoyed being with each other. It is a beautiful city, and I am excited to learn what the Lord has for us together in this city. Please continue to pray as I look around for job opportunities to teach. Daniel's commute is down to 20-25 minutes, and is still enjoying his job and doing well at it.
It was an eventful trip home with rain, sleet, rain, freezing rain, heavy traffic, construction, and accidents, but the Lord protected me and my car, for which I praise Him. I got home after about 5.5 hours.
Friday afternoon, my future mother-in-law came in for the weekend. Saturday afternoon was my bridal shower at my church here. The ladies were extremely generous. It was a very special time. To introduce themselves, they said how they knew me, as well as one piece of advice. I received wonderful insight from these dear ladies that I will forever treasure.
Sunday was church and a time to catch up from break. For small groups, we celebrated Easter with an egg hunt.
Monday, though having had a wonderful break, I was eager to go back to school and see all of my kiddos. This week, I give Bible and Reading back to my host teacher. Please be in specific prayer for me this weekend as I take my PRAXIS test on Saturday. My first part is at 7am, and the other 10:45am. I am extremely nervous, to say the least.
My spring break involved a lot of traveling. Having no school on Friday, I was able to head down to Charlotte. I made it just in time for my eye appointment. There was a bit of traffic, but I still made it. Early Saturday morning I went to work with Daniel and caught my flight. The flights were not looking probable at all, but, Praise the Lord, I made the flights and landed in Albany soon after 11. Tim, Beth, and Evan picked me up. Needless to say, this aunt did not mind sitting in the back with her quickly growing nephew.
I was able to spend a few days at home working on wedding details. I specifically took Sunday off though to celebrate Easter with my family and friends. What a fun time that was. We had over 20 people at our home. So thankful for the lessons I have learned from my mom on hospitality.
I flew back to Charlotte Tuesday evening and then had Wednesday and Thursday morning with my mister. We explored our new city and simply enjoyed being with each other. It is a beautiful city, and I am excited to learn what the Lord has for us together in this city. Please continue to pray as I look around for job opportunities to teach. Daniel's commute is down to 20-25 minutes, and is still enjoying his job and doing well at it.
It was an eventful trip home with rain, sleet, rain, freezing rain, heavy traffic, construction, and accidents, but the Lord protected me and my car, for which I praise Him. I got home after about 5.5 hours.
Friday afternoon, my future mother-in-law came in for the weekend. Saturday afternoon was my bridal shower at my church here. The ladies were extremely generous. It was a very special time. To introduce themselves, they said how they knew me, as well as one piece of advice. I received wonderful insight from these dear ladies that I will forever treasure.
Sunday was church and a time to catch up from break. For small groups, we celebrated Easter with an egg hunt.
Monday, though having had a wonderful break, I was eager to go back to school and see all of my kiddos. This week, I give Bible and Reading back to my host teacher. Please be in specific prayer for me this weekend as I take my PRAXIS test on Saturday. My first part is at 7am, and the other 10:45am. I am extremely nervous, to say the least.
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Week #9
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!
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!
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!
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