I started my first day as a student teacher today. It went very well. I enjoyed meeting the students and was happy to find I knew most of their names. Of course my studying (matching the class list to last year's yearbook) helped too!
We have a great class this year, with two new kids who fit right in immediately. The returning students were courteous and kind to the new students, to myself, and to their teacher. I left feeling tired, but happy and confident in the year. Day one, at least!
I'm fortunate to be working with a really great team of teachers. There are three 5th grades at my school and the teachers collaborate very closely on their lesson plans, activities, and expectations. This year they are having "homerooms" and the students will be rotating between the three classrooms for different subjects. The room I'm in is the writing room, the other two are math and social studies. This will be one step towards transitioning the fifth graders from elementary to middle school. I think the idea is a neat one. It allows the teachers to focus more on teaching their strengths (math, science, writing) and it allows them each more time to develop comprehensive lessons plans. The students get an introduction to schedules and different teachers per subject, all within the comfortable confines of their elementary school. I'm excited to see how it plays out through the year.
Monday, August 26, 2013
Friday, August 23, 2013
Friday! Week one done.
Clearly daily postings are not going to happen around here. UVEI orientation ended yesterday, Thursday. It was a really great week of meeting new friends and learning new things.
We had a week long project to teach a 10 minute lesson with a partner. My partner and I decided to teach a poem called "Dreams" by Langston Hughes to the group. It's a nice little poem and she knew the ASL to accompany it. We taught the group the poem and had them practice the sign language. The lesson planning was interesting and challenging as they gave us loose guidelines but we hadn't had any real lesson planning lessons. We spent a lot of time discussing how best to co-teach, how to position ourselves to be most beneficial to the class, how to position the class, and, most importantly, what are we really trying to teach!? We had a chance to do a dry-run with another pair the day before our lesson, and we gained valuable feedback from that. On Thursday afternoon we taught our "class" the poem and the sign language. It was really fun and it was interesting to see how we adjusted our lesson plan on the fly to account for the previously unknown environment and students. It went very well.
We were in groups of ten people, five sets of partners, and everyone got to teach a lesson. In addition to our poem, we learned about how to construct a healthy compost pile, how to tie a strong knot (I forgot the name of it though!), more about healthy eating and exercise, and how to make a paper airplane. Which leads me to my next thought...
I spent today at school for the final in-service day. I asked a ton of questions, collated papers, stuffed folders, and attended a staff meeting and a district-wide employee recognition ice cream social! It was a busy day. The district IT was fighting a DOS (denial of service attack, which pretty much takes down their network) so the teachers were all stressed about last minute emails, printing, and presentations saved online. All was resolved by lunch time though.
At our staff meeting I sat quietly in the corner, feeling like an intruder. I made a quiet joke about it to my mentor and our awesome school counselor. I said I feel like a parent wearing teacher clothing and sneaking in to the meeting. They laughed. She patted my knee and said, "You're one of us now! You get to hear all the secrets." It felt good to be there. :)
The first activity we did at the staff meeting was a communications game. Half the room (my side) made paper airplanes. The teachers at my table were saying they don't know how to make airplanes, so I stepped right up and demonstrated the process I'd learned just yesterday at UVEI. They all followed along. Then we had to partner up with the other half of the room, stand back-to-back, and verbally instruct our partner on how to make the same airplane. My partner did an awesome job, but the partners of my tablemates did not. Apparently I did not teach my neighbors well enough, as they were unable to reteach the skill! They said the lesson learned is that cheating is bad. :) For those of us who created matching planes (original and replicate) we got to fly the replicates for a distance challenge. My partner's plane won! Yay for my first staff meeting and yay for my UVEI colleagues who taught an excellent paper airplane lesson!!
I am now very tired and still need to learn many names before Monday. I'd like to know most, if not all, of the students as they come in on Monday.
We had a week long project to teach a 10 minute lesson with a partner. My partner and I decided to teach a poem called "Dreams" by Langston Hughes to the group. It's a nice little poem and she knew the ASL to accompany it. We taught the group the poem and had them practice the sign language. The lesson planning was interesting and challenging as they gave us loose guidelines but we hadn't had any real lesson planning lessons. We spent a lot of time discussing how best to co-teach, how to position ourselves to be most beneficial to the class, how to position the class, and, most importantly, what are we really trying to teach!? We had a chance to do a dry-run with another pair the day before our lesson, and we gained valuable feedback from that. On Thursday afternoon we taught our "class" the poem and the sign language. It was really fun and it was interesting to see how we adjusted our lesson plan on the fly to account for the previously unknown environment and students. It went very well.
Dreams, by Langston Hughes
Hold fast to dreams
for if dreams die
life is a broken-winged bird
that cannot fly.
Hold fast to dreams
for when dreams go
life is a barren field
frozen with snow.
We were in groups of ten people, five sets of partners, and everyone got to teach a lesson. In addition to our poem, we learned about how to construct a healthy compost pile, how to tie a strong knot (I forgot the name of it though!), more about healthy eating and exercise, and how to make a paper airplane. Which leads me to my next thought...
I spent today at school for the final in-service day. I asked a ton of questions, collated papers, stuffed folders, and attended a staff meeting and a district-wide employee recognition ice cream social! It was a busy day. The district IT was fighting a DOS (denial of service attack, which pretty much takes down their network) so the teachers were all stressed about last minute emails, printing, and presentations saved online. All was resolved by lunch time though.
At our staff meeting I sat quietly in the corner, feeling like an intruder. I made a quiet joke about it to my mentor and our awesome school counselor. I said I feel like a parent wearing teacher clothing and sneaking in to the meeting. They laughed. She patted my knee and said, "You're one of us now! You get to hear all the secrets." It felt good to be there. :)
The first activity we did at the staff meeting was a communications game. Half the room (my side) made paper airplanes. The teachers at my table were saying they don't know how to make airplanes, so I stepped right up and demonstrated the process I'd learned just yesterday at UVEI. They all followed along. Then we had to partner up with the other half of the room, stand back-to-back, and verbally instruct our partner on how to make the same airplane. My partner did an awesome job, but the partners of my tablemates did not. Apparently I did not teach my neighbors well enough, as they were unable to reteach the skill! They said the lesson learned is that cheating is bad. :) For those of us who created matching planes (original and replicate) we got to fly the replicates for a distance challenge. My partner's plane won! Yay for my first staff meeting and yay for my UVEI colleagues who taught an excellent paper airplane lesson!!
I am now very tired and still need to learn many names before Monday. I'd like to know most, if not all, of the students as they come in on Monday.
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
Day Two
Day two at UVEI. Another great one!
This morning we watched an awesome video on Changing Education Paradigms by Sir Ken Robinson.
I've seen this a few times and it's just amazing. The illustrations, the ideas, the execution. Just perfect. I love his point that you can't meet the future by doing what you did in the past. I think too many times we try to do just that. It worked before, why isn't it working now? When our current education system was created, during the Industrial Revolution, it meet the needs of the time just fine. Students needed to know basic reading and math skills. The Three R's. In today's environment though, students need to know so much more, but more importantly, students need to know how to process the complex information available to them (to us all!) and how to find accurate, reliable information.
This is a great video. I'd highly recommend you watch it, a few times.
Did you know the rate of ADHD increases as you head east? Why is that? One of my classmates said it's because it's colder on the East coast and people tend to stay indoors more. I disagree. I don't have an answer, but I don't like that one. If the map is correct it's primarily the south east. I wonder if it has to do with economics and education levels?
This morning we watched an awesome video on Changing Education Paradigms by Sir Ken Robinson.
I've seen this a few times and it's just amazing. The illustrations, the ideas, the execution. Just perfect. I love his point that you can't meet the future by doing what you did in the past. I think too many times we try to do just that. It worked before, why isn't it working now? When our current education system was created, during the Industrial Revolution, it meet the needs of the time just fine. Students needed to know basic reading and math skills. The Three R's. In today's environment though, students need to know so much more, but more importantly, students need to know how to process the complex information available to them (to us all!) and how to find accurate, reliable information.
This is a great video. I'd highly recommend you watch it, a few times.
Did you know the rate of ADHD increases as you head east? Why is that? One of my classmates said it's because it's colder on the East coast and people tend to stay indoors more. I disagree. I don't have an answer, but I don't like that one. If the map is correct it's primarily the south east. I wonder if it has to do with economics and education levels?
Monday, August 19, 2013
First day at UVEI
Today was the first day of UVEI orientation! It was great! I'm so jazzed to be surrounded by people, all with varied life histories, all pursuing the same path I am. It is so motivating!
We did a compass point activity to discuss personality types. It was interesting to see how many people were in the "Just do it!" crowd. I fell into the South "caring" crowd. I was torn between that and the West "details" group, but we had to chose just one so I went with South. We discussed strengths and weaknesses of our own personality type and how it might play into our interactions with others and our teaching styles. I can see how it takes all types of personalities to successfully run an organization. You need the go-getters, but you also need the big picture people, and the details people, and the "caring" group which we decided could also be called "moderators" or "peacekeepers." It takes all kinds.
I'm not going into a full play-by-play, because really, who needs that? I'm just going to say that I am so happy to feel so confident on this path. Towards the end of the afternoon I caught myself spacing out a bit (I tend to do that!) but for the first time in my educational career I caught myself and thought, "Wait, this is important! I need to know this information!" I want to know this information!
On the down side, this week over-laps with my school's in-service week, so I'm bummed to be missing all the classroom setup and staff meetings. I'll be in school on Friday though, for the final push and a few remaining meetings. I wish I could be there for everything! At school and at UVEI and home reading a ton of books... and, of course, paying attention to soon-to-be neglected my family. /)
We did a compass point activity to discuss personality types. It was interesting to see how many people were in the "Just do it!" crowd. I fell into the South "caring" crowd. I was torn between that and the West "details" group, but we had to chose just one so I went with South. We discussed strengths and weaknesses of our own personality type and how it might play into our interactions with others and our teaching styles. I can see how it takes all types of personalities to successfully run an organization. You need the go-getters, but you also need the big picture people, and the details people, and the "caring" group which we decided could also be called "moderators" or "peacekeepers." It takes all kinds.
I'm not going into a full play-by-play, because really, who needs that? I'm just going to say that I am so happy to feel so confident on this path. Towards the end of the afternoon I caught myself spacing out a bit (I tend to do that!) but for the first time in my educational career I caught myself and thought, "Wait, this is important! I need to know this information!" I want to know this information!
On the down side, this week over-laps with my school's in-service week, so I'm bummed to be missing all the classroom setup and staff meetings. I'll be in school on Friday though, for the final push and a few remaining meetings. I wish I could be there for everything! At school and at UVEI and home reading a ton of books... and, of course, paying attention to soon-to-be neglected my family. /)
Saturday, August 10, 2013
Time
I am eager to begin the UVEI program in two weeks. Eager to get started learning to teach. I have just one nagging hesitation. Time. Where will I find the time to do everything I do now, PLUS work full time and have homework!? UVEI estimates 2-3hrs of work each evening. As it is I'm exhausted at the end of each day. I think the obvious answer is that I won't find the time to do everything. Not even close. It will be a matter of delegating to a very kind husband and two helpful (hopefully!) children. It will be a matter of stepping back, letting go, ignoring what doesn't get done, and trying to focus on the important things. At times it sounds scary to me!
Then I read the welcome emails from others attending UVEI this fall. People with more kids than me, people with younger kids, people who are moving, people who are divorcing, people who are marrying (one week into the UVEI program!), people with their own lives and their own busy schedules. All coming together to face this challenge and step onto a new path in life. I read their emails and I feel motivated! If they can do it, I can do it, and likely we will all struggle with similar things.
Learning together...
... and keeping each other awake!
Then I read the welcome emails from others attending UVEI this fall. People with more kids than me, people with younger kids, people who are moving, people who are divorcing, people who are marrying (one week into the UVEI program!), people with their own lives and their own busy schedules. All coming together to face this challenge and step onto a new path in life. I read their emails and I feel motivated! If they can do it, I can do it, and likely we will all struggle with similar things.
Learning together...
... and keeping each other awake!
Something to keep in mind...
"The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled."
- Plutarch
- Plutarch
Thursday, August 08, 2013
Back to school shopping
The kids and I did a little back to school shopping today. It made me sad to think that I won't be walking them into their classrooms this year on the first day. I've always enjoyed that part of school. Saying hi to their teachers and classmates, checking out the room, etc. I'll miss that this year.
However, as I was looking at the school supplies I couldn't help feeling excited about the idea of having my own classroom some day! Fresh school supplies, fresh faces, daily good mornings.
Changes are coming!
However, as I was looking at the school supplies I couldn't help feeling excited about the idea of having my own classroom some day! Fresh school supplies, fresh faces, daily good mornings.
Changes are coming!
Tuesday, August 06, 2013
Blog reboot!
I read an article today about student teacher as researcher ("Student Teacher as Researcher: Accepting Greater Responsibility for Learning About Teaching" by J. John Loughran, Australian Journal of Eduction, 2004) that talked about the use of anecdotes. He says the use of anecdotes helps you take ownership and understanding of a situation, and allows you to frame and reframe your practice. Sure. Anyway, that got me thinking about blogging, which reminded me of this old blog that's been kicking around. I'm a stream of conscienceness kinda gal!
I like to blog. It's a great way to capture my thoughts and review them later. It is tidier than scattered notebooks around the house. I think I'll dust this thing off, rename it (the nursing career never took off :/ ) and give it another go.
This time I begin my journey in education.
A quick update since my last post in 2006. Just a few years have gone by. I've had another baby. Had a few jobs. Have a new house. A new state.
My youngest started kindergarten last year. I'm always thinking ahead and had started considering the idea of teaching as a possible career choice. My wise mother suggested substitute teaching as a first step, so I considered that and discussed with friends and dillied and dallied. One day last fall the principal at school stopped me on the way out and said he'd heard I was interested in subbing. I said, "Wellll...." He said, "Please?!" That was about all it took. I filled out the paperwork, got myself fingerprinted and background checked, and before I knew it I was subbing. In PE. Day one. Welcome to school!
As the year went on I subbed in every grade, every special, many aide positions, and nearly every single classroom. I was also working a part-time office job at the time and trying to decide which I preferred. One chilly morning as I was sitting alone in the office I found myself really wishing I was at school. Really. I realized that the days fly by at school and the people make me happy. Even the challenging ones. Mostly. There were a few that made me less than happy, but that's bound to be the case in any career.
So I decided teaching would be my path. After much consideration and consensus (I like to ask around!) I decided to apply at the Upper Valley Educators Institute. They offer a one year program that results in a certificate and 24 continuing education credits that can be applied towards a Masters degree if I so decide to take that path in the future. Their program is fairly unique in that it's like an immersion program with most of your time spent in an actual classroom, not taking classes.
This fall I will be a teacher intern in 5th grade, four days a week there and one day a week at the UVEI for special sessions. During that time I'll have solo teaching days and one solo teaching week where I will be responsible for designing the lesson plans and running the show.
Next spring I'll be a teacher intern in kindergarten at a different school. Same schedule except this time I'll have more solo days and two weeks of solo teaching.
I'm feeling really confident about the whole thing so far. I really appreciate my mom's advice to substitute teach first because I feel like I got a lot of the classroom unknowns out of the way already. I understand how the days go. Where things are. What is expected of students at different grade levels and in different classrooms. I've stood up in front of a class and "taught" (ie: followed the plan left by the teacher). I've sent kids to the principal's office, I've dealt with fights, I've shared in the excitement over accomplishments, etc. This upcoming year I can really focus on learning to teach, instead of just being overwhelmed by the new environment. I will be great.
My one small point of anxiety is just the unknowns of our family routine. I'm lining up the logistics and hoping all goes well. I'm also hoping I won't have the 2-3 hours of homework that the UVEI mentions! That would be a challenge on top of working all day and parenting all night.
Here's to another mid-life (can't quite call it quarter-life like I did before) career shift. Hi-tech professional. At-home mom, with many little side jobs. Teacher. Bring it on!
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I like to blog. It's a great way to capture my thoughts and review them later. It is tidier than scattered notebooks around the house. I think I'll dust this thing off, rename it (the nursing career never took off :/ ) and give it another go.
This time I begin my journey in education.
A quick update since my last post in 2006. Just a few years have gone by. I've had another baby. Had a few jobs. Have a new house. A new state.
My youngest started kindergarten last year. I'm always thinking ahead and had started considering the idea of teaching as a possible career choice. My wise mother suggested substitute teaching as a first step, so I considered that and discussed with friends and dillied and dallied. One day last fall the principal at school stopped me on the way out and said he'd heard I was interested in subbing. I said, "Wellll...." He said, "Please?!" That was about all it took. I filled out the paperwork, got myself fingerprinted and background checked, and before I knew it I was subbing. In PE. Day one. Welcome to school!
As the year went on I subbed in every grade, every special, many aide positions, and nearly every single classroom. I was also working a part-time office job at the time and trying to decide which I preferred. One chilly morning as I was sitting alone in the office I found myself really wishing I was at school. Really. I realized that the days fly by at school and the people make me happy. Even the challenging ones. Mostly. There were a few that made me less than happy, but that's bound to be the case in any career.
So I decided teaching would be my path. After much consideration and consensus (I like to ask around!) I decided to apply at the Upper Valley Educators Institute. They offer a one year program that results in a certificate and 24 continuing education credits that can be applied towards a Masters degree if I so decide to take that path in the future. Their program is fairly unique in that it's like an immersion program with most of your time spent in an actual classroom, not taking classes.
This fall I will be a teacher intern in 5th grade, four days a week there and one day a week at the UVEI for special sessions. During that time I'll have solo teaching days and one solo teaching week where I will be responsible for designing the lesson plans and running the show.
Next spring I'll be a teacher intern in kindergarten at a different school. Same schedule except this time I'll have more solo days and two weeks of solo teaching.
I'm feeling really confident about the whole thing so far. I really appreciate my mom's advice to substitute teach first because I feel like I got a lot of the classroom unknowns out of the way already. I understand how the days go. Where things are. What is expected of students at different grade levels and in different classrooms. I've stood up in front of a class and "taught" (ie: followed the plan left by the teacher). I've sent kids to the principal's office, I've dealt with fights, I've shared in the excitement over accomplishments, etc. This upcoming year I can really focus on learning to teach, instead of just being overwhelmed by the new environment. I will be great.
My one small point of anxiety is just the unknowns of our family routine. I'm lining up the logistics and hoping all goes well. I'm also hoping I won't have the 2-3 hours of homework that the UVEI mentions! That would be a challenge on top of working all day and parenting all night.
Here's to another mid-life (can't quite call it quarter-life like I did before) career shift. Hi-tech professional. At-home mom, with many little side jobs. Teacher. Bring it on!
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