The past two weeks have really flown by for me, it's hard to believe that so much time has passed already! I think part of the reason why is because I've only been in each of my 3 classrooms (kindergarten, 2nd, and 4th grades) twice so far. In keeping with things that are hard to believe: I love kindergarten!! I realize it's still early in the year, and like I said I've only been with my kindergarten class two times, but so far I really really love it. I didn't think I wanted to teach this age-group (based on my experiences working in tot camps and substituting) and originally felt certain that I wanted to be in 2nd grade or above, but now I am really reconsidering things. The kindergartners are rambunctious and fidgety and energetic and adorable and sensitive and inquisitive and silly and sweet, and with every mood or state they're in- I'm reminded of the reasons why I decided to become a teacher! That's not to say that I don't also love my 2nd and 4th graders as well; I truly enjoy being in those classes with those students and those teachers - I'm learning so much and having a lot of fun while doing it. :)
However, to say that my experience so far has been entirely smooth sailing would be...not entirely true. Two words: bugs and food poisoning (ok - so that's 3 words). While not exactly the kind of potentially complex issues that I thought I would be facing, I'm sort of glad that they came up because I am aware of these possible (albeit somewhat minor) problems and how I can deal with them (or conversely, what NOT to do)!
This week I also experienced "Back to School Night" and I am so glad I got to be a part of that! It's not as scary or overwhelming as I was expecting (part of the reason may be because I wasn't the actual classroom teacher doing the actual presentation to the actual parents and families). However, getting to see what goes on and how the teacher prepared for it (the materials she got together and the information she compiled and passed out, how she set up the classroom in terms of seating arrangements, etc) was fantastic because it's given me some great base ideas!
Anyhoo, as my journey continues- I'll be sure to keep you posted. Cheers!
I'm so glad your loving Kindergarten:) I too see myself teaching Kindergarten I love their energy and they always keep you on your toes. It sounds like you are enjoying your time at your school. I think getting to see three different classrooms can have its perks...you will see a wide range of classrooms and age groups which will give you a better idea of what you want to teach. Good luck this semester at your school and keep us updated with your stories:)
ReplyDeleteI TOTALLY feel the same way--time is moving so so so fast!
ReplyDeleteI also had this type of realization when I spent time with 2nd graders last fall--I never thought I could teach them, but I fell in love with those little guys :)
I'm sure we will trade crazy stories throughout the semester--but goooood luck this week!!!!
First of all, you need to explain the bugs and food poinsoning. I't not quite sure how they fit in the equation. I hope everything is ok!
ReplyDeleteSecond, I too attended my school's back to school night. I was kind of nervous to meet the parents. I was wondering what they would think of me, if they would think that I am too young, or not experienced enough to teach their precious first graders. Like you, I was surprised at how easy and fun it was. The parents semed excited to meet me, and were impressed that I was working towards my masters. I was also surprised to find out that the students had already went home and told their parents about me, their "student teacher." It was very rewarding. Attending back to school night, surprisingly made me more than ever happy to be working towards my teaching license.
I Hope attending back to school night as an intern will make hosting your own back to school night a little easier on you next year!
So, one thing I didn't mention in my "About Me" section is that I am terrified of bugs/insects (pretty much anything with multiple eyes, legs, antennas, etc). And so far, I have had multiple incidents involving several varieties of creepy crawlers, and let's just say...I need to continually remind myself that I am an adult, and when I have my very own classroom I will be THE adult, probably the only one in the room, and as such, I just can't yelp or squirm or otherwise freak out when I see a bug or else... the kids will do just the same.
ReplyDeleteThe food poisoning story is short, which also describes how long the sickness lasted with me - thankfully! Basically, I don't know how I got it, but it was one of those 24 hour bugs I assume, and it just made for a really long day (and evening, including back to school night). Thank goodness for pepto bismal tablets and the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast).
Funny, the very next week a very sweet little second grader asked if she could read me the story she was working on during writing workshop, and halfway through she accidentally coughed right into my face. Just about an hour later, I started to get the sniffles, which turned into a 48 hour cold-like bug...I wonder what it will be this week? I guess if I don't want to find out - I better start taking vitamins!!