I am done!

I'm done with internship and all my college classes, so I am happy. I am now going to enjoy the holidays and all the fun that comes with this time of the year. I also need to find a job. There are not a lot of places hiring right now though. I am applying at a couple schools, so we'll see what happens.
I don't know exactly what I will do today, I'm going to clean around the house (you know those things that never get done) and hang out with the horses. I am still working at the clinic and they said they might call me in today.
Over all internship was great and I learned so much while having a good time. Ok that's all I have to say.

Week ???? OH my gosh!

Another week is over and WOW what a week. I found myself very frustrated at the end of today. I don’t know exactly why, but I am. I am really having a hard time with the kids talking and acting up. So I am sure that is why I feel annoyed. I was so glad today was over, I am glad that it is the weekend, and that one of the other teacher came up with some ideas for Math next week. Today, I really had a hard time with the kids not talking out of turn and following directions. The kids were always asking me the same thing over and over and I got really tired of it. I also had several kids ask to go to the clinic and that was frustrating because what are you supposed to do let them sit there and throw up or send then to the nurse. So I sent two kids to the clinic for nausea and one for a sore ankle and then another for a headache. Yes, I know that is a lot. The clinic then sent a note back to me saying No more kids! So on Monday ain’t no body going. Other wise they are not getting recess anymore. It is usually the same kids but today it was also a couple others and two of them went home, so what are you supposed to do?
Anyways, I talked to my supervising teacher and I am going to email my supervising professor about what I can do to get more compliance out of the students. I am going to try using a mini party as an award for a week’s worth of good behavior. So that is going to be in the works and next week I plan on not having any group or buddy work and then maybe in a couple weeks we’ll try cooperative learning again.
What was the best thing that happened this week we had lunch in the park yesterday and it was fun to spend time with the kids even though we(the teachers) spent most of our time supervising the students. What else? The students are doing better in math now and some of the students are really stepping up and becoming leaders when I need them to be (other times they are a mess). The kids that are struggling are getting pulled out twice a week for help in math and reading, so that is great . The principal has also talked to several students about their grades, so hopefully things will turn around . I want a donut and I want to call in to work tomorrow, I think I am going to take a day off soon. So I don’t want to go crazy.
One last thing, there is also one student in the class that always corrects me if I say something wrong or give directions that are not completely right and that is so annoying!!!!!
I want to be able to enjoy my days with the kids.

End of another week and interesting day

Hey, Now today was interesting the kids were cool though and they really stand up for each other. This morning went pretty smooth had a lot of test which is hard on them and they get bored and frustrated especially the ones that struggle. The kids went and read with the 2nd graders and they liked that a acted like little adults.
This afternoon was interesting two of the better kids in the class got caught acting up in the hallway and got in trouble, so they really got upset. The kids around them even got up set for them and one confessed to talking and another actually protested by trying to punish themselves. Of course we talked about what happened and I said that unfortunately we all get caught eventually even the best and kindest ones. I felt bad for calling them on their behavior and as their teacher I have to be fair across the board. So that's what I tell myself, even when the best of the best get in trouble and have to suffer the consequences. Now thinking about it the other kids came in and tried to make them feel better and do what they thought was right. Maybe we will talk about that next week. What else I saw that some kids really like to teach and share their knowledge and I used that a few times today. I actually had another student stand up and try to tell me why they had the right to talk when I asked everyone to stop talking. I think the kids are getting better I just hate it when everything gets tense and the kids are not happy.
I like happy kids I really like happy semi-quiet kids that have fun and can come back together quickly. My goal is to get them to function well as young people in a controlled social environment.
I have an amazingly large stack of papers to grade and lessons to get ready and a power point about recycling to do . Anybody out there know any recycling jokes or activities?????

Week 4

This is the middle of week 4 and everything seems to be going well. I had a training day on Tue. and was reminded of some strategies to get the kids having fun while they learn. I am trying to find ways to make math more enjoyable and want to start reading to the kids, but time just seems to run out everyday. I have had some time to think and want to really jump in there and push myself to be the best teacher I can be and think outside of the box a lot more.
What happened this week that's interesting? A couple of the bouncy kids have moved to the front of the class and lets see how that works. I am going to try a couple different strategies while the kids are lining up tomorrow and we will see if that helps.
Something that tends to happen a lot after lunch is farting you would think that they would be embarrassed but they really aren't and thank goodness that the teacher has air freshener which is an essential after lunch and recess. One of the bouncy kids ask me for FSC chocolate all the time and says chooocolaaate when he walks out in the afternoons, I always ask him "What are you talking about?" and he doesn't respond. What else starburst are great at removing 5th graders teeth. At leastone every time we have them as a prize. Ok I am actually going to read for fun!! What's wrong with me talk at you soon.

first time I was observed teaching

Today, I was observed by my college supervisor! It went well mostly I got stuck once and asked for a better way to solve a problem, but other than that things went well. The students behaved and everything flowed well. I started by checking morning work, then did a history activity, a video with questions and answers, and at the end looked up vocabulary words.

Went well and will get better!!

Internship weeks 1-2

So I have been interning for 2 weeks and it is really great and not what I expected. I have met some really great students and staff. I was very worried about the whole new experience but it is actually really cool. I have 5th grade which is really cool and the students keep everything moving and I am learning how to get control and keep it. The students definitely push my buttons and I am learning how to deal with that. This weekend I have to get lesson plans ready for all next weeks reading and math so I will have to keep them interested and engaged (that is the challenge). I think I am going to try and keep this updated with everything that happens.
What has been the coolest experience? Probably when the students catch on and have an ah haw moment or when one of then just needs a smile. The worst experience? Not being ready or overly prepared to be able to answer ?'s and keep all the students attention.
This week I want to get all involved and really challenge the advanced students. So it's time to get to planning.

Finishing up earlier post

I found out that I will be at Scott Lake Elementary for my fall internship unless something changes. I will be with a third grade teacher and it should be amazing.
The vet came today and Texas had his teeth floated, so his mouth should feel good. I am sure he enjoyed his sedative.
I start my last class tomorrow and I hope it is interesting, the last two general education classes that I had were so boring. Ok I think I am done talking I am going to sharpen the kitchen knives I found a sharpener on the can-opener FUN!!!

It's Spring

Hi
What to talk about? I am almost done with regular classes which is a relief to myself and my wife. Soon, I will be interning at a local elementary school and that should be a blast and a whole lot of work. I will be interning most of the fall semester of 2008. After that, I will be out there teaching I am still believing that God will put me in a place were he wants me and I well succeed. I think I am most excited though about a new stage in me and my wife's lives which will begin with my career change. I think that I just want to be on a normal schedule, so I can be more involved in the things that I love. I have gone through a lot of stress with school and it is weird to think back about all that has passed and how God has really been there. Of course God has also put some really special people in my life that has helped me tremendously. Over and out the vet should be here in a minute.