This weekend has been packed full of grading and lesson planning. I start teaching my work sample on Tuesday and Shawn needs a copy of my unit plan and a copy of the lesson I'll be teaching. I had an opportunity to grade short answer/vocab. and multiple choice unit exams for my AP Psychology class. And, I got to score some Freshman narrative essays. I feel like a "real" teacher, complete with a busy work load to finish at home. I understand that a bulk of my work will be done in my classroom, but another large portion will be done at home.
While this weekend was busy and full, I loved it just the same :)
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Friday, February 18, 2011
Practicum: Halfway Point
First things first: yay it's Friday! Now, on to the important stuff. I haven't posted in a few days because (ironically enough) my practicum experience is taking up my time. I've never been more tired and fulfilled all at the same time. My third week as a practicum student teacher has come to a close. I'm so incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to work with such an amazing teacher: Jon McNulty. Even though he is currently out due to surgery for his hernia, his daughter, Erin, is doing a fantastic job showing me the ropes. It's strange to me that this experience is halfway over!
Next week - after the President's Day weekend - I will begin teaching my work sample unit on Emotion. It feels a little bit like just when I'm getting the hang of this student teaching business, something else changes on me. But, I'm hoping to glean the flexibility that excellent teachers have from the ever changing process. I hope the students enjoy what I have planned. I want to change things up a bit, but not too much to push them outside of their comfort zone. Jon (bless his heart) teaches mainly with PowerPoint presentations and lecture. That's just not my style. I need (actually I crave) more movement in a classroom. I plan to get these kids up out of their seats and supplement the activities with the lecture material. I asked around today and most of the students seem game for movement. They want to have fun. In my opinion, they have the rest of their lives to be busy with college and work, why not play while they still can.
Here goes nothing :)
Next week - after the President's Day weekend - I will begin teaching my work sample unit on Emotion. It feels a little bit like just when I'm getting the hang of this student teaching business, something else changes on me. But, I'm hoping to glean the flexibility that excellent teachers have from the ever changing process. I hope the students enjoy what I have planned. I want to change things up a bit, but not too much to push them outside of their comfort zone. Jon (bless his heart) teaches mainly with PowerPoint presentations and lecture. That's just not my style. I need (actually I crave) more movement in a classroom. I plan to get these kids up out of their seats and supplement the activities with the lecture material. I asked around today and most of the students seem game for movement. They want to have fun. In my opinion, they have the rest of their lives to be busy with college and work, why not play while they still can.
Here goes nothing :)
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
What a Relief!
I am so pleased with today! I taught my two periods of AP Psychology and BOTH classes engaged in discussion with me and appreciated the little bits of humor I included. It seemed to go off without a hitch! First period was awake and fifth period was even better than yesterday. I think we are getting to know each other and they are coming to terms with me taking over Jon's teaching job. I also feel like I'm on the road to getting more comfortable with the students. I must admit, I was a bit intimidated by the AP students at first. But, they are actually great kids and nothing to be afraid of. I'm loving today and I hope the rest of the week goes as well. :)
Monday, February 14, 2011
I'm the Teacher
Yay! It was my first day teaching both AP Psychology classes for the entire class period. It was exciting, but I imagined it to go a little differently. Jon left me Powerpoint Presentations to instruct the class with, but I feel like I'm not using them effectively or it's just not my style. I think it's a good place to start, but I think I'll be using more activities during my work sample to liven things up a bit.
First period (or as I affectionately refer to them as my "sleepy seniors") just sort of stared at me through the entire presentation. A few of them interacted when I asked questions, but they mostly just looked at me like, "Come on student teacher...get it together..." And, I'll admit, I was nervous and it probably showed. But, I was picturing a bit more participation and excitement from them. I was a little disappointed with their demeanor. I'm hoping that we are just still learning each other and that things will get better.
Fifth period was much better. They were patient (even helping me with technology!) and picked up on cues for questions/comments. I think they too were waiting to see exactly how I would be as a teacher, but they were a bit more willing to give me a chance.
I'm hoping that these two groups of students will be more receptive to the activities I have planned for them in the coming days. It's strange because it just sort of feels like I'm taking over another classroom. These kids don't feel like mine. I guess this is what people are referring to when they say, "Don't judge the teaching profession on your student teaching experience." In my opinion, it stems from the fact that we (Concordia MATE's) arrive in the middle of the year. It would be different if we started at the beginning of the year with the kids. However, I'm grateful to have a placement and some great kids to work with :)
PS - Here's a look at my practicum classroom
First period (or as I affectionately refer to them as my "sleepy seniors") just sort of stared at me through the entire presentation. A few of them interacted when I asked questions, but they mostly just looked at me like, "Come on student teacher...get it together..." And, I'll admit, I was nervous and it probably showed. But, I was picturing a bit more participation and excitement from them. I was a little disappointed with their demeanor. I'm hoping that we are just still learning each other and that things will get better.
Fifth period was much better. They were patient (even helping me with technology!) and picked up on cues for questions/comments. I think they too were waiting to see exactly how I would be as a teacher, but they were a bit more willing to give me a chance.
I'm hoping that these two groups of students will be more receptive to the activities I have planned for them in the coming days. It's strange because it just sort of feels like I'm taking over another classroom. These kids don't feel like mine. I guess this is what people are referring to when they say, "Don't judge the teaching profession on your student teaching experience." In my opinion, it stems from the fact that we (Concordia MATE's) arrive in the middle of the year. It would be different if we started at the beginning of the year with the kids. However, I'm grateful to have a placement and some great kids to work with :)
PS - Here's a look at my practicum classroom
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Fart Machinesl
This blog is for my cooperating teacher, Jon McNulty.
In our AP Psychology classes we brought back a classic: The Epic Fart Machine. And I'm not talking figuratively, I'm talking in literal terms. Jon has not one, but two fart machines with a remote. They are little speaker boxes essentially. When the remote is pressed they release (no pun intended) a fart sound. Some are short. Some are loud. Some are long. And some are a combination of all the fart noises.
Today, we gave the second part of the Learning unit exam - a short answer portion and a vocabulary portion. Jon happened to arrive at school early this morning to set up for the pep assembly tomorrow. He strategically placed one under the counter and in the classroom closet. When I arrived, he handed me the remote and told me to, "let 'er rip," during the exam. I chuckled and waited for the perfect moment.
Students began to file in and grab their tests. I watched them all, looking for signs that they knew what was about to happen. However, they were all too preoccupied with the exam to notice my strange behavior. They took their seats, chatted for a few moments, and then quieted down and got to work. As soon as the students were completely focused, I pressed the button. The fart machine let out a long, loud fart right behind a very shy young lady. She blushed, and looked around embarrassed. The other students chuckled, and got back to work. Then, I pressed the button again and the second fart machine let out a short, quick toot. It was across the room behind a very, "in love," young couple. They chuckled and looked around. I continued to send farts out along the room for about fifteen minutes before the students figured out what was going on.
Jon and I probably ruined their concentration, but everyone was amused. I think we actually reduced any test anxiety by bringing a bit of comedy into the room. The students loved it, and the fart machines made me thankful to be back at Madison with my favorite teachers :)
In our AP Psychology classes we brought back a classic: The Epic Fart Machine. And I'm not talking figuratively, I'm talking in literal terms. Jon has not one, but two fart machines with a remote. They are little speaker boxes essentially. When the remote is pressed they release (no pun intended) a fart sound. Some are short. Some are loud. Some are long. And some are a combination of all the fart noises.
Today, we gave the second part of the Learning unit exam - a short answer portion and a vocabulary portion. Jon happened to arrive at school early this morning to set up for the pep assembly tomorrow. He strategically placed one under the counter and in the classroom closet. When I arrived, he handed me the remote and told me to, "let 'er rip," during the exam. I chuckled and waited for the perfect moment.
Students began to file in and grab their tests. I watched them all, looking for signs that they knew what was about to happen. However, they were all too preoccupied with the exam to notice my strange behavior. They took their seats, chatted for a few moments, and then quieted down and got to work. As soon as the students were completely focused, I pressed the button. The fart machine let out a long, loud fart right behind a very shy young lady. She blushed, and looked around embarrassed. The other students chuckled, and got back to work. Then, I pressed the button again and the second fart machine let out a short, quick toot. It was across the room behind a very, "in love," young couple. They chuckled and looked around. I continued to send farts out along the room for about fifteen minutes before the students figured out what was going on.
Jon and I probably ruined their concentration, but everyone was amused. I think we actually reduced any test anxiety by bringing a bit of comedy into the room. The students loved it, and the fart machines made me thankful to be back at Madison with my favorite teachers :)
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Opposite Gender Day
Oh, Spirit Week, how I adore thee. Monday was Twin Day and not too many outrageously amazing risks were taken with spirit attire. But, today was great! Most of the seniors in AP Psychology were dressed to the nines for Opposite Gender Day. Now, I realize that this topic could get messy and could even be offensive. But, let's not dwell in the land of PC today. Let's just let the kids have their fun.
Also, enjoy these photos of my FANTASTIC students.
In other news, I'm scheduled to start my full time student teaching March 13. However, since I have a few free periods with Jon's class, Steve Musaeus offered to let me start teaching lessons early! For next week, I'm planning a lesson to inform his Freshman class about college. I'm thinking about framing it around what they are going to need to get done during high school. College is still far away for the fourteen year-old mind :)
Keep your eyes open for photos from Ugly Sweater Day including (but not limited to) my own variation of the Ugly/Tacky Sweater.
Also, enjoy these photos of my FANTASTIC students.
 |  |
 |  |
Keep your eyes open for photos from Ugly Sweater Day including (but not limited to) my own variation of the Ugly/Tacky Sweater.
Are You a Parole Officer?
Monday began the transition from classroom observation to teaching. It also started my second week of my practicum experience. I was given the opportunity to teach an activity! The activity turned into a homework assignment, so I was only in front of the class for about fifteen minutes. However, the class responded well and I can't wait to see what the they produce :)
Jon gave me the starting point, but I actually created the activity! It is a time capsule letter and asks students to examine motives, stimuli and internal/external motivation. This activity fits in with the AP Psychology unit: Motivation.
As I began teaching, I noticed that my students got a little more rowdy as things were being passed out. I need to work on keeping their focus on me. Constant directing back to me (and the lesson at hand) is not an ideal situation. But, it's a learning process and I'm excited to see where I can go from here.
I also had a meeting with my supervisor from Concordia, Shawn Daley, on Monday. I had the opportunity to show him around my school and introduce him to my cooperating teacher, Jon. I also showed him Mr. Museaus' room (where I will be student teaching starting March 14). We discussed more about his role, and set up an observation schedule. My first observation will be Friday February 18! I'm excited and nervous all at the same time.
Madison has always been filled with lots of teachers who dress on the casual side (some donning t-shirts and jeans on a daily basis). Shawn, however, is always dressed in a bit more formal attire - at least when I've seen him in the professional world. Monday was no different. As Shawn entered the building one of the students (seriously) asked him, "Hey, are you a parole officer?" I wasn't present for the encounter, but as I understand it, Shawn shook his head. But, seriously, is this the face of a parole officer:
I think not. Next time, Shawn told me, he'll wear jeans to Madison :)
I spent a bit of time with the Freshman English class, and was left with a few thoughts.
1. The days to come will be full!
Both teachers, Jon and Steve, fill their classes and are constantly searching for more time. They squeeze every minute out of their class time and spend their "free" time grading or planning. I cannot wait for the fullness of classroom activities. Right now, I feel a bit like an outsider taking a peek into classrooms that are not mine. But, soon enough, I'll become permanent in the classroom. All of the chores and students will become mine. I can't wait!
2. "Put down the walking stick."
A quote from the book the Freshman are reading. The book is titled Two Old Women. It is a tale about two Alaskan Native women who have been abandoned by their tribe. At one point in the book, they forget their walking sticks and continue to carry on. They realize they never needed them and are stronger than they think. I do not want any "walking sticks" to hold me back from accomplishing all that I can during my time at Madison. I want to achieve the everything I can with the students and my cooperating teachers. I want to know what it's like to have stood beside the legends of Madison (Jon and Steve) and filled their shoes. I'm putting down all excuses that will stand in my way. I'm putting down the walking stick.
Jon gave me the starting point, but I actually created the activity! It is a time capsule letter and asks students to examine motives, stimuli and internal/external motivation. This activity fits in with the AP Psychology unit: Motivation.
As I began teaching, I noticed that my students got a little more rowdy as things were being passed out. I need to work on keeping their focus on me. Constant directing back to me (and the lesson at hand) is not an ideal situation. But, it's a learning process and I'm excited to see where I can go from here.
I also had a meeting with my supervisor from Concordia, Shawn Daley, on Monday. I had the opportunity to show him around my school and introduce him to my cooperating teacher, Jon. I also showed him Mr. Museaus' room (where I will be student teaching starting March 14). We discussed more about his role, and set up an observation schedule. My first observation will be Friday February 18! I'm excited and nervous all at the same time.
Madison has always been filled with lots of teachers who dress on the casual side (some donning t-shirts and jeans on a daily basis). Shawn, however, is always dressed in a bit more formal attire - at least when I've seen him in the professional world. Monday was no different. As Shawn entered the building one of the students (seriously) asked him, "Hey, are you a parole officer?" I wasn't present for the encounter, but as I understand it, Shawn shook his head. But, seriously, is this the face of a parole officer:
I think not. Next time, Shawn told me, he'll wear jeans to Madison :)
I spent a bit of time with the Freshman English class, and was left with a few thoughts.
1. The days to come will be full!
Both teachers, Jon and Steve, fill their classes and are constantly searching for more time. They squeeze every minute out of their class time and spend their "free" time grading or planning. I cannot wait for the fullness of classroom activities. Right now, I feel a bit like an outsider taking a peek into classrooms that are not mine. But, soon enough, I'll become permanent in the classroom. All of the chores and students will become mine. I can't wait!
2. "Put down the walking stick."
A quote from the book the Freshman are reading. The book is titled Two Old Women. It is a tale about two Alaskan Native women who have been abandoned by their tribe. At one point in the book, they forget their walking sticks and continue to carry on. They realize they never needed them and are stronger than they think. I do not want any "walking sticks" to hold me back from accomplishing all that I can during my time at Madison. I want to achieve the everything I can with the students and my cooperating teachers. I want to know what it's like to have stood beside the legends of Madison (Jon and Steve) and filled their shoes. I'm putting down all excuses that will stand in my way. I'm putting down the walking stick.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)