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.