Well, I have survived my first 2 1/2 months of teacher's college. So far, it has been an interesting journey that has required a lot of energy and time that I had no idea I had. Countless assignments, group projects, recorder performances...the list could go on for days. I even made it through 3 weeks of practicum in a grade 3/4 and 4/5 classroom relatively unscathed. Ok, that makes it sound like I had a horrible placement, when in fact it was pretty amazing. Those kids are extremely trusting and open and love nothing more than having your attention while you listen to them pitch their Halloween stories to you.
I would have to say that I had several positive experiences with my students. They would run up to me just to hug me, or they would tell me about their weekend and it was nothing short of fantastic. The best part was when they would saunter into the classroom in the morning or just after lunch, and ask "Hey Miss B., are you teaching us today?" If I responded "Yes", their little fists went flying into the air while an excited "YESSSS!" slipped from their mouths. Nothing could have possibly made me happier.
It is also amazing what kinds of questions these kids will come up with. Case and point: There was another student teacher across the hall, and unbeknownst to me, was called Mr.B by his students. One day while supervising the 3/4s when their teacher had stepped out, one of my grade 3s all of a sudden turned and his face lit up like a Christmas Tree and out came the words: "Miss B., are you and Mr. B. married?"...I had no idea how I should react. Part of me wanted to burst out with laughter, but I'm pretty sure that instead my face went pink and I simply replied "No" thinking it would end there. What came out of this kid's mouth next really made me laugh. He then proceeded to ask if we were going to have babies. I turned to reply when thankfully the classroom phone rang. Saved by the Bell, indeed.
Those kids are like gold. They were respectful and always eager to help or show you their work regardless of whether or not they were on the right track. Nothing can make teaching seem so wonderful...that is until I returned to school and heard other stories from my classmates. It was unfortunate to hear that some of my colleagues had less than stellar placements. It really made me thankful that I had such a positive experience with my Associate and my students. However, it kind of makes me worried to think about what my next placement will be like. Nobody in the Upper Canada board is mean right? That's impossible. I guess I will just have to wait and see...and keep thinking positive thoughts.
Aside from school, life has been moving at a relatively quick pace. It is hard to strike a balance between having a social life and trying to find time to cram in a few extra ZZZs. Generally, I opt for sleep. These next two weeks are going to be over with before I know it. Federation meetings, Council meetings, pay bracket meetings, section rep meetings...if there is a meeting, chances are I will be there. On the more exciting end of things, our section's volleyball team has made it to the semi-finals! We will be playing on Monday...let's hope my nerves don't come back in full force again.
I am still looking for direction in my life and as much as I would like to think I am close to finding it, I know I am still lightyears away at the moment. Friends keep telling me that things will be easier once I am out of school and can reside in one place for more than 8 months at a time...I hope they are right about that too. For now, I suppose I will continue to float along in a hazy world of assignments and caffiene highs. At least there's always Christmas holidays to look forward to...
