November 2009: All in perspective

Back to work! I must say that it is a little easier this time around having a better idea of what I’m working towards (thanks to the first practicum).

I just transitioned into a new classroom at my PDS school and in the first hour there a student told me, "You’re hair looks like a wig." Welcome to grade 6! I was too shocked to say anything right away; a female student noticed this and said, "You should keep those kinds of comments to yourself."  I probably would have laughed if I hadn’t just been lamenting how I was way overdue for a haircut.

It was interesting that my new mentor teacher was equally effective as my previous mentor, but with a completely different teaching style. It is nice to have a few more teaching strategies to put in my back pocket. Her students were working independently and evaluating their own work. It was inspiring. In between assignments students knew that they could either read or draw, and they all did so without prompting. I’m getting a much better idea of the kind of teacher I want to be.

Back at Laurier….

Dr. Buzza did some problem solving/trivia in her lesson this week and I came alive. The whole class did.  I respond well to this type of class; I’ll have to find ways to incorporate it into my next practicum. In Dr. Kotsopoulos' class, James, Justin and Darcy presented a really fun math lesson. They incorporated playing card games. I don’t think I’ve ever witnessed a more fun math lesson in all my life. Well done, fellas. More tricks to put up my sleeve for practicum #2.

The Education Society which is comprised of fellow education students, or, EdSoc as we call it is kinda like a cool older sibling that helps you out along the way. I am excited for their upcoming Pizza/Potluck lunch on November 23. Just the thought of "real" food makes me very happy. They're supplying the pizza and each section brings something else. Our section is bringing veggies. EdSoc is also going to be supplying some computer paper in the student lounge. I am sure this new addition will help save many a student's neck in the coming weeks. My own printer is on it's way out, so I'm thankful to have a back up!