Opportunities Journal 9/14/09

Domain 2 Personal Development:
One of the daily activities that my teacher set out for us to do at the beginning of the year was a coloring manner page (which would eventually be put into a book). A couple of my students are almost finished with it, so I asked my teacher if there was something else she had had planned next to do with them. She didn't, but she said she had a community something or other book they could do next. After thinking through this, I realized that I should have taken some ideas to her about what I could do with them, in order to help them learn more and stretch their minds. Honestly, I didn't really want to have to plan something else because, and I'm not quite sure why. I don't know if it's because we have to take things so slowly or if it's because I know that will probably not be continued once I leave. But then I realized my purpose there and that my attitude was wrong, so I asked her if I could do a science lesson every other day with them since they don't get that. And I also found out that the community book is social studies, so I can build upon that too if I want, creating more learning experiences for them.

I was frustrated with myself for not taking advantage of the opportunity at first, but I was grateful that I thought of an alternative. I guess my attitude was also wrong in the sense that she might very well continue what I do. If I set a good example and work to the best of my ability, then she might see the benefit and the effectiveness of teaching in this way.

It was definitely a learning experience and although it hurt personally, I know that I grew from it in more ways than one!