Journal for 12/8/09 Communication

I called 2 parents today. One to see if she could come in to talk about her son and help us come up with an game plan for him and another to inform her I would be sending home work that her child failed (from rushing through). Both mothers were receptive, and I really tried hard to come across as a team player and not upset or "in your face". I have realized throughout this semester the importance of parent rapport. I did not call parents with positive things like I had planned, so therefore, every time I went to call them about an "issue", I felt totally guilty; I guess I now know the priority that will have in my class.

I did leave a message with one parent last night (an encouraging one), and the student came in this morning and told me (I could tell he was proud). I spoke with another student today about how we seemed to not be on the best of terms the past few days, and so we kind of mended that, which greatly improved her behavior. Amazing what a little communication can do!

I don't know what it is...but the kids are driving me nuts during instruction; they are not responding to me like they usually do; I'm sure I'm getting tired, and they are being tossed between the two of us...many factors play in, but it's tough. I pray God's grace will be greater than what I can handle.

We have one student that we are trying to figure out...Professor Forshey, it's different (it being whatever is going on inside his head). I wish I had time and the words to type it out, but it's almost like Jeckel (sp?) and Hyde. I feel like something else is controlling him...maybe I should just pray over the room and over his desk...see what that will bring. He's bit pencils, stomped his feed, thrown a shoe, stayed out in the hall for a long time because he didn't want to do what we asked; today, he laid on the floor at the end of school and wouldn't get up. We've tried a checklist, a sticker chart with the best reward at school we can come up with, ignoring him, giving him room to cool off, having him participate, encouraging the good, etc. That's why we are going to meet with his mom this week to see if we can collaborate...We have an idea that just might work if we are all on board together!

We'll see!

I didn't get those materials to you today; hopefully tomorrow!

Journal for 12/7/09 Tag Teaming

It nice not teaching this morning. (P.S. It took me over 40 minutes to get to school this morning:)). I did notice that my teacher called on one student in particular way more than any other student; I hope I was more mindful of that.

I noticed I was a bit more impatient with the students today; I think I just had a lot on my mind...

The whole "job" thing. As I got to thinking about it, it is going to be a 35-60 minute drive depending on the weather. I checked today, and I only get sub pay, not Title 1 aide pay. I don't receive any days off; I would just have to have a "no pay" day. And, I had already planned a trip in January that would but into that first week back at school (which could be cancelled if necessary).

Do you think, especially in light of the economy, that is unwise to just want to do more random stuff next semester...like sub, clean houses/businesses, and perhaps even nanny/babysit? I think my mind and spirit kind of need a break. I am not fearful of losing an opportunity to get my foot in the door at Eastern; if I would not end up following Tom, I would go wherever I could find a job or overseas or anything. I'm not worried about that.

I don't want to make a foolish decision, but I don't want to do what's "the best" in everyone else's eyes.

Just thought I would get your opinion if you don't mind playing mom or the "wise one" or something like that;)!

Have a good night.

Journal for 12/4/09 8 Days but not counting...

They offered me a Title 1 position today. Last time I spoke with them about it, they already had someone lined up that "they owed". But today, the principal said they wanted me for the temporary fill! So, that's exciting! Nothing is ever final...is it? God is still in control.

Next week will probably be a little crazy. I asked my teacher if she wanted me to "take over" from math until science or what she wanted do with that non-instructional time. She said I can take them to lunch but for study hall, we could just tag team it; I don't think that is smart. It will confuse the students; they will not know who or how to respond. We both manage differently, and with the extra "crafts" and such...boy oh boy!

We'll see how it goes! They are starting to "shut down" a bit, BUT I think that is partly teacher controlled...we create the environment in which for them to shut down...

Yeah for your internship being over! That has to feel wonderful!!!

Journal for 12/3/09 Relief?

It's kind of weird....I thought I would feel relieved, but I don't. I wasn't really nervous once I got in there tonight....so maybe that's why I don't feel relieved. I'm not quite sure what to think of it all. It's weird.

I do appreciate you and the whole "panel"! The feedback was very helpful and hopefully I will be able to grow in those areas before a real interview!

I was discouraged that I could not properly answer the mastery question. But, that just showed me an area of growth. I equate some of that imcompetency to the fact that it is not my own classrooom, and I don't feel like everything I did was really up to par or how it would be officially done in my class. But, again...just an opportunity to grow. I'm still learning...

One more full day of teaching my own plans! I can't believe how fast it is gone. I'm still in a daze!
I hope you got home at a decent time tonight!

Your internship is done...correct?

Journal for 12/2/09 Interesting...

This is going to be a short journal, but one "episode" really caught my attention today. I told the music teacher to let me know how the students did for her because a few weeks back they were "horrible" for her, and we had to have a talk; they came up with their own consequences, etc. So today, I reminded them of the consequences that resulted for inappropriate behavior.

She came to me afterward and told me that they were wonderful, that they had improved a lot, and that because of this fact, she moved them to the center of the group for their program!!!

She was telling me this in the hall, and my teacher came out. I filled her in on some of what the music teacher had told me, and she asked, "My students?"

My students?

It was just interesting to me that she didn't even say "our students" or anything. I didn't take offense...obviously that is not what I do, but it just caught my attention.

I really enjoyed teaching this morning; AND, my students needed more time for journaling...woohoo! They WANTED (let me rephrase that) more time for journaling!

I got to see Smartboard in action today; I like those things. Do IWU students learn how to use those in Ed Tech now?

I will try to come over and see you tonight!! I need to fix my porfolio, which is taking me awhile, but I still want to come and be calmed by your presence and get some writing wisdom from you!

Journal for 12/1/09 Happy December!!

I'm not going to lie...this week will probably be my hardest just because I am fighting "the end". I feel like I should be done, and I don't like my teacher's holiday mindset, so it's kind of a mind battle I am having to fight...but that will only make me stronger!

I don't like holiday "crafts" unless they have an educational purpose....if it's a repsonse to a read-a-loud or reflective of what students are learning, then great. But I am not teaching art or home 'ec' (I have not idea how to spell that!). I know the kids get a little crazy this time of year, but I believe we should still expect the same from them. It's hard having to think through all this Christmas "stuff" when I will be going back to half a day next week and because I don't support it all. I feel like we're making excuses to not have to plan stuff. I realize the students do need breaks and that Christmas spirit is important, but it is important that learning is tied to it...and I'm afraid that is not what we are doing. I COULD try to tie it in, but with only 2 full days left, it seems like I should just wait for my time to do that...when I have my own class.

Thanks for all your help today! I appreciate it!

Journal for 11/25/09 Happy Late Thanksgiving

Seeing that you haven't posted either makes me feel better! I just didn't get to it on Wednesday and then have been traveling these past few days!

Wednesday...I just had to keep the kids under control. I myself was so ready for break. I know that the days before holidays are supposed to be "fun", but I would much rather keep the day normal with instruction because I feel as though the "funness" is a big part of what makes them crazy.

A few questions: Are you still coming on Tuesday?
Do you have any pointers for how I should prepare for the oral defense? I'm really not worried, but I want to prepare...just go over the questions?

Also, do I have to wear a suite or just professional attire?

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Only 2 1/2 weeks till the end!

See you soon!