Why you ask?
Well, this evening was the District basketball tournament for my school as well as the band fund raiser at the local pizza place. Since I am supposed to be establishing rapport with my students and support them in every way possible, I decided that I should attend both venues. So I did. Me and two fellow student teachers, Laura and Ashley. It cost $4 at the door. Not expensive, but for a poor college kid, that's a little in the hole. The girls lost their game, unfortunately, but the cheering section was pretty decent for a really small school. Then, Ashley and I went to eat pizza to support the band (since we have both been in the band and know how badly public school kids need band money). That was so much fun! I saw several of my students and they were all very excited to see me sporting their colors and supporting the band. I think they thought I was cool. At least that's what their faces said. I'll know tomorrow when we all get back into the classroom.
In essence, I have spent a lot of money today (at least, it's a lot for a college kid) and I anticipate doing more of that throughout the semester and when I actually get a real teaching job. I am not complaining. Oh, not at all! I'm just mentally preparing myself for the road ahead because that venue was definitely something I had not considered before. But now I have, and now you have been enlightened. Press on faithful subjects!!
Something has go to be said about the creativity of a small country school. I was asked to participate in playing Donkey Basketball for another fundraiser. I didn't know "donkey" and "basketball" went in the same sentence, let alone in the same "sport." Apparently, riders have to play basketball while riding bareback on a live donkey. That just sounds hysterical and I haven't yet decided whether or not I really want to humiliate myself that badly. Should I keep face or smell like an animal??? Either way, I'm going to experience the fundraiser because it sounds like a blast!
So, what have I been doing all week?
Well, not much actually. I've mostly been just observing the classes since there really is nothing that I can teach them because I would be starting in the middle of all the notes and that's just not a good idea for a history class. I've also been grading papers - mostly worksheets, but also some tests. Then I get to record them in the gradebook. That's fun. Don't ask me why but I love that stuff. If I'm done with that, I simply sit back and enjoy watching students, answering questions, listening to the lecture, and making mental notes of things I want to do and not do, things I want to try and things I can leave out while I'm teaching. It's been a pretty productive week.
Tuesday, I attended the education fair here on the college campus. I've been asked to apply several places and have one lead that I think may be promising. But I'm not getting my hopes up just yet. I sent in the application yesterday afternoon after school and emailed their office today to let them know I was interested and had applied and that it was on its way, etc. If I get any leads on it, I will be sure to keep you updated on that.
Today was pretty eventful. I've already expounded on my evening. The day, while not quite as exciting, still held some new things for me. First of all, I gave a test to 7th graders. They were the sweetest kids! I had to get on to one kid for talking during the test, but he was good after that. I just made a nasty teacher face to let him know I was serious before I gave him detention. He didn't talk after that. Hehe - do you think he knows I'm serious??? I'm seriously asking...
After that, I observed some more and graded some more. Lunch was new today. I ate in the teacher's lounge! Woo! Lunches before I've had things to look over or look up or something teachery to do. But today, I braved the teacher's lounge... and it was great! Everyone is SOO nice and they really seem to enjoy the new faces in their midst. I already feel like a part of the family they have. It's so wonderful to be accepted and treated like an equal (I mean, I am legally, but socially I don't have to mean anything).
I've only been at the school for three days and already I have fallen in love with it. It has put my nerves to rest a little bit. First coming in, I was terrified that people would hate me and not treat me with respect. But, I have found that to not be true in this situation. Everyone seems to like me and the students treat me as if I am their teacher. More and more I truly feel like this is the only place I want to be - teaching. I can't see myself in any other field, but I still have the rest of the semester to figure that out for sure :-) Let's hope nothing changes. I'm having a blast right now and I foresee things only getting better from here on out.
Busier and better :-)
Things that I've noticed that really get on my nerves:
1. Announcing a student's grade in the middle of the hallway where every teacher and half of the students can hear
That should be reserved between the student and the teacher exclusively. That is not for anyone else to hear. Can you imagine how embarrassing it would be to have a teacher announce your grade to half of the school? I would hate that. I saw that the student even felt uncomfortable and that made me sad. If I ever do that, you have permission to drop an anvil on my head and tell me how stupid and inconsiderate I am of a student's personal information. I would deserve every whelp.
2. Making announcements in the middle of class
And by announcements, I mean from the front office over the intercom - from the secretary or the principle. It is SOO disruptive to the class. And then, when the intercom is left on!! Oh dear... then you get to hear all of the conversations behind the 'page button' and then you can't teach. Seriously, what happened to email?? Most of those announcements could be put in an email and sent directly to the teachers for future notice. If announcements have to be made in class, the office should wait until the tardy bell has rung and then make any announcements so the class is not interrupted. Then the teacher can get on with their teaching without worrying if their students are going to get called out in the middle of class. It's very disruptive and inconsiderate. Now, I have no control over this in the class, but I thought I would point it out because that's going to get on my nerves when I teach... I may have words with the secretary. No, not really. But I will get frustrated that they have the nerve to interrupt my instruction.
I'm still garnering a list of positives and I'll post that up later. But for now, this is all I have in my life. I'm doing an activity tomorrow with the class I'm going to start teaching on Monday. That should be fun. It's one of the larger classes. Hehe. Oh boy!
Until next time!
Aimee
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