I have been student teaching for almost half of a semester! I can't believe that I'm already half way there. Actually, almost closer with holidays and returning the class to my cooperating teacher. I have to teach to Thanksgiving (a month more or less) and then another week before I start handing the class back to my CT. How crazy is that!
There are three things I wanted to address; mainly for the purposes of... I don't want to forget!
First, the website khanacademy.org is absolutely amazing! It's so helpful for math, science, and political science classes. It's great for math students that are starting out 1st grade all the way through to calculus! I would like to thank Steve Jobs for helping in creating this amazing piece of knowledge, and when I start being paid as a teacher, I do plan on pay for the website considering it is non-for-profit.
Second, the rewards/consequence program we implemented today.... rewards: stickers on their star with their name. which lead to a party, that will then also lead candy. consequence 1) warning 2) extra problems 3) referral. Just that simple.
Third, the reason for these rewards and consequences is because I had such an awful day on Friday. I seriously was in tears. My class was so disrespectful to me, our sub, to each other. It was flat out cray. My only rule: respect. Just that simple. It really made me take a step back and evaluate my classroom management. What a teaching/learning moment it was for me!
Overall, student teaching has been fun. I am very busy with all sorts of paper work, and look forward to doing this as my job one day. It is very refreshing in the fact that I do belong in this field, that I'm glad I didn't stick with any of my other ideas for degrees. It's a blessing to know what I'll be doing at such a young age. I can teaching for 30 years and retire at 55??? Or teach for 40 years and retire at 65..... this is what I'll be doing.... for a VERY VERY long time!
Well, I need to go work on case studies. I thought I would just briefly update. After graduation and before baby Gideon Xavier (yes I am pregnant, my husband and I are looking forward to March 4th 2012 - due date- to meet our little bundle of joy). But before then I plan on creating a website and finalizing my resume!!!
Much love, respect and peace to all!
