A Finished Unit :)

My five lesson practicum unit came to an end today. Part of me is sad and part of me is relieved! As a teaching student, I know this is just five of hundreds of lessons I will teach. I feel myself becoming more comfortable and confident in myself as a teacher. I was worried about teaching math to sixth graders, but I did it! :)

Before teaching I noticed that many of the students in the class had trouble paying attention and staying on task. I knew what I had to do – come up with an incentive! Throughout the lessons I gave the students “math money” for answering questions, solving problems, and doing their homework. We had an auction today and the students were able to spend the money they had earned. Prizes included mystery bags and coupons for “free late work pass”, “listen to music while you work”, and “skip bellwork”. It was a big success!

I know that teaching is a difficult profession to enter right now, but I truly believe it is what I am meant to do! I cannot wait to have my own class of smiling faces. Until then, I am going to learn as much as possible and enjoy the ride!

 

My First Lesson :D

I stood in front of the room with all eyes on me. I could feel myself start to sweat; I was so nervous! Who was I kidding, I was born to do this. I was born to teach. 

I was not too excited when I found out that I would be teaching multiplying and dividing fractions, but I decided that I would figure out a way to make it fun! Oh and multiplying and dividing fractions is way easier than adding and subtracting! So after searching Pinterest and TeachersPayTeachers, I found some great activities and ideas (those sites are lifesavers!). One day, the students will play math bingo, and another day they will do an activity with dice. I also came up with the idea to hand out "Math Money" to students who correctly answered questions or problems. I am holding an "auction" at the end of my unit! :) 

Even though I was ridiculously nervous, I taught my first lesson today and it went really well! The students were engaged and excited. Some of the usually low achieving students were even "getting it" today. One particular girl was smiling ear to ear because she understood the concept and was getting every answer right. That made me feel great! Who cares if I was shaking inside, the kids didn't know that! Accidently dropping the SmartBoard Pad wasn't in the plan either... but oh well! I would say my first lesson was a success!

RC Cars and a Lego Movie

"I'm twelve and let me tell you, being twelve is rough! I wish I was two years younger again" The words "uh... okay" escaped from my mouth. I thought first graders said the darndest things, but sixth graders can definitely hold their own! I was worried that the sixth graders would not be as fun and challenging for me, but boy was I wrong. I am always amazed by what they say and what is "cool" right now. 

One of the students absolutely loves RC cars. Another students asked if I had seen the new Lego Movie. According to him, "it is totally awesome because it combines all of the movies into one!" Wow, I must really be missing out! Just today, one of the girls presented me with a Valentine's chocolate bar. Adorable! It is good chocolate too! I flipped the bar over and laughed. It said, "To: Mrs. Robinson" That's pretty close to Miss Roberts...right? Oh sixth graders, you are really growing on me! I cannot wait to see what else this term brings. :)

Is It All Worth It?

This week started off with a bang, or shall I say BOOM! I spent my Sunday at home snuggled up with the dogs while screaming and yelling for my favorite team. I even won $40 in a football pool through my work! Plus the Seahawks got the big win of course!

This exciting Sunday spent with family is just what I needed after a long stressful week. I was feeling overwhelmed with homework, work, apartment/house hunting, and attempting to have a social life. Writing eleven lesson plans, a ten page paper, and numerous other papers and assignments is a little bit intimidating. Whenever I start stressing out, I slow down and remember why I am in the program in the first place. I want to be a teacher. I want to make a difference in the lives of children. It is then that I realize all of the late nights and early mornings, all of the homework, and all of the missed social engagements will be worth it. I can do this!

This week’s lessons:

Slow down and enjoy the little things (like a Seahawks win!). In tough times, remind yourself why you are where you are and remember it will be worth it in the end. Tough times never last, but tough people do!