Prayers needed!

I can't believe I haven't written since Monday! It has been a very, VERY challenging week, particularly with the students' behaviors. There has been a significant increase in anger with each other and disrespect. It has been very disheartening!

I am going to change from the normal religion lesson for tomorrow and do a lesson on God's great love for us and how we can love others. I'm confident that God's word will be powerful and effective and will accomplish His purpose.

Thanks for the prayers!

Formal Observation

I taught Science today. We did investigation centers where the students used handlenses to look at soil and sand. I had them compare and contrast what they saw and felt. They seemed very excited and on-task, which is always encouraging! I had a mix of hands-on activities and some time where the students needed to sit in their seats and do a report about their observations. We also looked in the text and talked about some new vocabulary. It seemed to be a good balance.

I was observed by my university supervisor during this lesson. I was nervous leading up to her visit, but once I began teaching felt very confident in my lesson. Things went relatively smoothly and she had really positive comments for me. It feels good to have three days of teaching done!

I had a little girl begin to cry at lunch today, sharing with me a financial struggle in her family. It caught me off guard, but we were able to talk about tough times and laughed by the end of our talk.

One thing I am really striving towards right now is working on positive reinforcement. I know that there are certain students I am constantly speaking with about their behavior...and it seems that my communication with them is mostly negative. I really want to try to praise them when I see them on task, participating, etc.

Yay for Fridays!

I had a really enjoyable Friday with the students. The snow coming down was beautiful, but not so fun to drive home in!

I had to discipline a few boys today...lots of erasers flying and things being catapulted across the room after several warnings. I am trying to come up with a center or activity where we can measure how far they can launch their erasers and show them that there is a place for it, but it is NOT during a lesson!

I taught Science again. The students were EXTREMELY squirrely all day, so I was anticipating a restless last period. Having Science at the very end of the day is an interesting challenge in itself. I need to realize that they will have lots of energy and set up centers and things they can investigate and move around. We are looking at different types of soil, so I am excited to figure out how to let them be curious and ask lots of questions, but not get out of hand with the materials.

I am gaining confidence being in front of the class and managing students' behaviors as I'm teaching. I really am learning a lot.

Looking forward to Monday--I have my first supervisor observation! Pray that I can be teachable and humble as she gives me suggestions.

A day of encouragement

Today was so much better! I haven't had a "bad" day of teaching yet, but was quite overwhelemed last night. I want to be an effective and excellent teacher, but was really wrestling with how to do that and maintain my sanity! I spoke with a good friend (who is teaching in Indonesia right now) on skype and she prayed with me and it really was an encouragement to my heart. She reminded me of my purpose as a teacher is much more than lesson plans and activities; rather, it is to love my students and share the love of our Father with them. I also was able to speak with a mentor/former professor, who freed me from a lot of guilt and worry and helped me to laugh. She told me that this first phase of student teaching is the most difficult and that she is confident in my abilities. God provided the right words from these two.

I felt an overwhelming love for my students as I helped them through the studies towards the end of the day. It was an incredible thing! My worry was gone...and my focus was on showing them love.

My lesson plan went well. The timing was right on and the students were engaged...and my co-op had some good suggestions.

I am excited to teach!!!

Day #2 and exhausted!

Home from the second day. I can't believe that is right! I really feel like I have been doing this for many more days than only two.

Crazy how easy a college schedule seems compared to this. Class for what...maybe two or three hours TOTAL all day? Naps, lunches at home, time for you to decide what to do with. What a luxury!

I feel pretty exhausted and overwhelmed, honestly. Wondering if I can do this "teacher" thing. I simply don't know how I can have enough energy to be in school from 730-330 and THEN come home and have lesson plans to create and materials to get ready for my activities. There aren't enough hours in a day to be an effective teacher. Or if there are...I am using my time poorly.

I ask for your prayers for me to be encouraged and for me to know how to use my time to serve the students.

Day #1!

So I survived day #1! I am in a class with 22 3rd grade students. (11 boys!!) They are a WILD and crazy bunch...so much energy! There seems to be a lot of curiosity and interest. I need to find a way to direct that towards learning. I have a lot of ideas and it is simply a matter of trying things out and seeing how it goes. My co-operating teacher seems very willing to let me try things out and asks me for ideas, so that is encouraging.

Funny things...I was asked today, "Will you bake cookies for us?" For the life of me, I could not figure out where that question came from! I later remembered I had told my co-op some things about me and had mentioned I enjoyed baking. She passed that message along to the class, thus forming the idea in the students' minds that I would be baking food for the class. :) Another thing: I signed about 20 different slips of paper of students who wanted my "autograph." Gotta love these kids!

Thanks for your prayers! I begin my first teaching Thursday. I will do a science class on "Resources."

The calm before the storm...

Day #1 is tomorrow! I am excited to observe my teacher and begin to learn the students' names. I am anticipating this learning experience, hoping to challenge myself to become a good teacher. I will try to update this and let you know the things I'm learning and how I'm being challenged.

For now, please pray for me to be a servant. Also, pray for my time in the word, that it can be regular and transforming me.