Yes, I have been meaning to update my blog for over a week now, but have been a tad bit busy with classes, working, etc. As most of you know, I am in the Masters program for Middle Grades Education. This semester I am doing my observation in a school setting...what does that mean? It means for thirteen weeks, I go into a classroom, two days per week, and watch the teacher, assist as needed and teach every now and then. So, seeing where I am in the middle school program, one might think that I would be placed in a middle school for my observation...at least this one did. I received my assignment, and as clear as day, it said I would be at an elementary school. Okay, true that middle school certification is grades 4-8, but I never dreamed I would be with the "little people." You see, I have never really had any experience with the elementary age group. I am prone to much larger children, complete with hormones and attitude. Negative? No, just realistic. I'm not saying the middle school children are bad...they just have so much drama, with peer pressure, boyfriend/girlfriend issues, puberty, etc. that no wonder they tend to be grouchy and mouthy.
So, my first day at the "little people" school was a little scary, not to mention that the principal of this school was my high school English teacher...that's why you should ALWAYS be a respectable student...you never know who will be your boss! Oh, and another side note...I passed lady in the hall, who I knew looked very familiar, so I asked her name...and you would not believe it...but she was my Kindergarten teacher!!! Again, you should always watch yourself in school...you REALLY never know. :)
I've now been observing two weeks and I have learned the following about elementary school:
1. You must always encourage students, no matter what.
2. They will ask you ten questions in one breath, and you must be prepared to answer all of them.
3. The story they just told you was either the funniest or saddest story you ever heard...or you should appear for it to be so.
4. They want you to love their work, really...they do.
5. They hug you.
6. It upsets them when they upset you.
7. They are still little children, the hormones are pretty much inactive.
8. When you discipline, you need to ask them if they knew what they did wrong, ask them what could they have done differently, and provide them with a sheet so they can write out their thoughts.
9. Teachers must plan, plan, plan. Many elementary teachers have four different subjects to teach daily, including recess responsibility. They only get about 40 minutes planning, which is gone if you blink too hard, they have students coming into classrooms at 7:30 and they are with them constantly to 3:30. Lots of fundraisers and many after-school extras.
Now, on to middle school. Let me preface this by saying that I am not the most negative person you will ever meet, I am, however, a realist. I'm also not saying that what I am about to list below is the right thing, but a lot of times, it's the only thing for that moment, and remember...teachers have students with hormones, bf/gf issues, bff issues, her hair looks better than mine issues, fights, etc. going on at the same time they are expected to teach.
1. You should encourage students, just figure out a way to do it without a clap and hooray...be a little more subtle.
2. They will probably not ask questions, you will be the one doing that.
3. Again, not much speaking...well, to you...only to their friends.
4. Ummm...not really concerned if you love it or not, mainly worried about the passing grade.
5. They do not touch you, and you better not touch them or you will end up the star on a Lifetime Original Movie.
6. Not going to happen, they only get upset if you write them up...which I will explain more in detail in #8.
7. Hormones are RAGING, like a whitewater rafting trip!
8. When you discipline, you first tell them what they did wrong. If they do not correct their behavior, they will receive silent lunch and then, if still not corrected, will move along to the office which will most certainly result in ISS (In School Suspension).
9. Teachers usually plan for one subject and teach this lesson plan for each class. They receive about an hour and a half planning, sporadic after-school activities and minimal fundraisers...unless of course you are a sport sponsor. However, they re-direct, discipline, discipline...which makes teaching that lesson plan the hardest thing in the world to do.
With the above comparisons (yes, I am utilizing my observation skills during Language Arts), "I will take more classroom work and less behavior issues for $200 Alex." I honestly never really thought that I would fit in with the elementary crowd. I will definitely need to learn to smile more, hug more....well, basically, work on my nice skills...but I believe I can do it. So, to the world of encouragement and silly stories...here I come!
On to the next topic. We have finally figured out a name for the kitten, and it is Meow-Meow. As you can see, Mary Kahlen has broken her in quickly...no one is immune from princess paraphernalia!
And this is just cute. Mary Kahlen visited Chick-fil-A with Memaw on Tuesday and discovered the world of "face paint". The scrunch face is the "I'm trying to be cute for the camera," but her Mamoo said she looked like she had to go potty...probably so.
Yes, I have been meaning to update my blog for over a week now, but have been a tad bit busy with classes, working, etc. As most of you know, I am in the Masters program for Middle Grades Education. This semester I am doing my observation in a school setting...what does that mean? It means for thirteen weeks, I go into a classroom, two days per week, and watch the teacher, assist as needed and teach every now and then. So, seeing where I am in the middle school program, one might think that I would be placed in a middle school for my observation...at least this one did. I received my assignment, and as clear as day, it said I would be at an elementary school. Okay, true that middle school certification is grades 4-8, but I never dreamed I would be with the "little people." You see, I have never really had any experience with the elementary age group. I am prone to much larger children, complete with hormones and attitude. Negative? No, just realistic. I'm not saying the middle school children are bad...they just have so much drama, with peer pressure, boyfriend/girlfriend issues, puberty, etc. that no wonder they tend to be grouchy and mouthy. 
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