I've completed my first student teaching placement! My first placement was at Hansen Elementary in Cedar Falls in a fourth grade classroom. The 8 weeks went so fast yet it seems like such a long time ago that I was sitting in meetings the first week of school. What an awesome experience to learn how things happen at the beginning of the year, how to set up a classroom and to see all the prep that goes into the first day of school.
To say that I loved my time at Hansen would be an understatement. The saying goes, you don't know what you've got til it's gone, is definitely true. There were definitely hard days and times where I was frustrated or confused. However, each day I think about the kids from my class, the staff in the building, and other people I came into contact with throughout the day. Just when I was beginning to feel like a part of their community, it was time for me to go. I can't wait to be a part of a team one day and hopefully it is a team as welcoming as the Hansen team :)
I learned A LOT from my cooperating teacher, Kristin Pease. She was wonderful. It was fun spending time with her throughout the day and learning from her. She is truly a great teacher. I learned about management, curriculum, how to handle unique situations- you name it, I probably learned something about it!
Thinking back to the first weeks of the school year, I remember feeling so fulfilled by teaching and being in a classroom all day, everyday. I felt as though I actually had purpose in life and I was
fulfilling that purpose. The crazy thing is I was/am not even getting paid and still truly enjoy it. I will admit, I'm ready to be receiving some money and January can not come soon enough :)
My fourth grade students were wonderful. I told Mark that I still kind of consider them as my own students. Every once and a while I'll see a few of them at a game or in town, which I love!
There was one girl in my class with Down Syndrome. Her name is Lauren. Lauren touched my heart in so many ways and brought so much joy to everyday. Lauren is non-communicative but can express many words and is continuing to learn some more. She also knows sign language for some words. I learned a lot from watching Mrs. Asby interact with Lauren, she was so wonderful with her and it so evident they share a special bond. Lauren was such a blessing to have in the classroom. I miss seeing her smiling face each day!
I had a week off between my student teaching placements, and I am starting my second week at Dike Elementary this week in a second grade classroom. More to come about that :)
To say that I loved my time at Hansen would be an understatement. The saying goes, you don't know what you've got til it's gone, is definitely true. There were definitely hard days and times where I was frustrated or confused. However, each day I think about the kids from my class, the staff in the building, and other people I came into contact with throughout the day. Just when I was beginning to feel like a part of their community, it was time for me to go. I can't wait to be a part of a team one day and hopefully it is a team as welcoming as the Hansen team :)
I learned A LOT from my cooperating teacher, Kristin Pease. She was wonderful. It was fun spending time with her throughout the day and learning from her. She is truly a great teacher. I learned about management, curriculum, how to handle unique situations- you name it, I probably learned something about it!
Mrs. Asby (Lauren's para), Mrs. Pease and me!
Thinking back to the first weeks of the school year, I remember feeling so fulfilled by teaching and being in a classroom all day, everyday. I felt as though I actually had purpose in life and I was
fulfilling that purpose. The crazy thing is I was/am not even getting paid and still truly enjoy it. I will admit, I'm ready to be receiving some money and January can not come soon enough :)
My fourth grade students were wonderful. I told Mark that I still kind of consider them as my own students. Every once and a while I'll see a few of them at a game or in town, which I love!
There was one girl in my class with Down Syndrome. Her name is Lauren. Lauren touched my heart in so many ways and brought so much joy to everyday. Lauren is non-communicative but can express many words and is continuing to learn some more. She also knows sign language for some words. I learned a lot from watching Mrs. Asby interact with Lauren, she was so wonderful with her and it so evident they share a special bond. Lauren was such a blessing to have in the classroom. I miss seeing her smiling face each day!
I had a week off between my student teaching placements, and I am starting my second week at Dike Elementary this week in a second grade classroom. More to come about that :)
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