Week 3

My gosh, have I really not updated this since August 31st? I am so ashamed. Forgive me. But if it is any consolation, it might just be an indicator to how busy I have been.

Last week was another big step for me as a student teacher. My CT suggested that I give a lesson every day on Latin and Greek roots in words. I took this more in the direction of a History of the English Language. Sounds boring, I know, but I tried my hardest to make it fun for the students. That means as little lecturing as possible, and an activity to drive the ideas home. Coming up with lessons is so hard for me. For those that may know me well, you might also know that when it comes to certain things I may tend to over think them, or want them perfect. (Right now my family is thinking "really??" But yes, it's true) I felt like no matter how hard I tried the students would not find the lesson relevant, fun, interesting, or any other positive adjective you can think of. I am always asking my CT what she thinks and she just kind of chuckles at how much of a novice I am, but she does offer her input which is nice.

I had a "formal" observation last Tuesday, where my Site Supervisor came into class to watch me teach. I know it wasn't really a pressure situation but it just added to the pressure of my first lesson. It is getting a lot easier now, though. Before my voice would get a bit shaky and my face would get real red when I was in front of the class, but now it's not so apparent. That isn't to say I am not still nervous though.

This week was short since Monday was Labor Day. I was at the junior high on Tuesday and Wednesday. Tuesday I gave a quick lecture about Greek roots, and Wednesday I had the kids do an activity where they put different roots together to form words. I had them make 5 words they knew and then 5 words they made up. For example, a word they use today would be digress, using the roots "di" and "gress". The part where they made up words seemed to be the most fun for them. They got really creative. One that I remember off the top of my head is "aquast". I should also mention that for the words they made up, they had to come up with the part of speech and a working definition. If I recall correctly, an "aquast" is a water star (aqua meaning water, ast meaning star). So I think it was a synonym for Starfish.

Once again, I am a little bummed out that I won't know much about what is going on at school over the weekend, but I am trying to plan something fun for the students when I get back.

Also, my CT and I have also started talking about when I do my 3 day take over. As of now we are aiming for the last week of September! It sounds far but seems so close! I am going to be so nervous!