The LiPHE of a Teacher Candidate

Monday, 16 April 2012

Sunday, 15 April 2012

Just last last practicum, week 4 was bittersweet.

I was very nervous to see how the culminating task would go. It seemed like students were very anxious about having enough time to complete it, which in turn made me very anxious as time is not something I had on my side. By the end of the week however, mostly every student had completed and presented their project. Some of them were exceptional, and made me very proud and happy to think about al the learning that occurred.

Saying goodbye to the staff and especially students was tough. They made me a card that nearly made me cry right then and there and made me promise I would come back and visit them. This practicum has certainly been a pivotal moment in my journey through this career. It has made me realize many things

1. I am ready to have a class of my own
2. I have a LOT to learn
3. Not to sweat the small stuff
4. Making that initial connection with your students is far more valuable than anything else you can do in the classroom
5. I might prefer to teach a core class vs. rotary Phys Ed...

I hope you have all enjoyed and learned as much in your practicums as I have.

Week 3

Week 3 was great. After a restful March Break I had a lot of energy to put towards my class. I ended up coming up with a really interactive and exciting lesson that linked directly to the culminating task. The kids enjoyed it so much that they asked for an extra period to work on it. We saw how much learning was going on, so we allowed them extra time to complete it. They handed in what they had which was very beneficial, as I was then able to provide them with extensive descriptive feedback and tips for when they were doing their final project. The amount of time it took to write up the descriptive feedback for each group didn't surprise me, but it was time consuming nonetheless. It made me realize the benefits of group activities not only for the students, but for the teachers as well.

Looking forward to my last week of practicum and seeing if they put my suggestions to use for their culminating task.

Monday, 26 March 2012

Week 2

Week 2 was very long and tiring. I am feeling the late nights planning catching up with me. It has been worth it though... my lessons seem to be going well and the students are engaged and asking and answering questions which is about as much as I can ask for. I've introduced the culminating task this week... It's a far more daunting task than I had imagined. It hard to know if they students will really enjoy it or even understand it but I'm hoping it turns out alright in the end. During our first computer lab time one of the students asked me if he could do the project twice for extra marks so that's a good sign at least!

Looking forward to my first March Break in years!

Sunday, 4 March 2012

Week One

Well this is certainly a new experience for me. Being out of the gym (and my comfy clothes!) and into a Grade 8 core classroom is a bit of a departure. I must admit, at first I was a little worried about how it would go and how the skills that I have developed in the gym would transfer into the classroom. I have been very happily surprised, however. Being in a core classroom is great. I know just about every student in my class 100 times better than any ONE student that I knew last practicum. It's a very nice rapport to be able to build. As far as teaching goes, I feel as though my classroom management skills that I was able to develop in the gym are paying off big time.

I am starting to feel more and more comfortable in a "regular" classroom setting, and am trying new things while I am teaching. One thing that I have made sure of is to stick to my roots. I have tried to stay as true to myself and my teaching philosophy as I can while in practicum.

Hope everyone's first week was good! I am exhausted already and looking forward to my first March Break in years!

Monday, 28 November 2011

Week 4

~~I can't believe it's all over.~~ I can't believe it's all beginning. The last week of practicum flew by, as I suspected it would. It was surreal saying goodbye to Westwood, I'll miss the staff and students for sure. I'm sure I'll be seeing them again soon though. I'm thinking that your first practicum is one you will never forget. In four short weeks the whole Midtown crews seems to have woven themselves into the fabric of Westwood and I can't imagine a better experience. Although I had a great time teaching all month, I am actually really looking forward to getting back to class, seeing all of you guys and approaching what we're being taught with a whole new perspective. See you all tomorrow!!

PS. Here are some photos of the new assessment rubric I helped put in place with my AT - I went a litle craft- and star-crazy.