Well, I'm never wearing that again.

Quote of the day:

6th grader A: "Miss Jones, did you go to Lake Hamilton High?"

6th grader B: "No, remember? She's from TEXAS."

6th grader C: "Haha, Miss Jones is from Texas!"

6th grader A: "Oh, yeah. I knew that."

I guess I'm learning the hard way what to wear and what not to wear to school, based on how many boys flirt with me and how many girls come up and introduce themselves, thinking I'm a new student. I thought I looked rather professional, but apparently, I still look like a kid. Several middle school girls told me how pretty I looked, and- get this- SIX high schoolers came and introduced themselves, thinking I was a new student. I haven't gotten to work with all of the groups, so there are many students who haven't seen me too much yet. I guess that partially explains it. But still-- it'll be a while before I wear that shirt again.

The 6th grade high brass (horns and trumpets) had a chair test on Friday, and the girl I worked with so much ended up getting 6th chair! That's a huge improvement from her usual next-to-last chair. It's definitely boosted her confidence, too.

I'm currently stressed about how much I have to do-- listen to CDs and learn music, legal issues paper, score studies, lesson plans for teaching percussion, AND plan the service learning project (which Miss Neal was kind enough to remind me about). It doesn't help that my planner's been missing for a week, either. I really hope I can get this all done! But, on the bright side, I now own a lime green recorder. The instrument nerd is quite pleased with this new acquisition. :)

Back to work!

I’m feeling much better!  Being healthy makes so much of a difference when teaching.  I’m not completely well, but I’m getting close.  Today I added phonics to calendar and browse box on my list of teaching responsibilities.  It’s fun because Mrs. Conzel’s style of teaching is very hands on and practical, so instead of having a huge transition to a phonics lesson, I just incorporated new activities into calendar and browse box.  In our team meeting last week we talked about common core standards and how we needed to change lesson plans to incorporate them.  One new framework talked about teaching the parts of speech, so I’ve begun using our letter of the week to talk about words that are different parts of speech.  The kids have kept up with it well so far.  Tomorrow I’m thinking about adding verbs to their vocabulary.  No accidents today, that makes it a good day. 

How's the SLP planning coming?  

Miss Neal  

Who knew Mondays could be so good

Today was such a good day. There was so much encouragement today. My CT was asking where I was planning on living when I graduated, because she wanted me to stay and work with her for the rest of forever. One of the kids asked “Mrs. Valencia, where did you find this woman?” because I was actually making the kids work. She said that she found me in heaven and brought me back to Malvern. Then, I was so excited that one of my kids was actually doing his bell work I told him that I was really proud of how well he had been working. I loved that he got everything right and was doing great. He told me that he had never had a teacher tell him that they were proud of him or that he had been doing great lately. Small victories for the student teachers of Ouachita. Love it. I’m so glad for things like this that make kids days which in turn makes my day. Such a good day. Now something crazy will probably happen tomorrow. We can only hope for so much. :)

Ms Hurn

*New Student*

Today we got a new student and it has definitely added a level of stress to the situation! He does not even know his letters and the rest of the class is reading and writing. This will really help me learn how to modify lessons to fit all needs and see what it's like to get a new student mid semester. My teacher had no idea she was getting a new student until this morning, and she got a new one from Pakistan last week! The little boy kept asking "When can we play?! When is nap?!?!"....Too bad we have no nap and only 15 minutes of recess. (Shame, I know) He also decided that he just didn't want to work and said plainly: "Well, I've had enough of this...I'm going home!" around 12pm. His parents said all he did at his old school was play, and this school is pretty hardcore so he might be in for a little rude awakening. It's actually the most hardcore public school I've ever seen...uniforms and everything! They really have to work hard most of the day.

Germ fest

Joy to the world, Friday has come.  Mrs. C was kind and let me cut di-cuts in the library for a while in the morning because I was sick.  She left for the afternoon, so I was in charge.  She left me plenty to do with them, and I knew their routine, so it went well.  Her absence made clear how wonderful her management is.  When I tried to mimic it, I was met with some success, but there were still moments where they were scattered to the four corners of the classroom.  It served as a reminder that I still have a lot to learn and practice!

Those kids.  Oh gee whiz.  They're so full of germs!  They have no clue.  They swab their hand all over their nose and then offer it up to me like a gift.  "Miss Neal, will you hold my haaaaaaaaaaand?"  Crush their small hearts or keep my life from the peril of a cold.  Those are my options.  Thanks, kindergarteners for being so germily irresistible.  I don't really hold it against them.   

*Happy Friday!*

Today I walked into class and had 17 get well/we missed you cards waiting for me on my desk! I was sad I had to miss a day and a half of school, but when the nurse MAKES you leave, you sorta have to listen. haha

We had a really fun day today because the students came dressed up in their future career costumes. We've had community helpers come and talk to us all week, but today was their turn. They each gave a report about their future profession and did a GREAT job! I had 7 vets in my class, so animals in the future are pretty good to go.

This class is particularly good in the behavior department. All it takes is a little look and they start behaving again. I've never seen anything like it before! I did have a few minor issues this week, because my new student from Pakistan has never been in cold weather before. He screams at the top of his lungs in agony whenever we go outside! Poor little fella.

Certified to teach: Band 6-12 and Rubik's cube

Quote of the day:

6th grade horn player: "Miss Jones, are you going to teach us every day?"

Me: "No, I'm not. Your teacher would be very sad if I stole you all from him. He likes you guys."

Different 6th grade horn player: "But we like you more!"

Needless to say, I smiled when the girl said this. I'm glad that I'm well-liked... with this group, at least. I really relate to the 6th and 7th graders the best. They're just a fun group, and I love being able to teach them.

I taught the 6th grade percussionists again today, and had a few discipline issues for the first time. I finally had to threaten them by saying that if they did not stop talking and playing when I was trying to talk, then I would take their sticks away from them and we would sit quietly for the rest of class. That seemed to work... mostly. I'm still working on discipline.

I mentioned to a high school percussionist on Monday that I'm able to work a Rubik's cube, because I saw that he had his out. I didn't remember that, but he approached me today after school and asked me to help him finish working the cube. He had two layers of it done, and needed to finish the third. So I gave him a quick five-minute lesson on the last few steps he needed, and he solved the Rubik's cube. He was so happy that it was done. He ran around the room holding it in the air and shouting, "I solved the Rubik's cube! It took me three weeks, but I solved the Rubik's cube!" He thanked me profusely, then introduced himself. This is a new way of bonding with students that I hadn't tried yet, but it seems to be quite effective. :)

Checkin' out the IEP's

I’m really getting to know the kids now and have their names memorized, who they are, their personalities and a lot of their individualities figured out. It’s been really neat to have the ability to sit and analyze some of the kids during the class time. It’s been even cooler to be able to actually talk with them and get to know them because I’m there all day long. There are multiple kids that come into the classroom between their class periods to say hi to me. Love it. :)

It’s been so helpful to see the IEP’s after getting to know the students because I feel like I actually have the capability of understanding what they really need instead of just a couple of suggestions on a paper that say “let the student repeat assignments and give them preferential seating.” This is not to say by any means that I know more than the people who have evaluated these students earlier and written IEPS or other teachers who have been working with these kids for years. This is just to say that during our educational journey, our “IEP students” have always been this phantom people that have never been more than words on a page to me. I know that each student is much more complicated that what we see on their file, and what we are instructed with during TEL. It’s just been really interesting to me to work with the less severe learning disabled students and try to find the best way to subtly help them in a way that it’s not obvious that they’re in any way different from the rest of the class. I’m so glad that God has put a lot of different students with learning disabilities in my life over the years and I’ve been able to work with them and learn from each one of them. Finding the correct balance of instruction, individual help and subtlety will be an elaborate challenge that will be fun to learn.

*Sick*

I didn't get to go to school today because I caught some sickness from my students. The nurse actually made me go home the day before and four of my kids were out as well! Some bug is making it's way around, but I'm hoping to be back to school tomorrow! Apparently new teachers get sick a lot, because they aren't immune yet! I'm actually sick in a way I've never felt before. It's strange!!! Praying you all stay well!!! -Miss Pate

Real life strikes again...

I feel like I’m getting a pretty accurate experience in Mrs. C’s classroom.  We have a couple kids who are in speech, one who’s in the middle of working out an IEP, and kids from all different backgrounds.  One of my sweet ones brought in a bunch of pictures today of going to visit their dad because he's in prison.  Sometimes I hate the difference between the way things are and the way they're supposed to be.  

Another thing I’m experiencing now is teaching while I’m sick.  I have a pretty nasty sore throat, which made it a little hard to teach today, but teachers can’t take sick days when they have colds.  Mrs. C was sweet about it and let me work on di-cuts for a little while in the library.  You have to be just as with it when you’re sick as when you’re healthy.  Hopefully I'll be able to sleep tonight and wake up a little fresher tomorrow.   I'm so thankful that tomorrow is Friday!

MissCasieRae

*I'm finally on here!!! :)*

Hello, fellow interns! What a crying shame that I haven’t jumped on this blog train before now! I guess we can all breathe a sigh of relief because Abby is here now and the party can REALLY start! *Insert head spin, tap dance, and karaoke song*.

Apparently I’m not “Ms. Pate” anymore and have been given the new name “mama”. My kindergarteners refuse to call me anything else because they claim I smell just like a mother. I have never known that a mom has a certain smell before, but I can’t argue with a five year old about that. Who knew Amber Romance is the official motherly smell?! Speaking of smell, have you guys ever seen that perfume that’s supposed to make you smell skinnier? My mom bought it, and it doesn’t work. Haha

I am having the BEST time in my placement and it really couldn’t be better for me. I am fitting right in and the Principal even does a dance when she sees me. She says my smile makes her want to go “OH YA!!” and does a little rodeo dance. I am starting to think that this school needs to have a reality show for the behind the scenes action! Everyone is a little bit crazy, so I fit RIGHT in.

My second rotation teacher finds me every morning and screams: “Where’s my baby intern?!” through the halls where the whole school can hear. I hear her from across the building most of the time, which makes me feel at ease. My entire family is like that, so I feel right at home! I never lost my mom in the grocery store when I was little because I could hear her 15 lanes over. I think I’m going to love my second rotation teacher a lot thanks to her loud, blunt humor. She is absolutely hilarious! We were all giving our take on the Bachelorette the night before and she goes: “You guys watch that mindless nonsense?!...Btw, what was he thinking picking Ashley?!” haha

I am getting along really well with my students and first rotation cooperating teacher! She calls me on the weekends to chat even though she’s in her 60’s. You’re never too old to be my friend, just sayin! We are having too much fun, we laugh together about how it’s hard to get things done because we won’t stop telling stories and laughing our heads off. We cry, too…just whatever emotion the stories evoke. Her love story is SO cute, I might have to write about it later. I know it’s irrelevant, but I bet you’d like to hear it! Maybe I’ll do that on my other blog instead.

Yesterday the other kindergarten classes thought I was a policewoman because of my internship badge! Have you guys been mistaken for the Po Po yet? Hope you have a great day tomorrow! Miss you all!!!
Professionally Yours, Ms. “Mama” Pate

Lunch with new friends :)

I am really getting to know my students pretty well now. I think it is so neat how fast they open up to you, especially over lunch. I have been sitting at the kids table instead of the teacher table and I think it is a very wise decision. I was talking with the Perritt girls (Casie and Lindsay) earlier and we decided that gossip is everywhere amongst the teachers. So eating at the kids table helps me avoids all that drama and has made me form relationships with the students that are hard to build when they have so much to get done in the classroom.

Today I was given the job of responding to their communication journals. My CT has not really had time to reply back to the students so they haven’t really written in a while. I hope that they will be motivated to write again when they know someone will respond.

Oh and I was so excited today about a student who usually is a handful. This kid had a bubble in his mouth the majority of the day and I kept telling him that he didn’t have to be quiet ALL day, but he was so determined to win who was the quietest. He also read over 7 books during browse book time. This is amazing because usually he has to be told over and over again to “open up your book” and “stop talking to your neighbor” and he responds with “ I don’t like to read!” It was the most exciting thing to see. Now I know to make everything a game (he is very competitive) and to praise him in front of the class (biggest smile ever when I did that today). Every day I am trying to find what motivates the students and make a mental note.

Just a side note, I miss seeing everyone!

Just Call Me Uncle Weezy

The day started off very cold! Whitney and I got creative this morning and scraped the ice off my car with CD cases! Maybe I should invest in an ice scraper. Today, I had duty for the first time. I was taking the second grade students from recess to lunch when a little girl looked up at me and said "You look like my uncle." I said, "Your UNCLE?" and she responded with "yes, my Uncle Weezy." It definitely caught me off guard and we got a good laugh out of that story today! Then, during bus duty, another student came up and asked "What grade are you in?" Evidently I look like a young male! It was a very busy and great day!

Much Love,

Uncle Weezy

(Miss Richey)

Ms. Ichter

Okay so I have been at Malvern High School in the mornings, and then I go to Malvern Junior High and the afternoons. As far as discipline goes, the high school students are FANTASTIC. I am starting to build great relationships with my students, which is something I am SOOOO grateful for. My 8th grade girls at MJHS are amazing too... However, I am not loving some of the girls in my 7th grade choir. There is SOOOO much drama going on between the girls (you wouldn't even believe some of the things these girls are dealing with... stuff I hadn't even heard of until I came to college, if that says anything). Please pray that the Lord would use me to be an encouragement and a good example to those girls.

So here's my cool story that I'm so glad about:

I have a sweet little 8th grade girl who has Down's. What's so awesome is that all of the non-disabled girls are SOOOO precious to her and the other 4 girls who are special ed. Anyhow, whenever this girl sings, she sounds like the drone of a bagpipe- she sings one note, and she is LOUD AND PROUD! :) So the other day, Ms. Kilmer (my CT) asked me if I could maybe try to get her to match pitch. So I kind of pulled her to the front of the class with me, and for the first time ever, the little girl was singing the same notes as me!!! It was THE coolest moment, and all of the other girls in class clapped for her and were cheering her name. She couldn't have been more excited about her accomplishment and I'm glad I could be a part of that.

You are all incredible teachers, and I'm praying for all of you!

-Miss Ichter

Dillywhops and dinosaurs

Quote of the day:

Me, to 6th grade percussionists: "Guys, you're still having trouble with measure four. What's the problem?"

Student: "I keep messing up on that last part, on those triplets."

Me: "There aren't any triplets in this measure..."

Student: "No, you know, those three dillywhops at the end."

Me: "Oh, those... wait a second! What are dillywhops? You can call them 'dillywhops' if you want, but we musicians like to call them 'eighth notes.'"

The kids thought that was absolutely hilarious, so I would frequently remind them throughout the class to not mess up on the "dillywhops." We saw that rhythm in other lines of the book, so I would refer to it as "[student's name]'s favorite rhythm," which would set off the giggles again. I started teaching this group on Monday, and it didn't take long at all to figure out exactly how to relate to them and to make them laugh. Middle schoolers are just fun, and even though my jokes go over my head sometimes, I love to let them laugh and have fun in class, because I know from experience that that makes learning more fun. I had to teach snare drum with them again today, but I did much better than I did on Monday. Half the class was on a field trip today, so I was able to give students more individualized instruction and correct individual errors. I think having fewer students helped me calm down a bit, too.

I also got the opportunity today to take the 6th grade horn players out and work with them. Again, half of them were on a field trip, but I was able to help the ones that were there so much. They have never gotten the opportunity to work with an adult horn player, so they were fascinated with me (and my shiny horn, and my detachable bell, and my dinosaur that I stuck on my horn). One girl who was not able to match pitches at all and couldn't play low notes for anything was playing lower than every other student in the group at the end of the class. The directors said that she's not been able to keep up since the beginning, and this is the first time that she's hit right notes. She definitely benefited from having a real horn player help her out, and I hope that the others did, too. I get to teach them- and the percussionists- again tomorrow. Hopefully, I'll do better than I did today!

Cabeza, hombros, rodillas y pies....

(translation: head, shoulders, knees and toes)

                Well, today went a lot better than expected. I really enjoyed being in the classroom and teaching today. This was my first day of teaching multiple periods consecutively and for the whole time. It was a little rough on the first period that I taught and I felt like I was nervous, but the next two lessons went great. I felt like we covered the ground well and my CT said she thought it was well done. I helped for a couple other things in the Spanish II class and really feel like my CT and I are clicking.

                My CT told me today that the assistant principle came up to her and said that she’d never been impressed by someone so quickly. I was so surprised by that because I didn’t really feel like I’d been doing anything spectacular in the classroom. Encouragement is such a wonderful thing, for sure. Maybe that’s why today was so good.  I was so glad to hear that things were apparently being observed and approved.

Ms. Hurn

Accident tally for the day, 3

Wow.  Teaching.  It’s such a comprehensive, amazing job.  You’re forming the way little minds view life, failure, taking risks, learning, school, relationships, family, and authority.  Sometimes it’s just too big for me.  I think, “there is NO way I can do this!”.  Every morning before I leave I pray, “God you’re the only reason I can do this, help me to remember that”.  Today went well.  The accident tally was three today.  It’s frustrating because Mrs. C. acts really surprised, like it’s just now starting to happen.  What I mean is, it’s frustrating that they had going to the bathroom down and now they’re having trouble with it.  Teacher lunch tables and work rooms really are as much of gossip nests as I was told.  I hate that these amazing women doing such good work use their off time to talk about people so much.  Maybe it’s part small town, part teachers knowing everything about students and their families as part of their job.  It's going well so far, and I think I'm getting less tired during the days.  : ) 

Much love,

Miss Neal

A day of my firsts in first grade...

Today was the day of many firsts. I had my first team meeting that lasted for over an hour and was super fun. (If you can’t tell I am being very sarcastic). I disciplined a student for the first time. Well, actually two students. Time off of recess will really make a student straighten up. I administered my first DIBELS test to two students. That was pretty neat. I had lunch and my first recess duty. During recess duty I had a helper that volunteered to fill me in on all the recess rules. She came up to me and said, “Mrs. Smith, this is your first time on the playground so you don’t know the rules. That’s why I am going to help you today”. She then went on to tell me all the rules and act out scenarios of student confrontations on the playground that have happened before and how the teachers handled them. After each example I thanked her for being so helpful to me. About 10 minutes into recess two little friends ran up to my “helper” and said, “Come play with us.” My helper replied with a very sad voice, “ I am helping Mrs. Smith today, she doesn’t know what to do on the playground.” I then said, “ You know what Autumn, if you want to go play I will definitely come find you if I have a question or need some help.” She got a really big smile on her face and ran away. I loved how she thought it was her obligation or duty to help me out, I guess I looked lost or something out there. J I really do have a wonderful class. I am now in charge of three things, not very big things. I lead/ monitor browse box time, read-alouds, and book club (shared reading in small groups). So far so good in first grade!!! I love doing what I know God wants me to do, it’s a very great feeling.

Bismarck Bunch!

QOTD: "You're my favorite teacher helper." :)

The kids have really started to warm up to me! They feel comfortable asking me questions about their work and questions like "can I go to the bathroom?" (Which is about a million times a day) This week I am in charge of read aloud time and going over their morning work with them. On Monday I was nervous to be in front of the class, but today felt much better and I'm excited about taking on more responsibilities!

Today, the Bismarck bunch ate lunch together (see above pictures) to discuss what we were going to do for our service learning project! We decided to do something with community helpers and I'm really looking forward to doing the project with the kids! I also sent home a letter to parents today letting them know how excited I am to work with their child and explaining to them what I would be doing over the next few weeks.

Love,

Miss Richey

And off we go!

QOTD

Mrs. C. - Oh NO, B!

B - What's wrong, Mrs. C?

Mrs. C. - What if they're talking!?

B - It breaks my heart.

BAAAAAAAAHAHAHA. It's just cute when a little kindergarten boy says that. 

Calendar went well today.  I didn’t miss any huge skills, and Mrs. C. was satisfied with how it went.  It’s hard when so much of kindergarten is built on routine, and you can’t exactly remember the tune to their ___ song!  I’ll be in charge of calendar and browse boxes from now on.  The browse boxes are fairly easy to administrate and a good informal assessment of phonics and letter skills.  It was a rough day in that we had several potty accidents.  I’m just thankful that God gave me grace to not throw up and get the job done.  Oh, friends, it was rough.  Bleh.  Poop.  All over clothes, potty, stall.  A strong stomach is just one more reason I feel like I was born to teach.  Potty accidents are another reason I may not be cut out to be a kindergarten teacher.  But then I thought, gee whiz, if I can make it through this, I can make it through a lot of stuff.  : )  Other than THAT, it was a good day.  

So glad we're in this together.  

Miss Neal 

Reminder, I'm teaching High School Spanish

QOTD:

CT:“Now class, what’s an example of a contraction”

Male Student (in all seriousness): “it’s when your stomach spasms when you’re going to have a baby.”

                Needless to say, we lost the class for a solid three minutes due to laughter. The teacher and I were laughing almost harder than the kids…

First Monday of the rest of my life of teaching has been accomplished. If that’s not a scary thought, I don’t know what is. I still have yet to have finished a full day with my CT due to some complications with the surgery she had on Thursday. I had all but 8^th period with her. At that point, she left and a sub was supposed to come into the classroom. I ended up teaching 8^th period because the sub didn’t show up until halfway through the class. It went really well. I’m pretty tired today, but I’ve really been enjoying getting to know the kids.

I’m intimidated like crazy on some of the things that my AP Spanish class is learning. We went over Subjunctive verb conjugation and I was taking notes. I’d never had it explained to me like that before and it made so much more sense than anything I’d ever heard. Good, right? Also scary due to the fact that I’m re-learning high school level Spanish. Such is life. 

And away we go to day two of the week,

Ms. Hurn

I don't play snare drum.

That was basically the theme for today... I don't play snare drum.

Quote of the day:

6th grade percussionist: "Miss Jones, did you play percussion in school?"

Me: "No! I play French horn."

6th grade percussionist: "I can tell..."

I got to teach the sixth grade percussion class today. Percussion is my biggest area of weakness, so I've been nervous about this ever since I found out about it on Thursday. I spent a lot of time yesterday going over the exercises, reviewing concepts, and practicing the counting system Lake Hamilton uses (it's different from what I learned), but when I got on the podium to start, I instantly forgot everything I knew. I knew all the students' names, so that was a plus... but in my opinion, that's the only good thing I did. I kept goofing up the counting (you try saying "one-tee-te-ta two-te quarter four-te one-te-ta two-tee-te quarter rest" while clapping at 120 beats per minute), I was unable to demonstrate concepts for them, and I moved way too fast, completely missing that there were students that were behind. I'm teaching them tomorrow and Wednesday as well. Hopefully, after lots of studying, I'll be able to redeem myself.

I was able to help the percussionists during the seventh grade band, though. I helped a kid figure out how to hold the triangle (although he kept forgetting, no matter how many times I reminded him to hold it higher) and taught him how to roll on it, and I helped the woodblock player with counting rests. I also got on to them for talking several times. It made me feel important. :)

So, to any music ed majors reading this-- the lesson to be learned: pay close attention in percussion methods. It'll creep up on you.

Monday Monday

QOTD

A(an adorable and very talkative kindergarten boy: (after giving me a hug) When I was in Pre-K, I gave everyone a tight hug.  I give tight hugs. 

I am learning so much!  Today I was supposed to start teaching calendar today, but since I had only observed her doing it once, I asked to wait.  Today I observed and took notes, which was so helpful since I missed a lot the first time.  Tomorrow I’ll be in charge of calendar and reading browse box.  Mrs. C. incorporates so much great movement, science, reading and math into something as simple as calendar.  I’m looking forward to incorporating some of the things that she does into my calendar time in my own classroom.  They count by tens every time they draw the weather thermometer, and they march around the room every time they talk about the day of the week.  I feel much more prepared now to teach calendar tomorrow!

Much love,

Miss Neal

Holy Guacamole!

This is my desk!

Quote of the day: “Holy guacamole!”

I’ve come to realize that in a kindergarten classroom, pencils are not just pencils. Pencils can be swords, used to slay a fire-breathing dragon. They can be light sabers, the most powerful weapons reserved only for Jedi Knights. They can be drumsticks, used to play songs such as “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd (one of my students is on a Lynyrd Skynyrd kick). And they can be rocket ships, soaring all the way from Earth to outer space. Although these behaviors with pencils are usually redirected very quickly, it is very interesting to see what these kids will come up with. Oh, to have that kind of imagination!

This morning it was dark and rainy, which means it was super hard to get up when my alarm went off at 5:00, despite the fact that I went to bed earlier than normal. Also, I did not get my morning coffee, so I had to give an extra effort to keep my eyes open. I managed to find some coffee in the teacher’s lounge during lunch. (It was leftover from the appreciation breakfast they had for the school board.) The rest of the day seemed to fly by. I put several announcements in the daily take-home folders, graded some papers, and did a read-aloud as the children were getting ready to go home. I also copied and sent home a letter to the parents, just to introduce myself and give them my e-mail address in case they have any questions.

Miss Moore

Gorman gets in the game...

Dialogue of the day:
(background: Asst. Principal's daughter  is on a team that I am coaching)
(this is a conversation between the Asst. Principal and another coach)

Asst. Principal: "My daughter had something stolen out of her purse, and I know who did it"
Coach: "How do you know?"
A.P: "I heard (student 1) telling (student 2) that (student 3) did it!"
Coach: "Oh...what was stolen?"
A.P: "Tampons!... 3 of them... And they were the NICE kind!"
Coach: "Does that really matter?"
AP: (stopped and snapped): "Yes it does!"

So, Friday was a bit different from the norm as I was able to discover the difference between coaching girls sports and boys sports.  Drills stop for hair adjustments, contact is avoided at all costs, non-relevant  comments to one another during play is strategic and the  and also was able to encounter a administrator/ mother who was a bit over the top.  (Nothing new to my CT's)  The coaches office became a detective's headquarters and all the coaches were being employed by the AP to find out who the culprit was.  I found an opportunity to slide out and avoid the rest of the Tampon Tragedy, and went and started our 6th period classes! Interesting experience starting 70 six graders in PE by yourself, but I reasoned that it was better than hunting down the culprit and "discovering the reason for the crime."  I didnt want to overstep my bounds, but Im pretty sure someone without a Ph.D could reason as to why they were taken.   Apparently the rest of the coaches solved the dilemma to satisfaction and returned to class shortly.  We finished out the class and then I headed over to athletics for the varsity football team.  We pushed (dragged) them through a circuit workout and had them perform as many reps in 30 seconds as they could for 3 sets per major lift.  It achieved its purpose.   :)

I love it up at Bryant.  Great school, great people to work alongside, I really am enjoying it.  The fact that my clock says 5 when the alarm goes off is a bit taxing, but its worth it!  More to come later!

Coach Gorman

Day 2, and a bonus Saturday

Quote of the day:

10th grader: "How did you know my name?"

Me: "I have magical powers."

10th grader: "...you're lying."

Friday was abnormal in that Lake Hamilton was hosting an All-Region band clinic. It began at 1:00, but we had to set up long before that and make sure everything was ready. Things were pretty hectic for a few hours, but once the clinic started, I had nothing to do but hang out with area band directors for seven hours. We didn't get to leave the school until 9:15, so I spent the night in Hot Springs, because I had to be back this morning at 8:00 for round two of the clinic. The clinic lasted from 8:00-3:00, and then we had to tear down the sets and reset the band hall for Monday. I start teaching on Monday, and I haven't had time to study for it yet.

The Lake Hamilton band has a very good program, and there is constantly something going on. What that means for me is that I'm always up at the school until late at night and will frequently have to spend the night in Hot Springs because it will be too late for me to go back to Arkadelphia. I'm afraid that I'm not going to have time to do the things that the education department is requiring me to do because I'll be so busy with what the band program's busy schedule is requiring me to do. I already don't have time for friends- I'm having to miss a friend's birthday party this evening, and had to miss a different birthday party last night. I don't have time for sleep, either, unfortunately. This is definitely going to take some getting used to. I enjoy it so much while I'm at the school, but once I leave, the reality of how much I have to do kicks in.

Slightly stressed,

Miss Jones

I Survived.

Quote of the day: "Is Miss Richey going to stay for the rest of the day?" ... I'm glad they want me to stick around because I'll be there for a while. :)

The first week of student teaching has been exhausting. I get home and immediately take a nap. And so does Katie... :)

Although exhausting, it has been a wonderful experience so far! Before the day even began a little girl in my class gave me a silly band. I bet that little girl has no idea how much I appreciate her welcoming me into the classroom! I am so blessed to be working with a wonderful group of second graders and a great teacher. She immediately took me under her wing and has taught me so much already.

On the first day, the students were excited because it was SNOWING! It's funny how much the weather can affect the student's behavior. The little darlings couldn't stop looking out the window. You can't blame them... I found myself looking out the window constantly too! I ate lunch with Lauren and Jillian and it was fun to talk about all of the exciting things that happened so far in the day. The afternoon passed by slowly and I found myself falling asleep! I am going to have to do something about that problem.

On the second day, the day went by much faster! I got to talk to Mrs. C about the needs of specific students. I am soaking it all in because I want to know as much as I can about my students! She gave me my schedule of what I will be teaching and when and I am excited about gaining a little more responsibility in the classroom. I graded a few papers today and was grateful to have something to do during the afternoon to keep me from getting sleepy.

Katie and I ended our first week of student teaching by taking a trip to Sonic happy hour. I am so GLAD that I have had such a great experience so far and I can't wait to see how much I am going to learn by the end of my student teaching internship.

Love,

Miss Richey

Day 2

Quote of the Day (also from yesterday): Me - I'm from Arizona; Kid - Is that a small country? 


Day two on the job, check.  Today we went camping!  It flew by because we were so busy.  I missed calendar and browse box time because I was helping give a test in one of the first grade classrooms.  I helped grade some worksheets during the morning and helped Mrs. C cut paper strips for our sight word campfires. 

During recess, we were on duty, so I played freeze tag with the kids.  This solved the problem I had yesterday of falling asleep in the afternoon, but I’m not sure it was the best professional move.  The kids were treating me like we were at Backyard Bible Club instead of like a teacher.  I can’t really decide what I think about that because if they’re having fun and I’m having fun and I’ve got control when we’re actually in class, is it still a bad move, or just unconventional? 


A little nervous to start calendar and browse box on Monday, but knowing God will give enough grace,


Miss Neal

My First Day

Kindergarten quote of the day: “I’m going to the barbie shop, because I have to get a hairy cut.”

God knew just what I needed to put me at ease this morning, because he used a precious little girl to bless me as soon as I entered the classroom. In a very adult-like manner, this child said, “Good morning, ma’am. I am so happy that you are here. I am also so happy that your desk is really close to mine!” From then on, the day just kept getting better and better. Because the kindergarten schedule includes three recesses, an activity period, snack time, and nap time, I can tell I will have lots of time to plan and work closely with all three of the kindergarten teachers. From the moment I met these ladies, they have showered me with warmth and friendliness for which I am so thankful. As I ate lunch with my cooperating teacher, she shared with me important details about the unique backgrounds and situations of each student. This conversation was extremely beneficial to me as it helped me understand and learn more about the students. I am already falling in love with these kids! All in all, I do not see how my first day could have gone any better! The snow even added a little excitement to the day. I am so thankful for my cooperating teacher, and I know I will learn so much from her.

Miss Moore

Day 1

I like this whole "quote of the day" thing, so I think I'm going to do it, too.

Quote of the day:

6th grade girl: "Hey, are you our new teacher?"

Me: "Yes, I am!"

Girl: "Whoa, you look like a seventh grader!"

I suppose that this comment, combined with the facts that the seventh grade percussionists flirted with me during class, the 8-9 grade trumpet players kept staring at me, and a high school boy smiled and waved at me (several times) indicate that I look a bit younger than I am. I guess the name badge doesn't help too much. Speaking of name badge, my cooperating teacher, Mr. Shultz, said that I don't ever have to wear it again, and that he'll make fun of me if I do. He also told me that every day is casual day, and that I get to wear jeans whenever they do- which is quite often. It sounds like Lake Hamilton band has learned how to cater to my fashion sense (or lack thereof). I hate getting dressed up.

Mr. Shultz gave me about 50 CDs of important band literature to put on my computer and listen to. He also gave me two music scores (Holst's Second Suite in F and Ralph Vaughan Williams' English Folk Song Suite, in case you were wondering, which I'm sure you were) to do an in-depth study on. He also assigned me a book to read, which happens to be about golf. I hope I learn a bit about teaching while reading about how to perfect my golf swing.

I also learned today that the percussion instructor's wife had a baby yesterday, so he's taking a few days off. Well, guess who gets to teach the beginning percussion class how to play snare drum starting on Monday? Me! Guess who doesn't remember how to play snare drum? Me! Guess what I'll be doing this weekend? ...I apologize to my roommate and suitemate ahead of time for all of the random drumming they'll be hearing all hours of the night.

I'm jumping in pretty quickly, and I have a ton of work to do, but this is going to be a wonderful experience for me, and I'm going to learn so much. I'm very excited!