What I Learned Trhough Report Cards

Here is what I have learned through writing the new provincial report cards.
1. Teachers whine almost as much as students do. (Myself included)
2. I think I have a better idea of assessment and what and how much to assess.
3. All 4's are not created equal.
4. Three's aren't either.
5. The words demonstrate and encourage can be overused.
6. Twenty years from now these will be in storage boxes in someones basement. (like my grade 8 report card)
cheers

Fun Day in Drama

Had a serendipitous drama class on Friday. So it was lunch time and I decided to do music mime during drama. We had it for the last two periods of the day. So just before lunch ended I was madly buying some classical music off of iTunes. I'm always a little worried about doing drama during art because my students aren't yet convinced that drama is art. Well the first period of art we don't get the gym so we pushed all the desks to the side. I then played the first minute of the sorcerers apprentice from fantasia and has them quietly consider the pictures that came to their mind during the piece. I then played it again but this time let them talk quietly to each other. They were then given time plan what they were going to do. We then broke for recess. After recess they went to the gym and finalized their presentations. What they did was fabulous. I was so proud of them. I I'd like to plan out my classes a little better but that class went really well.
Cheers

Things I Wish I'd Done/Known/Been Taught

I think it's sort of been a tough first month and a half. There are times when I feel like I know what I'm doing and times when I don't. I get frustrated with my class sometimes. Sometimes I'm not sure if it is because they are doing something unfamiliar, I haven't explained something properly or it's just a really crappy plan. Or maybe it's a combination of the three.
I'm going to go through some wishes/regrets I now have. Some or most I likely should have known/done. Some things you're going to look at and say, "well duh." And some things you may say, "He makes a good point."
So here we go.
1. I wish I was More Specific with my Unit Planning.
This seems really really really really obious. I don't know why I was so stupid. I think one of my issues is long term planning. I like working night before/spur of the moment. I think that's one of the reasons I liked radio so much. Yeah there is some planning but there is a lot of spur of the moment. You can't get away with that as much in teaching. Part of the what I think makes me a good teacher is my ability to roll with what is given me. But the ball needs to be rolling before you can roll with it. (See what I did there?) I think once I had decided which units go where then I should have broken down each unit and developed work for each. (That seems obvious now too)
2. I wish I was More Specific with my Assessment Planning.
This seems really really really obvious. I feel like I'm behind on this.
3. I wish we had been given More Practical Work in University.
I am taking a lot of blame but a lot of work that we did was theory in nature and not practical. What first year teachers need is practical first and theory later. The math curriculum is designed to work from the concrete to the theoretical. The curriculum says understanding is better developed that way. Why then do we inundate student teachers with theory and then push them into practical situations. Student Teachers would be much better served by observing and teaching for the whole year than by sitting in a classroom at University.
4. I wish I had been taught how to teach how to organize a binder.
I can barely organize my own life without having to teach organization. Though it would really come in handy now.
5. I wish I had more self-discipline.
I am horrible. I get on my students cases about getting down to work and yet at home I get so easily distracted. Maybe this should help me understand my students more.
thanks for listening.
cheers

Teaching is Fun

This was a tough week but it ended up really well. We did an art project the last two periods of the day on Friday. I think the students really enjoyed it. I know I did. I was really tired by the end but I was charged up at the same time. I'm already looking forward to Tuesday!
Cheers

First Month Over

Am I really finished 10% of my first year? Well if I go by months, then yes I am. If I go by days that would be 17/196=.087 which means that actually only 8.7% of the year is done. That still seems like a lot already. I got my first paycheck. Wow!! That felt good.

So I've figured out that when I don't have a good lesson plan the students get frustrated which makes me frustrated which makes me angry and then I'm angry at the students and then nobody is happy. I hope my lesson plans for tomorrow work a little better.

I'm really really really fortunate. I was at a conference for new teachers this past weekend. I talked to a few people who weren't sure they would have a job after Christmas because their terms were ending.

I'm also really really really fortunate because I had a king sized bed all to myself for two nights. I slept really really really well.
cheers

Thankfulness

Thank goodness the chiefs only play once a week. As you can tell form the picture, not much planning gets done during a game.

7 Days Done, 189 To Go

First full week is done. I'm not gonna lie. It was a bit of a gong show at times. And then there were other times when I felt like this teaching thing is going to work. There are times when I'm all prepared the night before and times when I'm sort of prepared 5 min before. Tina keeps reminding me that I'm a first year teacher. I think I'm starting to get a handle on the split class thing. Think being the key word. I met some parents on Thursday night. It seems like they're excited for me to be here. At least I didn't have any complaints. I think the students are handling the change ok. It's a little tough for them at times because this year is I'm new. What seems to really stress me out are days like today when I want to get lots of work done but then life gets in the way. Like putting together an end table that arrived today or calling a plumber on a Saturday evening because there is a cracked pipe in our wall. ugh. Life would be a lot easier if it was just me. Wouldn't be nearly as much fun though.
cheers

First Day Done

So my first day of teaching is done. I have a really great class. They are fun. Maybe a little chatty, but fun none the less. It was actually a pretty easy day. Once we start getting into actualy work though things may get a little tougher. I'm struggling a little. Ok a lot. This whole, splitting classes and having one group work while the other is being taught is a little overwhelming. Especially considering some of this stuff I've never taught or seen taught before. I think science is scaring me the most because every class combined. I want to do so much hands one but I also need work for students to do on their own. I don't want this feeling for the whole year. This stumbling around feeling like I don't know what I'm doing and that I'm not really teaching but just keeping students busy and that no one is benefiting from my being there and that the stuff I'm doing is stupid. I love these kids. I just want them to have the teacher they deserve. I don't feel like that right now. (geez louise and it's only the first day)
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The Night Before

It's the night before classes. I gotta say I don't feel a nervousness about tomorrow. I just feel this great heavy weight on me. It is the expectations of the year that loom over me waiting to smother me underneath it. Wow, it's daunting. I did have some encouragement the other day though. A student told me she was pumped for the start of the year. That makes me feel good. I don't know. I just don't feel ready. Maybe if we could start the school year in December? I'm trying to stay even keel right now. The thing is, when I get a little stressed I start overreacting to change. It's not good. Anyway, I think things will get better once the kids are at school. Then I can remember why I'm doing this.
Here goes nothing.
cheers

Five More Days

Wow, it's coming up so fast. I've been working hard getting the classroom ready. There was a bunch of stuff to move around and throw away and then get some materials for the walls. I'm now working on an opening day ppt and starting to get some lesson plans together. I also will be looking for mimio lesson plans 'cause on Thursday I got a little present from the tech department. And I didn't even request it! I'm feeling slightly overwhelmed right now but I have to keep telling myself. "I'm a first year teacher, I will not be perfect." Anyway, here are some pictures from my classroom.
cheers

Getting Closer

Wow. It's 9 days till the first day of students. I've been spending a lot of time lately getting my classroom (MY classroom, that sounds so cool) ready for the upcoming year. It felt a little overwhelming at first because I was starting from scratch. But, as I've been going through materials that were left from the previous teacher, adding my own and getting bulletin boards ready is starting to look like my own space. And feel like it too. The school is still a bit of a mess because there is a lot of work still going on but that will end soon as well. Today as I was putting the finishing touches on the timetable poster I was starting to feel like I might actually get this classroom ready for students. So, the classroom is ready. Unfortunately I'm not quite there yet. Maybe next August I will be. Or August 2014. We'll see. I haven't got heavy into lesson planning yet. The amount of work in that respect is a little intimidating. Oh well. I think the students may be in for a little bit of a culture shock. I am a different person from their last teacher. Note better, maybe worse. But mainly different. I hope they enjoy the changes.

I'm looking forward to finally getting started. I pray for patience and persistence and love and graciousness and humility. But maily love. I'm tired. I have new teacher orientation tomorrow.  I should maybe get some sleep.
cheers

Distractions

My Title is probably not the most representative of what this week has been like. I haven't got a lot of work done on school stuff this week because it has been very busy with my brother and his family coming out. We spent three days and two nights in Landmark this week and then had everyone out at our new house yesterday. It's been a great week.

My nephews Lukas and Jakob are very cute. (And loud at times) This is a picture of them in the awesome cardboard fort my mom built for the kids. It's really cool and they had a lot of fun in there. It's been a while since we'd seen them. Christmas to be exact. They have grown a lot. The last time I saw Jakob he wasn't even crawling and now he's walking everywhere. Yesterday when they came out here he was actually getting used to us and not being so shy. And now they are back at my Mom and Dad's and on their way home tomorrow. What a gip. I think the kids had a lot of fun with their little cousins. I know they were very excited about seeing them.

I think one of their favourite activities was Griffin pulling Emi and Lukas behind grandpa's lawnmower. Griffin is getting so big. Grandpa taught him how to use the mower the last time he was there. They would just drive around the park space my parents have. They really liked it.

So this has meant very little work done for me. I did go to school on Wednesday to get a bit of work done. It was good because there were some other people there that I could talk to about the upcoming year. I've got some ideas but right now I need to get my classroom ready. After that some lesson planning. Yes, I KNOW!!! I've haven't got to lesson planning. ugh. So much work. First year though, keep expectations reasonable for yourself. Crazy
cheers

Oh Yeah! I'm Teaching this Fall

We've mostly settled into our new place and life is kind of begninning again. Tina's holidays are over and she was back at work again. For myself, I've spent part of the last few days preparing for the South Central Regional Library Wind-up. That's another story unto itself. I've also started to get more anxious about the start of the school year. I feel like there is a lot to do and that too many things are coming up and getting in the way. (Note: Adam and Rhea's visit next week is very exciting and I am totally pumped about it. I in no way regret that interuption) But this week I've finally been able to sit down and spend a few hours in my classroom. It's been pretty exciting actually. I'm starting to get a better idea of what the year is going to be looking like. I've started some hard core planning for ELA. I think it should run really well. I've got some ideas and a tonne of support from other teachers in regards to materials and ideas. My math resource binders came in today which makes it feel a little like Christmas. It was pretty cool to get those. Even though Math takes up the second most amount of time I'm going to dive into Social Studies next. That class will be a little trickier because it's a split with the 5/6's and 7/8's.
I've got to admit. It seem a little overwhelming at times but it also feels pretty freakin' awesome too. I'm gonna be a teacher. I feel like I'm where I'm supposed to be. And that's pretty cool.
cheers

Family Rocks

For a first year teacher I'm certainly not doing much musing. It's not for lack of caring. Life is just really busy right now. Two weeks ago we went camping. Last week we packed up our house. On the weekend we moved. And this past week has been spent cleaning up the old place. Boy have we accumulated a lot of crap. I've taken three truck loads to the dump already and have one more for tomorrow. I think the biggest thing I've noticed these past two weeks is the awesomeness of family.

Here are 10 Awesome things our family did for us over the past two weeks.

1. We were able to borrow a tent trailer from my brother in law and my parents Toyota to pull said trailer for our camping trip.

2. Did not get beat up by black belt brother in law after I told him I broke his tent trailer.

3. My mom called around and found out someone at my uncle's shop would look at it.

4. Uncle's shop fixed trailer.

5. Mom and Mom-in-law helped with packing.

6. Uncle (different one) lent us his 24 foot trailer for the week.

7. My dad pulled the trailer around.

8. All the people (mostly family) who came and helped us move on Saturday.

9. My brother and sister in law who lent me their truck on numerous occasions this week.

10 My two awesome nephews who have spent 8-10 hours this week helping me move stuff to our house and haul junk to the dump.

This doesn't even include the great time we had with my cousin and his family at Hecla.

All in all it's been a pretty hectic two weeks. Maybe next week I'll actually have time to start getting ready for school!!

ugh

cheers

I'm Back

So I was up in Swan River with Griffin for the Manitoba Games. His soccer team got a bronze medal. I was so excited to watch him play. I'm so proud of him. This is an experience he will remember forever.

On to teaching.
Not much has happened on this front because I've been really busy being up in Pauingassi and out in Swan River. Hopefully I'll be able to sit down a bit tomorrow and work on some stuff. Is summer really 25% over already? That's too quick.
Hopefully I'll have more to write in the next couple of days.
cheers.

Tough Week

It's been a tough week for getting anything done. It just seems like everything is coming up at once. I think it's hitting me how little time I have this summer. On the flip side there are some great things happening which are making it a little busy.
1. I'm going to Pauingassi this next week with Athletes in Action to do some VBS and softball camps.
2. The family is going camping at Hecla with my cousin and his family.
3. We're moving (so excited, but there is so much to pack, and unpack)
4. My brother and his family are coming out. YAY!!!!!!!
5. I need to get my classroom ready.
So, some great things, but it all makes for a busy summer. Now back to my coffee and preparing for this mornings worship service. Worship Leading and Children's Story. Yep, for some reason my life just doesn't slow down.
cheers

New Title

You may have noticed that I have changed the title of my blog. I thought it was more reflective of what I plan to focus on for future posts. I do have lots of better things to do. Especially this summer. It's weird because it's the fourth a July and I'm already starting to feel the crunch for September. I think that's partly because the next two weeks are a little busy and I know I won't get much planning done. I've been focusing on GLO's and SLO's for now. Just trying to get a broad idea of what the classes are that I'm going to cover; looking for themes and general ideas that will connect with other courses. I've also done some work getting together ideas for ELA. This class has been a heavy focus for me because it is going to make up 25% of my teaching time. I'm beginning to think that ELA is really just about experiencing different media, writing about what we think in an intelligent way and working together. A little simplistic maybe, but a start. I think ELA will end up being the easiest class because......

Math, Science and Social Studies will all be split classes. Math shouldn't be that bad because I have a pretty good background in that. But Sc and SS....wow. It's going to take a lot of planning
 ( a weakness of mine) because I really want to give my students a chance to go outside and experience life, especially in Science. But, I have the sinking feeling that in order to keep my head above water (see how I mixed my metaphors there?) I'm going to have to keep the work plain and simple and boring. ugh, that's so depressing.
Ok, that's it, time to get supper ready. If you have any words of wisdome for new teachers, please let me know. Here's what I have so far.
1. You can't cover everything
2. Don't get into a power struffle with a student. It's a lose/lose situation.
cheers.

Musings on My Preparations for Teaching

I have to admit there have been some feelings overwhelmedness the past month. I have a lot of work to do. Any everyone says I have a lot of work to do. And everyone says I will have no life next year. I'm going to politely beg to differ. I will have a life, it's just that a lot of it will be dedicated to school. But I need to....make that, HAVE TO make time for my kids. I've got to stop doing the, "I don't have time," or "I'm too tired" thing. I've already done that too much.

I've been substitue teaching. It's been fun for the most part. It's given me an opportunity to work on my classroom management, connect with teachers and talk about how they teach certain things, be Griffin's teacher (awesome) and meet most of the students I will be teaching next year. (Very Cool) Oh, and did I mention, make a little money.YAY!! I have already appreciated all the help I have received. Especially from the teacher who is retiring and from the staff at Emerado or Border Valley. I know I already have a support group that is ready to help me out next year when I need it. That is encouraging and a relief. I wasn't made to operate on an island.

So, July and August are looking puhretty busy. In July I'm going to Pauingassi with a group from Church for a week, going to Manitoba Games in Swan River to watch Griffin, camping at Hecla and packing up for the move.

In August we're moving, unpacking, preparing for school and Adam and Rhea and the kids are coming out.

And.....then.......school......starts. AAAAAAAAAACKKKKKK!!!!!!!!
cheers

Graduated!!

This is almost a week late. But, better late than never.

Add caption

Nuff Said
Cheers

Amazing Acts of God

It's happened a few too many times to not mention. God has been gracious and wonderful to me. Ok, so I do Children's story in church about 2 or 3 times a cycle which amounts to about 10 times a year. I am often at a loss of what to do or say or I'm not sure if what I have planned will work. Countless times I have had people come up after the service and tell me how much they were moved by the story. I can't take credit. I have given these stories up to God to allow him to work his blessing in the way he sees fit. I don't know how to describe it. Pastor John likes to joke that I only come up with the stories while I'm sitting in the pew. It's not quite that bad, but there have been Sundays when I've spent the Sunday School time working on it and finalizing it during congregational singing. And yet God continues to be faithful and blesses people in spite of me. This is has been a weak description but it's the best I can come up with for now.
cheers

Crazy Week

It's been a real crazy last 7 days. I  have lost a LOT of sleep. WOW. So anyway, I guess it started last week when we looked at a house. The next morning we had put in an offer and that night it was ours. This weekend was crazy getting our place ready to list. The house thing came a little out of the blue (that's a play on words because the house we bought it blue, tee hee) so we weren't really ready for this. We did a lot of work on the house and yard cleaning up and purging stuff we weren't really sure why we still had.
Katie passed away on Sunday evening. It was sooner than expected. I know there is a lot of hurt but I think there is celebration because of the inspiration Katie has been to so many and that she has left her imperfect earthly body and taken on her perfect heavenly one. I care more because of Katie. So that's been on my mind too. And finally, yesterday we sold our house. That was a blessing. So lots a highs and lows. Post is a little fractured and all over the place but then again, so is my mind.
cheers

Change of Pace

The last week or two have been a little busy but kind of nice. I haven't really been busy with any one thing, just a lot of little things. The biggest change has been subbing, aka actually getting paid for being in the school. That's been pretty exciting. I think I got the perfect start to subbing because I was in the school I student taught last year which means I started off know the names of over half of the students. That is handy. I'm always amazed at how much easier classroom management becomes for me when I know the students names. That's one of the reasons I try to learn names to quickly. Anyway, familiar situation, familiar students, an all around great start. The second big thing is I went to the school where I'm going to teach next year. I got a tour and even met some of the students. In fact when I pulled up and got out of the car the first thing a student said to me was, "Are you our new teacher?". That felt special. Anyway, I came out carrying a lot of books which I need to work through in preparation for September.
Good Times
Cheers

DONE!

Just sayn'
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Job

Ok, I got a job.

It's been an overwhelming two days. It started with my interview yesterday morning. I thought it went ok, but as the day progressed I kept thinking about stuff I could have said that I didn't or did say that I shouldn't have. At 2:30pm when my Faculty Advisor came by for my evaluation she told me she had received a phone call from one of the principals who had a few questions. So I knew the process was moving ahead. This morning I got a call on my cell. The school division has been calling and I don't have caller ID, so I answered with my heart racing. It was Tina. Mini let down. (I always like talking to Tina). Then later this afternoon I got another call. It was Tina again. ugh. But this time she told I have a message to call one of the schools I had interviewed for. I told Duncan (my CT) I needed to go make a phone call but then decided I could wait the 7 minutes for the end of the school day. Longest 7 minutes of my life. So after school I gave the principal a call and he offered me a full time permanent position!!! After I got off the phone I called Tina and cried a bit and then I let the world know. It's been a process of faithfulness for the past 6 years. I pretty excited to have the next chapter begin.

cheers

Very Thankful

No I don't have a job. So don't ask.

This week I've had a chance to sit down and think my journey of 6 years from deciding to go to university to now where graduation and job searching are looming and underway respectively. I've been keenly aware of the number of people that have been a part of and helped me along. I'm going to refrain from using some names just because I feel a little weird about it. Anyway,

Tina, Emi and Griffin

These are the people who have been most impacted by this dealing with me, being gone.......a lot, being on the road........a lot, having the car......a lot, doing homework.......a lot, not having a steady job.......a lot, and being stressed out......more than i'd like to admit. They have been with me all the way with hugs and notes and encouragement. I could not have done this without Tina. She has been my sold rock of refuge when things have been tough.

Family

On top of the many nights I have spent at my Mom and Dads there have been all the times Tina's mom and dad and brother and sister-in-law have been available to help get the kids to school or piano lessons or look after them after school until one of us got home. I think especially of the year the mom-in-laws came out to drive so that Emi could stay in dance. And when things have got a little tight money wise we've received help so our kids could still be involved in lessons and teams. What an incredible blessing they have been.

Friends

I have received nothing but encouragement from my long-time friends. And they have been around to help me out when I need a place to stay or hangout or even needed some work. Everyone has been very supportive and encouraging of this decision.

University Friends

I've met some really wonderful people during my 5 years at UofW. What can I say. It's made the university experience a lot of fun. I was a little scared going into university but I have never regretted the decision. I was so encouraged by so many people.

Co-operating Teachers and Faculty Advisors

I have received incredible support, encouragement and affirmation from the people I have come into contact with in the public school system. Especially from my CT's who have been so encouraging and helpful and wonderful. When things have been tough or overwhelming they have been a support. And my Faculty Advisors have been so encouraging and helpful as well. These are the people who have made me feel like I'm ready to get in the classroom.

The Students

To the students, even though you frustrate me and sometimes I don't understand you, you have been wonderful and confirmed 100% that the school is the place where I should be. You guys are awesome.

cheers

Another Step in the Process

So the postings are up for GVSD for next year. I have applied for 12 different positions. I'm trying to not be tense about it because from this point there is nothing I can do until (or if) I get a call for an interview. It didn't work because last night I just get running things over and over in my head. It was a very long night. So anyway, hopefully I can relax a bit over spring break and concentrate on lesson planning rather than worrying about getting a phone call from the school division.

cheers

Big Day

Wow!! My last day of classes today. I'm kind of officially done university. What a ride this has been. Now might be a good time to reflect my last 5 years.

Year 1

ATAP was likely the best thing that ever happened during that first year of university. It made me think that I actually could fit in. I met some amazing people in that class who I'm still friends with today.

Year 2

Musical Theatre was the big highlight. A huge thank you to Tina for letting me take it because it meant staying in school for an extra year. I did some stuff I never thought I would do. (like trying to dance hip-hop in public). I also had the chance to do a duet with one of the most amazing actors. She's going to be famous some day. And I passed calculus.

Year 3

This was a tough year because it was the first year I didn't have any theatre courses. I felt disconnected. But then the most amazing thing happened. I got a part in the 4th year honours show with my theatre friends who are the most amazing people in the world. That was a special time for me. Thank you again to Tina for letting me have that opportunity.

Year 4

I met some great people this year who I got to be in classes with again 5th year. I think the best thing about this year was that my practicum school was a 10 minute walk from my house and that Griffin was at the school. We got to walk home together all the time. I realized grade 7 and 8 are a lot of fun and I could see myself teaching that age group. I also received a lot of support from the staff. It was hard to go back to school. I just wanted to get back into the classroom.

Year 5

This last year has been good but tough as well. Especially this last semester having to be in school 4 days a week. But this has also been my best year for staying on top of assignments and getting stuff done on time. Also this last semester I was in 3 different cohorts. I don't think I was able to develop the connections some other people did. But I got to be in classes with way more of my friends than if I was only one. Good times.

I'll reflect more later.

cheers

Bud

Interview Week

My last post was about being stressed out but not really about my interview on Wednesday. Tuesday was weird because I was totally not stressed at all. I just went about getting my portfolio done. I think it turned out pretty good. There's some things that need to be added but going into to the interview I felt like I had a solid representation of who I am as a prospective teacher. Anyway, that night was horrible. I was tossing and turning all night. I dreamt I was at an interview at GVSD and after some preliminary talking they sat me in front of a computer and said I had to answer all my questions by typing the answers into the computer. I was so ticked off. Anyway, the next morning I was a little nervous about getting to the school on time because I wasn't sure what the highways would be like. But I made it to school with time enough to buy a tea and help relax. I was pretty relaxed but a little tea never hurt. Oh, and I looked pretty darn good too. While I was looking through my portfolio before the interview I came to an important realization. My editing skills at 8:45am are way stronger than at 10:30pm. I have some changes I need to make. Oh well. Anyway, interview went great. The only problem now is I want to stay in job search mode. I'm finding going back to homework mode a bit of a struggle. ugh

cheers

A Quick Hit

I thought I was pretty laid back about my first interview this week. I'm going into Winnipeg tomorrow to meet with a school division from my area. It's a general interview which means they just interview a bunch of people but have no specific jobs in line for the people they are interviewing. But I've had a lot of trouble sleeping over the last two nights which leads me to believe I may be a little more stressed than I originally thought. Sometimes I try to make it look like I don't care but usually that is just a coping mechanism on my part. Inside I'm generally freaking out. So I'm going go and finish my portfolio and hopefully get something half decent together and then make sure I know what I said in the portfolio so I don't contradict myself. Good times.

cheers

Alt Ed Project

I had a lot of fun doing a project for Alternative Education. One of the things we did was an audio historical art tour of the University of Winnipeg. We prepared podcasts that people downloaded and then listened too at the different sites. Lots of fun.

Here is the link to the website I set up for the project.

cheers

World Simulation Game

Don't let me forget. We played a world trade and conflict simulation game on Wednesday in my War Affected Children class. It as a lot of fun. I want to go over some of the rules and guidelines and stuff.

cheers

My Brother is Funny

After my post about At-Risk Education my brother told me I reminded him of Mr. Kotter from Welcome Back Kotter. Here is link to a great clip from the show.

I love Mr. Kotter. He's awesome

cheers

I hate my Car

Ok, I don't hate it that much. I'm just tired of it. In the month of January I spent more than 50 hours in it and drove almost 5000 km. Not fun. That's a lot of study time down the drain. On the bright side I only have 6 weeks left.

Yahoo!!!

cheers

Bud

Where Am I Being Led

I've mentioned this to a few people but I thought I'd say it here anyway. I've been wondering if God is kind of leading me down a certain path or if these opportunities are presenting themselves because I am open to doing them. Where do I start. About 6 years ago I worked at GVC as an EA. I spent time with students who were considered at risk of dropping out. I really enjoyed this opportunity and really felt a connection to the students there. I got to work with them again the next spring. It was great. Fast forward 5 years later. Last semester I had the opportunity to do some student teaching in an alternative track classroom. Again, with students who either a: had not succeeded in the regular classroom and/or b: were at risk of dropping out. What a great bunch of students. It was chaotic at times but also fun. This semester I had the opportunity to take a class at university called Mentoring At-Risk Youth. Instead of going to class I'm doing mentoring in the Aboriginal Centre at the University of Winnipeg. There are some students who are working towards getting their GED. And I'm being asked to teach Math for one of the GED sections. AND this semester I will be spending time at the Teen Centre as one of the classes I'm teaching for my practicum. So again, is God leading me down a certain path or are these opportunities coming because I am open to doing them? Tina said it's both. God is providing opportunities to places where he knows I can serve and for some reason I'm smart enough to recognize the fact that I can be used in these areas.

I had a friend tell me last week that I have the heart of a great teacher. I also had someone tell me the school needs me. It's all a little overwhelming. I wrote a paper during my first year of university about how I wanted ALL students to know that there was a teacher who cared for them. I was going to be that teacher who cared beyond the classroom and treated my students with respect. I've tried to maintain that credo throughout my years in the education program.

It's time to walk to the talk.

cheers

New Class

I'm taking a class this semester called War-Affected Children.

Yes, it is as heavy as it sounds.

cheers

Learning Test

I did a learning inventory test today that is supposed to tell me what kind of learner I am.

It turns out my highest scores were in Concrete Experience and Active Experimentation. This classifies me as an Accommodator.

"Accommodators are polar opposites from Assimilators. Their greatest strengths lie in carrying out plans and experiments and involving themselves in new experiences. They are risk-takers and excel in those situations requiring quick decisions and adaptations. In situations where a theory of plan does not fit the facts, they tend to discard it and try something else They often solved problems in an intuitive trial and error manner, relying heavily on other people for information. Accommodators are at ease with people but may be seen as impatient and pushy. Their educational background is often in practical fields such s business or education. They prefer action-oriented jobs such as nursing, teaching, marketing or sales."

http://casa.colorado.edu/~dduncan/teachingseminar/kolblearningstyleinventoryinfo.pdf

cheers

Gettin' Close

Wow things are getting crazy. My application for certification is off and interviews have started for a lot of my friends. I have a couple of school division employment opportunity sites bookmarked and my portfolio is slowly coming together. It's a little scary. Being at university is so safe. So not the real world. It's a little depressing thinking that I spent all this time and money at university and now I might not even get a job. But you know it was a risk quitting my job for having found another one, it was a risk quitting my job before getting accepted into the education program and it's a risk you take going back to school with the hope of getting a job when I'm done. I'm trying to relax about it and let God handle the details. He's been very good over the years. If I get a job I get job and if I don't I'll roll with what I get. God's got a plan even if it's not the plan I thought it was. He knows what He's doing better than I do.

cheers