Friday was my last day in fourth grade. It was a bittersweet day for me. I am amazed at how fast the time went. Looking back on the first day of school, I realized how much I have learned. I was just getting into a routine and feeling comfortable and now I am starting all over. On Monday I start in middle school. I am thankful I will still be at LHUC though. I am glad I do not have to learn a whole new building layout. Also, I worked with my cooperating teacher last year which makes the transition easier as well. I will be working with 3 classes of 7th graders learning 7th grade math, a group of 6th graders learning 7th grade math and then a group of 6th graders during a math study hall. I am looking forward to learning how the middle school day/routine is different than an elementary school day/routine. I will then be able to determine which I would like to teach more.
My cooperating teacher was really great at making my last day memorable. The morning meeting that day was dedicated to me and all of the students got to greet me. During sharing, students got to ask me different questions about things they were curious about. The class also presented me with a book they made. Each student wrote me a letter stating something they will remember about our time together and advice for me. My cooperating teacher also got me a gift. For lunch all of the fourth grade teachers and student teachers sat together and ordered food from Damico's. At the end of the day,I got a big round of applause, a couple students gave me gifts, and I got a lot of hugs and handshakes. It was sad to say goodbye to all of them. I hope to be able to come back in the winter as a volunteer or a substitute teacher to see the kids again! I really enjoyed my placement! I feel blessed that I had such a great cooperating teacher as a role model! I learned many things and I have some great ideas to take with me to my own classroom. I enjoyed Jane's teaching style and the way she managed the students. The whole Lake Harriet community has been very welcoming and supportive thus far! Hopefully I have made some good contacts for the future!Tomorrow starts a new adventure, I will keep everyone posted on how it goes. Wish me luck :)
I loved the description of your last day at school and how Jane arranged for your farewell to be really memorable. I agree that she's a fantastic cooperating teacher. From the implicit modeling she offers, to the explicit coaching that supports your work, she's a pro. The way she manages 34+ students and keeps the focus on authentic learning is also impressive. I know she's going to miss having you--she told me so!
ReplyDeleteNow it's on to 7th grade. You'll have to remind me about your experience in Zoe's room last year. Did you do a fieldwork placement with her? It's good to know you already have a level of familiarity with her--that will make the transition much easier. I was in two middle schools last fall working with student teachers, and I used to teach 7th grade Language Arts, so I can say with confidence that middle school is a whole different world. You might be in the same building, but I know you'll feel like you're having a unique experience. I can tell you have plenty of background knowledge that's helping you know what to expect, but I'm looking forward to the surprises, successes, and learning that happens in the next 7 weeks.
Happy teaching!