Wow! One more week left of student teaching, but first...Spring Break. I am so exhausted, Spring Break is coming at the perfect time.
I would rate this past week a 4 out of 5. The kids were good, but a little unfocused in anticipation of Spring Break and because they knew we only had 2 days of class time this week. Other than that, the week was great and brought new experiences to add to my belt.
For standard 1 (NCPTS) this week, I had an all new way to demonstrate leadership. We had a field trip planned for Monday and Sunday night my CE texted me to tell me that she had a virus and would not be at work on Monday. You can imagine my panic when I realized that would leave me by myself with our class on our field trip. Monday morning was a tad stressful as I had to search the room for my class' waiver forms, field trip permission forms, and emergency contact information while making sure all of the students had what they needed, used the bathroom, and made it on to the bus. My team mates were great though and made me feel comfortable and provided me with as much help as they could. Even though I was alone with my class for majority of the trip, it ended up being a great day and I learned all kinds of new things. However, because we didn't get back to the school until 6:00pm, I was absolutely wore out and sore from all the walking.
The field trip also provided me with a new way to demonstrate standard 2, to establish a respectful environment for all students. Our trip was to the White Water Center in Charlotte and some of the students were uncomfortable participating in the rock climbing, ropes courses, and zip lining. While I was watching the other students jump off of 100 feet platforms and swing through the trees, I also had opportunity to talk with and connect with some of my students about things other than math. It helped me learn more about them and appreciate them as more than just my students.
For standard 3 this week, I had an awesome opportunity to attend a workshop for all middle school math teachers in Lincoln County. The workshop focused on unpacking the new math standards that are rolling out next school year. I was able to study the new standards with veteran math teachers and take note of important changes. I also received great resources and documents that will help me greatly when implementing these new standards in my own classroom.
For standard 4 this week, I had to plan some activities that would keep the students engaged and focused on learning even though they were excited about Spring Break. On Wednesday, the day before Spring Break (for students), I planned an Easter egg hunt with a math twist. We went outside (a treat for the students) where the students hunted for Easter eggs. Each egg had a math problem inside and an answer on the outside. They had to solve the problem on the inside and then find that answer on another egg. Eventually they would end up back at the egg they started with. This was a great way to build on their excitement for Spring Break while still allowing for learning.
For standard 5, I spent some time reflecting back over the past nine weeks. I can't believe that after break I will have only 1 week of student teaching left. This had truly been the scariest, but most exciting...most difficult, but most rewarding experience. I can honestly say I have learned more during student teaching than I have in all of my education classes combined. Looking back, I am very proud of how far I have grown and looking forward, I am so excited to see what the future will bring.
