The second week of my Level II field experience has been a very fulfilling one. I feel that I have been able to connect with most of the students in my classroom, and believe that the majority of them feel comfortable approaching me with questions or comments they have. Some of them have even asked me questions about my job and school.
The thing that struck me the most this week was the feeling I got every time a student said that I could read something they had written. To be honest (and completely cheesy) it gave me a warm and happy feeling inside to know they liked me enough to allow me to read something they had written. This was so meaningful to me because I view writing as a window into someone's mind; a person always shares more through their writing than they realize, and a lot of the time it gives readers a naked look into the writer's mind. This is why I am wary when allowing another person to read my work; it makes me feel vulnerable. I don't know if any of the students hold this view of writing, but it is why them letting me see who they are through their writing was so important to me.
Another thing that struck me is how talented of writers they all are. Last Friday Mrs. Jorgensen had the students each read a piece they had completed during the creative writing workshop they had been having. I was blown away by the quality of their work; it was amazing. Looking past the embarrassed blushing and nervous readings, I saw proud and satisfied smiles, which showed me that each of them gained a sense of both from the hard work they had put in and in their finished products. I hope that I am able to put the same smile on my future students someday.
This week we started a new unit on the American Dream. We started out talking about dreams in general, and it was fun to listen in on their discussion. They did a great job! Through their discussion they realized that a person's economic and social statuses often greatly influences what they dream about accomplishing in their life and what success is to them. The next day they talked about the American dream itself, and they had another amazing discussion; they had a great dispute over whether or not everyone has the same opportunities to go to college in America. It really got them to realize that Mrs. Jorgensen wanted them to see; that they live in a utopia of sorts in Cedar Falls, and that many of their dreams are easily realized, while this is very much not the case for other people.
I am very excited about the past two weeks, and can't wait for week three! I teach my very first lesson ever on Monday. I'm excited (and nervous!) to see how they will like the activity I have planned for them... we shall see!
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Hey Jamie! I can’t believe you are well into your third week! I encourage you to keep pushing yourself to try new things each day you are in the classroom.
ReplyDeleteI think your field experience fell at a really great time. It’s so neat to see you excited to read the students’ work. It is truly a great feeling to see students who usually loathe all aspects of school write something they are proud to share. When you think about your future classes, I would definitely suggest integrating creative writing workshop into your curriculum. It is important for the students, and you have seen evidence that it is completely rewarding for a teacher. It’s also impressive to me that you are connecting your own views of writing and the vulnerability associated with it to understand the students.
Again, great job with your first lesson! You were well planned, positive, and I think the students got where you wanted them to go. Tomorrow, we’ll look at creating some sort of quiz for them. The sentences you’ve created, the time you spent reflecting on your own, and the conversations we have had, have all shown me that you are taking this role seriously and are open to learning as much as you can.
Your next lesson should connect to ‘Death of a Salesman,’ in some way. Remember to work on your management; clear directions, transitions, and that teacher voice! I know you have it somewhere!
Tomorrow, be ready to facilitate a small group discussion. This, and administering a quiz will be fantastic experience!