Week 3 was the best so far. I know all the students' names, know their strengths and weaknesses, and am becoming more emotionally attached. This is making me sad about the thought of leaving. I would love to work at a school like this one day, where are is incorporated into all the subjects. Even science is taught through the arts. I'm teaching an art class on surrealism, where they are keeping a dream journal, and making art based on two random words selected from a hat. I showed them a clip of one of my favourite surrealist films "Le Chien Andolou," for obvious reasons (if you know the film) I couldn't show them the whole thing. The fact that they loved the film and wanted to keep watching it made the lesson a success to me. The film is from 1929, and I would think it would be semi-boring for this age group, but they loved it. Their art is in preparation for their field trip to the AGO to see Chagall, I really wish I could be there with them to see their reactions to surrealist art, especially after the lesson I've taught them on surrealism.
Over the past 3 weeks I've learned a lot about teaching, and a lot about grade 7s. I'm having an amazing experience and learning some valuable skills through trial and error. This blog will help prepare you for grade 7s, and the challenges and rewards you will face.
Week 1
ReplyDeleteI posted about 2 and 3 but forgot week 1! Week one was a steep learning curve. I wasn't teaching as much as I would've liked to, but by the 2nd week when I started teaching more I was thankful that I observed a lot in the first. The other teachers at the school have asked me to guest teach in their classrooms which is great! I love the sense of community amongst the teachers. There are only 9 of them and they all seem to work together and share ideas. I've had a lot of help form my AT and the other art teacher there. The most important thing about KKSA is to be flexible. Class can change in the blink of an eye, and I can't expect lessons to ever go as planned. This ability to be flexible is probably the most important lesson I've learned so far from KKSA.
Hi Victoria!
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean when you say that week 3 has been the easiest so far! Same for me- I just feel more comfortable with teaching, lesson planning, maintaining class management- I even feel more comfortable with my students. Like you I am starting to get really sad at the prospect of leaving my school and my kids. It's hard because practicum really is sooo short. By the time you feel like you've gotten to a place where you can really start making a huge difference as a teacher, it's time to leave :( Glad to hear that your school is so artistically oriented. That's amazing!...Good luck with your last week and we will see you soon!
The only number sense would be phone numbers! You crack me up, Victoria.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you did an amazing month of teaching. I wish I had been at your surrealism lessons-- they sound so interesting. Really great how you were able to connect with your LD student.