justagurl24's thoughts

So I'm done. Let's recap the last day of school..

So the day before it was my co-op's last day because he was going to Phoenix for the holidays. So Thursday was my last day with him. It felt weird that he wouldn't be there on the last day of school.. oh well.. We said our thank you's and goodbyes.. He asked if I had any regrets.. I told him no.. I couldn't think of any.. I still can't think of any.. maybe some little things like how there wasn't an opportunity for me to teach in my second teaching area.. but that's about all I can think of.. anyways.. we also talked about how 4 months ago I wanted to quit and that I was actually looking up on the education website of how to quit.. (I was really serious).. He was surprised.. and so was I.. I can't believe that 4 months later I would be able to say that I loved internship.. I can be that person on the education website that advertises on how they enjoyed their internship experience. It's surreal that I'm done that I won't be going back to the school anymore.. no more kids.. no more getting up early.. and no more packed lunches.. lol.. My co-op also said that he would me ask for me if I sub in the city.. which is good.. I also asked to him to write a character reference for me.. I doubt he'll remember though.. we'll see..

Speaking of my co-op, I wanted to write in this entry how much he has supported me in this experience. He offered much advice and always was willing to listen. I appreciated that he gave me the space I needed to feel comfortable within the classroom. He says he regrets not giving me enough written feedback.. but I told him that it wasn't really a big deal cause we talked after almost every lesson i taught in the beginning months and then I would go home and reflect on what he observed and what we talked about.. So I do have written feedback.. But I guess it depends on the teacher candidate.. I mean next year, his intern might not be as reflective as I am.. anyways.. he almost never stepped in unless I asked him to.. He gave me the freedom to deal with situations myself rather then him coming in to "save" me. He also never criticized my teaching/classroom management methods. He would rather ask me to reflect on whether it was a good or bad lesson. I greatly appreciated on how he would "critique" me. He didn't directly tell me "That lesson was not the way I would teach! tomorrow you have to fix this.." He let me have the professional reigns of his classroom. I also appreciate the fact that he trusted me right from the beginning. He trusted me to start a class by myself and to hand it back to him in 4 months with no issues. Wow.. he was spot on.. No issues.. I gave back the class to him, with him complimenting me on how well my class is compared to his. That really made me feel good... The fact that I totally sucked in the beginning with my class and now they're ready to get down to work.. I feel very accomplished.. I've done a good job.. Okay.. i'm getting off track.. I was talking about my co-op.. So.. continuing.. he never made me do anything I didn't want to do.. He offered suggestions.. but I was never forced to comply.. He says that having an intern was the best professional development that any teacher can get. He re-examined more of what he taught.. he redid exams.. just because I would question some things.. I helped him.. he helped me.. I feel very lucky to have had him as a co-op.. Not that I know what the other co-ops were like.. but I don't think I would have had such a successful internship without him.. I guess that's alot of praise.. like I said to him I give him a 10/10.. where he replied by saying that he would give me a 11/10.. aww..

**EDIT: so I've thought of some regrets.. I wasn't able to successfully implement my "concept list".. some kids started to do it in the beginning.. but then later.. they totally forgot about it.. I didn't really like using it to be honest.. I just posted their grades with their student number instead.. Also note to self.. update assignment lists for kids.. it was very helpful.. So another regret.. I didn't call enough parents.. I felt like I should have stepped up and let some parents know that their kid isn't doing so great.. it's not like i didn't call at all.. i just didn't call often.. me and phone calls don't agree.. lol.. ***EDIT

Okay.. so I must continue what the last day was like.. so Thursday.. So this was my final day with my grade 10 math.. so we finished watching ELF, and then they gave me thank you card with everyone's signatures on it.. with a message on every name.. Holy crap.. how nice was that.. Some of the messages are just way to nice.. telling me that I was the best intern they've ever had.. that I should get a job there.. that I made math fun for them.. like wow.. I've actually managed to affect each one of these kids.. and in turn they've changed me.. This card was really the best gift I've gotten from this experience.. well.. i guess plus the hugs.. lol I also created a fake teacher account on facebook.. so I could add the kids that keep bugging me to add them.. I also hung up the rest of the math posters.. almost fell over a couple of times.. but survived.. another thing done off the checklist

I took most of my stuff home.. and I photocopied everything I needed.. I was ready to leave.. it felt really empty...

So Friday (shorten day), I had a sub of course.. cause he was in Phoenix.. I brought my labtop, my clipboard, my folder, and my pencil case.. that was it.. oh yeah my lunch.. lol.. so the first period.. i had a prep... I was trying to fix my labtop.. it kept crashing from a memory crash.. so yeah.. i was doing a chkdisk for like 2hours.. so I talked to the sub for the period..

P3- Accounting.. - we watched simpsons christmas episodes.. i burned.. gave them candy canes.. two of them gave me a card, another student gave me a dairy milk chocolate.. some of them even gave me hugs.. I was surprised.. one kid even said that I was better then my co-op.. that made my day.. Most of them said bye to me.. it was sad for me.. one class done.. (NOTE: I'm a germ freak, so hugging people is definitely not a thing I often do.. lol.. )

P4- Math10 - these kids were hyper or something.. four of the girls in the class who I adore.. gave me a gift with a card.. it was so nice of them to do that.. I got some pictures with them as well.. so that was a good keepsake.. Then one of the boys brought pizza for the class.. cause he was told to like 3 days before.. some of the kids were actually shocked that he followed through.. It was so nice of him to do that.. So the kids got pizza and watched simpsons christmas as well.. so the end of the period.. I got so many hugs.. it was so nice of them to say that they would miss me.. Even the sub noticed that most of these kids really will miss me.. I'm really going to miss this class.. crazy girls..

P6 - CCA9 - grade nines were hyper as well.. one of the kids gave me a gift as well.., and another student gave me an "asian" gift..lol.. I gave em candy canes.. and watched simpsons again.. I left early for the pep rally..

P7 - Math10/Pep rally - I was suppose to take attendance.. but I didn't know since I didn't check my email all day.. lol.. whatever.. Pep rally was a wrap up of the year.. thanking the interns (I got a mug with a lanyard, pin, magnet, and stickon tattoo, with a card from the SRC.. I hate standing infront of big crowds.. anyways.. the pep rally also included an .. eggnog chug.. shaving of heads for charity... sexy legs contest..

I went back to my classroom.. said bye to the sub.. and headed over to the cafeteria for the staff meeting.. the principal and one of two vice principals were gone already for holidays.. so the other vice principal ran the meeting.. (prior to the days before the last day, I had been chasing interns around for them to sign a thank you card for the staff that I bought from the mall on Tuesday with another fellow intern).. we watched a pretaped message from the principal saying have a good christmas and stuff,, another video that was pretty funny.. not too sure why we watched it.. but it was a gooder.. Had some food.. and asked another intern to give the card.. cause I can't talk infront big crowds of people.. Then.. that was the end of the meeting.. I wasn't able to get a picture of all of the interns though.. so that sucked.. oh well.. anyways.. headed back to my class.. packed my stuff up.. I really wanted to go home.. but I had to stay to help another intern with applying for school divisions.. but she was taking a while.. so I had to wait.. Then I showed her the procedure.. This was about 3:00.. At about 3:30 some teachers were getting together for their "monthly gathering" at Original Joes.. I really didn't want to go.. but my intern friend that I was helping.. wanted me to go.. since it would be good for when hiring jobs.. how?? the principal is not there.. so what's the point.. social gatherings aren't really my thing.. anyways.. most of the teachers that do go.. are the "popular" ones.. I mean phys-ed teachers.. no offence.. but some of them are snooty and could care less if I went. I know that there would be interns there.. but still, what's the point.. I just wanted to go home and sleep.. so I didn't go.. lol.. haha.. lucked out.. so I went to the university to get my term 2 bus pass.. apparently it's not available until school starts.. which is stupid since I drove there.. oh well.. i went home and slept.. and that was Friday.. I was suppose to go to some "Done internship shindig" at a bar downtown.. I should have went to this one.. but again.. i just wanted to sleep.. I actually wanted to go to this one.. but I didn't want to drive my vehicle there..

so.. i went off track again.. let's back up a bit.. before i left the school, I returned the classroom key.. then grabbed my stuff.. and looked at the room one more time.. yes I actually did this.. because I'm lame and sentimental..

*** OKAY! I REALLY HATE MOVABLETYPE.. I WROTE A WHOLE TWO PARAGRAPHS.. AND IT DOESN'T SAVE.. ARRGHHH.. SO ANNOYING.. IT NEEDS AN AUTOMATIC SAVER.. *****

So reflection time.. overall experience of internship.. it was awesome.. it started rough in the beginning.. but I knew that I would be able to plow through.. I'll truly miss the kids the most.. I mean they're the ones I designed my lessons for, they're the ones I wanted to impress, they're the ones I wanted to succeed, they're the ones I help, they're the ones that I care about, they're the ones I wanted to get to know, they're the ones that I photocopy papers and papers for, they're the ones that made me laugh and smile, they're the ones that made my day, they're the ones that I'll miss. I designed my lessons for my students. CCA9 was the point where I felt like that my lessons were different,fresh, and fun. I was able to have creative freedom with this. I mean in my math class, my lessons were mostly based on my co-op's notes.. so it didn't feel like mine.. I mean grade nines are capable to do a lot of things if you let them.. Lessons need to change to adapt to these kids. I think the grade nines appreciated that I was able to trust them to do more then textbook questions.. They dabbled with web design, sound editing, photoshop, and prezis.. They've used some stuff that some grade tens have no idea on how to use.. Technology is changing so much.. so are kids are changing with it.. they're learning as the new technology comes out.. so we as Teachers need to catch up quick.. Something Dan Meyer posted once.. 'kids have no use for worksheets'.. ten years from now..former students will not thank you for the worksheets you photocopied for them ten years ago.. they'll thank you for the skills that you as a teacher have taught them.. I guess that's my rant about ancient teachers..lol.. no offence.. but seriously people.. catch up..

anyways... i'm getting off track again.. so.. the overall school environment was good.. not amazing.. but good.. some of the staff were nice.. some not so nice.. There were some teachers that I really liked.. not alot though.. maybe cause the staff is like huge.. the principal was awesome!.. he remembered me from day 1... he would say hi to me in the hallway.. when the two vice principals didn't even know my name.. I really appreciated that the principal recognized and acknowledged me.. I didn't really care so much about the vice principals.. i mean they did their job to worry about students.. but still.. they should at least know my name.. whatevs..

I just can't believe I'm done.. It's been a long ride.. but I survived the trip. Whoever reads this blog.. through all the ups and downs of my internship.. there won't be as many updated entries anymore.. but we'll see.. if I remember to update..
I just kept the blog for my reflections.. because I remember I needed to vent at times and this blog was my container..
So i'm going to bake, clean, fill out applications, get a haircut, play sims3, work, make an e-portfolio.. and relax.. well deserved i think.. Here I come world..

Mood: sad but happy..

Posted by rom559 at 11:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

So it's the last week.. it's bittersweet.. I'm sad to go but happy to be done. I'm definitely going to miss these kids. I wanted pictures of all of them, so I have a group shot of every class. For my math10 class, I was handing some last minute stuff back.. and was kind of giving a mini speech.. about how I really enjoyed this internship.. I was starting to choke up.. so I stopped talking.. lol.. It's bizarre to think that 3 months ago I would make it to the finish line.. But I have.. I survived and endured.. Surely not without any struggles.. This is surely one of the best experiences in my life thus far. I just can't believe I was considering quitting in the beginning. I think it's a phase that everyone goes through when they're thrown into a different and new environment.

Now I have to find a job. over the break, I hope to fill out as much of my applications.. we'll see.. I really have to clean the house.. I got a little homemade looseleaf card.. lol.. from three of the girls in my math10 class.. the first note really sticks with me.. Note these are teenagers that are writing this. "You are a grand intern teacher, it's kind of hilarious that I make fun of asians. I deff didn't like you at the first, kids never like interns at the first.".. I thought to myself wow.. they are totally right.. I was not so great in the beginning, kind of gave them the impression that this semester would suck because they got stuck with an intern. I don't blame them for not liking me in the beginning.. :)..

Anyways.. it's going to be weird going back to university in January.. it's also going to be weird to not be beside my intern friend.. (cause we're across the halls from each other).. I'll still see her on campus.. but it won't be the same.. I still can't believe I'm done.. I can finally just sleep.. That's all I really want for christmas.. sleep.. 1 more day..

Reminder: return classroom key..

Posted by rom559 at 09:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Okay, so I haven't updated the week before because well I'm done my FINAL EVALUATION!!!.. Hecks yeah.. I did sort of have a meltdown last week though.. over something really stupid.. I think it was the stress of full time teaching or something.. I could point out some things that happened last week, that I can remember.. Let's see..

I started to do a random fact thing with "my" grade 10's.. which was fun.. co-op wasn't in the room, so the kids were more open to saying something about themselves.. Then on Friday I finally did my "favorite teacher activity".. which was fun.. They were all wondering why I was doing it.. I told them "because it's a a random act of kindness"

Oh yeah.. I handed in my final assessment this last Wednesday.. a fellow intern from another school came to observe at my school.. then today I went to his school to get a different environment.

I also went to an international/cultural/powwow thing that the school was doing yesterday.. That was cool.. ate some food, heard some cool music, watched some metis jigs.. it was fun.. Just too damn cold outside..

What else... umm.. Musical finished up last Saturday as well.. I was asked to help tape the last one.. so I did.. I even got a nice little complimentary gift from the cast.. when I really didn't do anything.. aww.. On a sidenote.. it's freakin freezing in my classroom..

I gave back two classes to my co-op this week as well.. CCA9 and Math10-P4.. I feels weird to not teach grade nines.. I miss them already.. They seem kind of sad too.. they have to do textbook work.. which kind of sucks.. and they also have to be really quiet.. compared to my class when they like to talk more.. I feel kind of bad cause they seem more scared or something..

I'm still marking the damn math posters.. I got 5 partially done.. I just have like 11 left to do.. ugh.. That is my goal this weekend.. I promised them by Tuesday.. I also just want to have to do nothing in my last week.. But that won't happen.. lol.. I'm thinking of giving out a printup of the marks for my math10 class so they have an idea of what to work on or rewrite after christmas.. before the final..

I feel bad that I won't be there to prepare them for their final as well.. I might try to make arrangements with my co-op.. we'll see..

I can't believe it's coming to an end.. It's been quite a ride these last 4 months.. ups and downs.. I'm really sad just thinking about it..

Now I have to find a job.. and leave these kids that I've grown to care about to continue highschool without me there to guide them.. I guess that's what my first job is all about..

Posted by rom559 at 07:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

So 5 more days until full time is done.. hurrah!.. it will go fast.. I think..

Update I guess.. Tomorrow I'm going to apparently help film the dress rehearsals for the musical.. so hopefully that won't be awkward..

Anyways.. the reason why you all love to read my blog.. lol..

Thursday-short day
Acct10 - gave them some notes, and assigned them 2 assignments to work on for the period.. They worked very well!.. At the beginning though, two guys came in late.. and my co-op told them they were rude to me because I was doing notes and they were late.. so he told them to wait outside until I told them to come in. I felt kind of bad.. because I just let it slide.. he had to step in.. I figured he would since I told him the day before that I'm having classroom management issues with this class.. mainly because he's in the room.. but regardless.. I should have done something.. I tend to ignore things.. I should stop doing that.. Anyways.. they all worked really well.. one of them still has to return a calculator to me.. cause technically it's not mine.. so I really need him to give me a calculator..

Math10 - P4 - I gave in and let them have a work period.. They worked all right. 4 groups didn't bring anything.. crafty (markers, glue, pics).. it's kind of ridiculous.. I told them like 4 times the day before to bring stuff.. oh well.. Friday is their last day to work on it..

CCA9 - P6 - They worked on their assignment.. very well too.. none of them were on games again.. amazing..

Math10 - P7 - Worked on their poster.. worked well.. two groups didn't do much though.. maybe because they forgot their stuff.. and one group just keeps wandering to the other groups.. whatever.. the other groups are working..

Friday
Acct10 - review for their exam Tuesday.. they all worked so well!.. so quiet and behaved.. good group of kids.. funny..

Math10 - P4 - worked on their map.. more groups brought stuff.. (on the last day to work in class!!).. so they worked good.. I took some pics of them working for my "scrapbook".. some of these maps are so nice too!..

Lunch - I was trying to find a certain professor that comes to the school every Friday.. but I couldn't find him.. A friend/intern wants to put all these videos her kids made onto one cd/dvd.. and he said he would do it for us.. I'll go find him at the university next week..

CCA9 - P6 - worked on their assignment again.. 6 kids were done.. so they played games.. but they were quiet.. . my co-op showed up too for a little bit.. so that was good that the kids see their actual teacher.. lol..

Math10 - P7 - last work period.. they all worked well.. two of the groups were done.. I'm going to start hanging them up since I have no room left to put these posters anywhere.. totally forgot to take pics of them working in groups!!.. ugh.. I'll figure something out.. I think I'll have them hold their posters and I'll take pics then..

I've also arranged to switch schools with another intern on Dec 9.. for like half a day.. so that will be fun.. different environment..

wow.. one week left.. 5 days.. 35 hours.. I have so much stuff to do..

- marking (Prezis, random exams/quizzes, CCA9 questions)
- rewrite Karin's exam??
- mock website (CCA9)
- finish final assessment by Dec 1!!!!
- film musical
- Math Notes..
- Acct Exam - Ch 8
- Acct Notes - Ch 9 -reminds me to stop by tomorrow to grab the notes
- Pay my damn Visa bill.. and deposit my friggin GST cheque that has been sitting on my filing cabinet for like 3 months.. lol..
- find calculator
- fav teacher activity
- buy candy canes..
- photocopy like crazy.. get as many resources as possible
- sit in on an ESL class at least once..
- CCA9 - lessons for 4 days.. most likely it's going to be photoshop
- last day activities
- fill out applications!! certificates, jobs??
- email D. Mcdonald about E.A. intern positions

Then.. crash and burn..

Posted by rom559 at 08:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

So only 7 days left of full time teaching.. It's taking forever.. grr.. October and November just flew.. but this week is taking forever.. anyways.. I must update my week so far..

Monday

Acct10 - Review period for their exam.. Only like 6 of them actually worked.. I dunno.. My co-op was also in the room again. I didn't have the heart to tell him to leave..lol.. So he stepped in like 2 times to tell these boys to start working.. he totally noticed that I wasn't going to say anything.. like i said in a previous post.. there is a reason for it.. moving on..

Math10 - P4 - I booked the library so they could work on their 2nd draft. Only some of them could go on the computers. It's kind of ridiculous.. They need more computer labs in this school. Either that or a certain teacher should not be able to hog the lab for 4 frickin days!!.. like god.. during my period.. whatever.. They worked somewhat well. Considering it was the library. It felt really awkward.. since not every group even had a computer. Some were talking.. some were socializing. .some were working.. it was a complete gong show.. whatever.. Never again..

CCA9 - I introduced the new assignment to them. They were to research what makes a good website vs a bad one. Had them answer some questions. I also helped out a fellow intern/colleague with wordle in the computer lab beside me.. so that was fun.. and my class totally worked well.. it was good..

Math10 - P7 - I booked the computer lab.. for the last time in case most of them didn't have their 2nd draft done.. And I was right.. so we all headed up there. It was good.. most of them worked.. and all of them handed in their second draft. two of them were annoying me.. since they really weren't doing anything.. whatever.. I reminded them about 4 times.. to bring stuff so they could work on their poster.. tomorrow..

Monday.. was not a great day.. since I said whatever alot in most of the periods.. I really didn't give a care for some reason.. i dunno.. it just wasn't a good day.. whatever.. oh there I go again..

Anyways..

Tuesday
Acct10 - I gave them an exam. They were so annoying that day. They kept talking during an exam. Like what the heck?? Whatever. I'm still working on my classroom management..

Math10 - P4 - I gave them a work period on their poster. My fault.. I didn't tell them the day before to bring stuff.. I thought I could get a computer lab.. Nope.. totally did not.. so I told them to start drawing the lines onto their posters.. Most of them did that.. some of them told me that they were doing their project at home.. some of them said that their group member wasn't here.. grr.. so I kind of blamed them for not working well.. when it was my fault that I didn't tell them to bring stuff.. Anyways.. I told them that I was starting the new stuff on Wed.. and no more work periods.. we'll see..

CCA9 - P6 - gave them the website design assignment.. They had to each choose two pages to design for the school website. They worked so well.. none of them were playing games.. it was awesome.. Then the idea at the end.. I would combine them as one page.. So I hope this works..

Math10 - P7 - work period in the class on their poster.. All I can say is.. amazing.. 3 groups brought stuff to use for their poster.. the others didn't but they worked really well regardless.. One group.. I was so proud of because every person in the group had a job/was doing something.. So they definitely were getting more work periods.. cause they deserved it.. One of my intern/colleagues was having projector laptop problems.. so I helped her for a bit.. so I left for like 5 min.. and came back to a class that was quiet and working.. amazing.. really..

Oh yeah!.. during this math class.. another math teacher came in that is a friend of my co-op. he was wondering what my kids were doing in class.. he looked at my project assign.. and took a copy of it.. asked if I could teach it.. I found that funny.. since I am so tired of teaching already.. yeah right I''m going to teach another class.. I just gave him a copy and I'm guessing he's going to use it.. YES!!.. other teachers taking my resources!!.. I have completed another goal in my internship..

I also had a talk with my co-op about how the last weeks are winding down especially in my full time teaching. He asked me if there areas I could improve on in this last week.. that I could work on. I said that " I'm working on being more decisive" meaning that I tend to not stick to my word.. and let the kids make the decision.. I have no idea why I do this.. I think it's cause I like to take a majority poll to see what the class wants to do.. I also should work on my classroom management which I'm totally trying to do.. He just doesn't want me to regret not doing/trying things during my full time teaching.. Well.. I'm just trying to focus on getting through it rather then what I could be doing with my full time teaching.. whatever.. oh there I go again..

So today..

Acct10 - we were in the computer lab for notes.. two of them were annoying me.. they were repeatedly kept talking after I told them to stop talking.. They eventually stopped.. so that just took a while.. My notes were super short.. so yeah.. that was it..

Math10 - P4 - started a new chapter.. on polygons.. they worked well on the text assign.. but they talked me into giving them a work period since.. they didn't know that they were suppose to bring stuff.. (which was my fault). so i'm givng them a work period.. reminded them to bring stuff tomorrow.. so hopefully they do..

Lunch time.. - i had an intern meeting with our supervisor about the final evaluation and what to do before we leave.. like I need to get something for my co-op.. which I need to go shopping.. leave something for your school.. no idea what to do for that.. since I'm just a math teacher.. whatever.. and then we need to find another intern at another school and switch for a day.. so that'll be fun.. That reminds me since it's getting closer to the end.. I need to fit in that fave teacher activity..

CCA9 - they worked on their assignment.. one kid was not doing anything though.. I stressed to him that he's going to get a zero.. he did say he had a stomach ache.. so I tried to ease up on him.. we'll see about tomorrow..

Math10 - P7 - work period again.. amazing again!.. this time.. more of them brought supplies.. I love this.. okay.. I'm tired..

btw, the final evaluation is due on Dec 1!! that is crazy fast.. right?? my to do list is crazy long.. okay.. i need to stay at school longer more often.. I got so much done there then I do at home.. stupid couch making me sleepy.. night world.. I'll update Thurs and Fri later..

Posted by rom559 at 09:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

So here I am.. back again.. I must finish off the week..

To continue..

Thursday was MURT (murray uninterrupted reading time)..

Acct10 - 15 minutes of MURT, another work period. They were finishing off their work from the day before. Again, my co-op was in the room.. so again.. it was hard for me to handle discipline.. I was trying to ignore it I guess.. So he would have to jump in.. Not sure if he thinks that I'm capable of handling these boys or what.. it's just I'm not comfortable raising my voice when he's around.. I'm fine when he's not around.. oh well.. i can't be a jerk and ask him to leave.. since it is still his class.. so there lies the issue..

Math10 - P4 - 15 mins of MURT, gave them a quiz.. realized that I gave them a question that they couldn't really do.. so I didn't count that.. the last 10 minutes I introduced the project to them.. they were stoked about it.. so that's awesome!.. some of them were asking if they could make it 3D.. with the buildings coming out of the map.. I said "totally!!.. that would be awesome!.. "..

CCA9 - P6 - MURT for the entire period.. since I didn't have anything planned.. I turned off the power so they wouldn't play games.. some of them kept on pushing the power button.. wondering why it wouldn't turn on.. oh grade nines... silly kids..

Math10 - P7 - we were in the computer lab this period.. so i didn't have to leave.. lol.. they worked really well.. they were all working on putting their maps on the computer.. I'm so surprised on how they worked.. totally different compared to the grade nines.. It's amazing how more mature the grade tens are compared to the niners..

Later that night.. I went to the Musical rehearsal.. felt totally useless.. i just sat there feeling really uncomfortable.. it sucks.. cause I really don't want to be a part of this.. I asked if I could help out with anything.. and I know he forgets who I am.. so that doesn't help.. I dunno.. if I don't go.. then he'll see me in the hallway and wonder.. if I'm a part of it.. and what I'll be doing.. that's the awkward part.. either that.. just go to the rehearsals.. and try to hang out with the other intern.. and try to make myself look like I'm helping out.. i dunno.. feeling useless in regards to the musical.. Should I go to ALL of the practices?? or just Thursday?? i dunno..

Friday..

Acct10 - review... work period for their exam.. again.. my co-op was there.. couldn't do a brave thing and handle the discipline.. (chatty boys).. whatever.. i did take away one of their cell phones.. so that's something i guess.. oh well.. only one more week of this..

Math10 - p4 - work period.. brainstorming for their project.. they were all in work mode.. it was awesome.. can't get time booked for the computer labs next week.. so they might not get the same benefits as the other math class.. i'll try the library.. we'll see if that works..

CCA9 - P6 - free period.. those who hadn't finish their work.. was to catch up., everyone else.. well played games.. but they were really quiet.. so that was good..

Math10 - P7 - computer lab again.. this time they had rolly chairs.. most of them started to work.. so that was good.. there were two girls who didn't do much since.. their group member was missing and had the map they were working on.. (btw this missing student is always missing school.. so not too sure how their project is going to go..) Then there were the three boys that were annoying me.. First.. they were rolling around in the chairs.. told them to stop.. or they could leave.. they chose to stop.. so I handled that well.. :).. so one of them started to work on the map.. at about 2:30.. he was asking alot of questions.. so that was good.. the other two.. were apparently looking for logos for their map.. which I was kind of questioning.. cause I totally thought that they were searching for random photos.. whatever.. serves me right for jumping to conclusions.. anyways.. everyone else though.. seemed to be working well.. two groups finished and printed their maps.. one of students from the finished group.. told me.. "Miss Mah, I like doing this rather then doing math..".. and I just smiled.. and said "This is Math!"... she said "Yeah well you know.. when we don't have to do an exam".. so mental note.. more projects in the future.. it gets kids to take their mind off the pressure for an exam and focus on creating something fun.. related to math.. and real-life applications.. So that totally made my day.. and my internship.. I've finally got kids excited about math..

This project is totally opening these kids more. I mean two of the students in both classes that rarely say anything.. I've actually talked to the first time since this internship has started!.. I feel like they're more willing to ask questions.. which is awesome.. i mean they never said one word!.. it's amazing..

So one more week of full week of teaching.. or is it two weeks?? i dunno... whatever.. I'm having fun.. so I'm outs.. i have a lot of stuff to do..

Posted by rom559 at 07:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Holy crap.. I have so much stuff to do.

Full-time teaching is exhausting.. I have absolutely no time to do anything else except worry about what I am going to teach the next day. I cannot wait till my co-op starts taking back the classes. I realize that when I get my own teaching contract, I will have to do everything myself.. but at least I will have the summer to prepare. This internship I'm just planning as the days progress.. I'm not even a week a head. I used to be when it wasn't full time. Now my plate is overfulling with stuff to do.

So Monday, I officially started my full time teaching. And it started with a major bomb. Accounting10, I was scrambling all over the place last minute. I knew what I was going to do but I didn't organize it very well. I wanted an overhead of the worksheet example. So I had to figure out how to do that. Had a problem with the overhead being stuck in the machine. Then got that fixed. Realized that the worksheet for the overhead was the wrong one. So I went back and tried again. Turned it the wrong way. Than I had to go get another overhead thingy.. and finally got it to work. Realized another thing.. I didn't photocopy any of their assignment sheets or example sheets. So I had to run back and photocopy those. So I didn't even have time to do up my own answer key. Which lied the problem. So I started with my lesson, presenting them the monthly statement balances example. Told them we were going to do it on the overhead. So I started doing that.. so far so great. At this point I had the answer key from the book infront of me rather than my own because I ran out of time to make one. So when I get to the point of adding up my DR and CR totals.. they totally don't balance.. Something majorly has happened. The frickin answer key was wrong!!! So that's when I started to lose some of them.. Especially one student who kept asking question after question.. in which I didn't realize to tell him to shut up .. because I was so flustered with dealing with the major error on the overhead.. So I continued anyways.. telling them to just write the balance that is on the screen. As I get to the end of the totalling.. Another balancing error.. they stil don't add up.. when the freakin answers says they do.. Oh my god.. could this get any worse?? So I just gave up and said.. here try the assignment.. it should work out better for you.. So most of them got it.. some were still confused.. then the bell rang.. thank god..

Math10 - P4 - They had their exam. They had alot of questions.. I felt like I was being too nice though.. and helping them alot too.. They were also allowed to bring in a cheat sheet.

CCA9 - P6 - I taught them how to use Prezi.. I thought I was much better with my presenting this time.. I'm not very good at following through instructions when it comes to computers.. I tend to zoom right through.. This time I paced myself.. Told them to be patient so I could get everyone on the same page before moving on.. So they got the gist of Prezi.. I gave them their assignment of which they had to make a prezi presentation on Aboriginal content.. which I tried to incorporate into my lessons.. Are you happy College of Education?? Do I feel good about it?? Of course not.. it feels so forced.. So they all worked very good in my opinion.. none of them were playing games or anything.. All working.. with some low level chatter.

Math10 - P7 - covered angles and measuring angles. They were good. A little bit chatty.. but overall good class..

Btw, my co-op was observing me today.. he wanted to feel like he's doing something... so that made it even more nervous.. he says he's just there to watch.. but I still feel like he's watching me do things wrong.. more than right.. I know he's looking for areas of improvement.. but I really prefer him not being there most of the time.. no offence.. if he's reading this.. lol

Anyways.. my bomb was really Acct10. It was a'ight.. another day.. is a new day..

Tuesday..

Accting10 - Paired up students with students who didn't understand what was going on. Had them complete an assignment and peer-teach one another.. I think that helped.. They seemed to understand what to do..

Math10 - P4 - Started the new section.. Lines & Angles , measuring angles and terms.. covered two sections so I could catch them up to the other class.. They were chatty again.. but good.. Didn't finish marking thier exams yet..

CCA9 - P6 - continued to work on their Prezi presentation.. 2 of them were finished.. so they had free time.. I really hate free time sometimes.. because I can't assign them more work because the people who aren't done will have to complete extra work than.. so it sucks..

Math10 - P7 - covered properties of parallel lines.. There were alot of notes.. I gave them the assignment.. most of them worked well.. Told them they had a quiz the next day..

Wednesday

Acct10 - Tried to teach them "correcting errors".. I thought it would be easy.. I lost it somewhere down the road.. dividng by 9.. it's irrelevant here.. but I know what it means.. "why do we divide by 9?".. haha.. I have absolutely no idea.. I should have figured that out first.. one of the kids figured it out I think.. but she was talking so quiet.. I didn't quite hear what she said.. I gave them the assignment.. told them they would have tomorrow to work on it.. so they could ask me questions..

Math10 - P4 - covered properties of parallel lines.. they complained about how there was so much notes.. I had their exams marked.. told them I would post their marks at the end of the class.. they were so anxious to know their mark.. it was really funny.. lol..

CCA9 - P6 - last day to work on prezi presentation.. chatty again.. but not to an extreme level.. Had to tell them to be quiet about 3 times.. not sure how to approach on handling chatter.. telling them to be quiet.. certainly doesn't seem to be working.. I'll get better.. i know it..

Math10 - P7 - Gave them a quiz.. marked that.. it was about 2:35.. so I had 40 minutes left.. I told them to add some notes to their previous notes.. cause I want them to know it for the final.. Told them there was no assignment.. previous day.. I reminded them that on their course outline that they will have to do a project worth 15%.. Well project day has arrived.. It was a project about city planning that had to deal with parallel lines, transversals, different angles.. etc.. They are to design a city plan with certain criteria for streets and building locations. They are to include pictures for their buildings.. Complete two drafts.. Then make a poster from their drafts.. They seemed excited.. It was really loud though.. Also.. I should note.. my co-op wasn't here in the afternoon.. so he asked another teacher to pop in the last 20 minutes.. that made me nervous.. I was afraid he was judging me.. So I didn't say anything about the noise level.. and neither did he.. I figured since their brainstorming for their project.. it's appropriate.. I guess I could have told them to work quieter.. but I didn't because there was another teacher sitting there.. Anyways... as I walked around.. every single group was working on this.. brainstorming names.. and plans.. none of them were off topic.. I was amazed.. There is one student who isn't sure if he wants to do this project.. I gave him a choice of writing an exam or doing this.. or joining another group.. he was hesitant.. he still hasn't given me a straight answer.. so I don't know about him.. I booked two days in the computer lab.. for them to look up pictures and maps.. but yeah.. i hope this goes well.. we will see..

Later that night.. we had our frosh volleyball wind up.. so i stayed from 3:00 to 7:00.. managed to get a ton of work done.. it was awesome.. i should stay at school later more often.. anyways at the windup we.. watched the OC.. and had pizza, dessert, and chips.. it was fun.. it seemed like the girls just wanted to talk rather than do anything else.. it was quick.. definitely a long day though.. glad to be done with volleyball for good.. lol..

Posted by rom559 at 04:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

So another week done... Short week kind of. So having Wednesday off was a nice day off..

Let's start with Monday. Also report card marks due in the morning.. done like dinner
Accounting 10 - work period. not my turn yet..

Math10 - P4 - we covered arithmetic means. They were really chatty. I'm slowly still working with this class. Getting them used to me and my teaching style. And getting to know them. I don't know if they know what I'm talking about or if it's clear to them. I also don't know if they even like me.. i think they still want my co-op teaching their class.. grr.. I think because this is "his class".. Accounting, I have team-taught with my co-op, so the kids know me a little bit. And CCA9, I took over a while ago.. maybe that's why they're used to me..

anyways.. CCA9 - P6 - Podcast editing. Got one group done editing. Rest still workin on it.. Podcast due on the 16th.. Not sure if I'll let the class listen to them though.. we'll see..

Math10 - P7 - Arithmetic series, Covered the sum formulas.. and sigma notation. of which after my co-op informed me that didn't need to have covered sigma stuff.. cause they were confused.. eventually i got them to understand steps.. so hopefully that helped..

afterschool - I think I went to musical practice this day.. it could have been tuesday.. can't remember..

Tuesday
Accounting10 - computer lab.. free time.. working on leftover assignments.

Math10 - P4 - remembrance day service.. it was good.. didn't really flow.. but there were some really good singers..

CCA9 - P6 - working on podcast again.. loud bunch today.. actually told a kid to "shut up".. was I right?? was I allowed to?? I don't know.. did I handle it right?..

Math10 - P7 - review period.. exam on Thursday.. I think I should've reviewed everything with them better.. Like a summary kind of. Allowed to bring in one cheat sheet.. plus they had remembrance day to study as well.. They should have done good.

after school - definitely went to musical practice today.. I was to stay until 7:00 for our girls' volleyball windup at school.. We were going to have a pizza party and a movie in my classroom because my co-op said we could. So at about 6:00.. I was starting to set up the stuff.. projector, getting the pop and napkins.. then.. one of the caretakers sees me and asks me.. are ya planning something? I said, "we're having a pizza party".. he's like "uh, it wasn't on the schedule.. I'm not coming back in here to clean up.. this stuff can't sit until Thursday. (b/c no school tomorrow)".. so at this point.. I was in an awkward situation.. not sure how I could deal with it.. I said "well my co-op said I could come in and do it.. ".. he said ".. well it needs to be on the schedule.. anything after hours.. needs to be booked..".. how the hell was i suppose to know??.. I mean we would clean up everything.. Although I didn't tell him/ask this.. then he left.. I really hate these kind of situations where I'm forced to change something.. So the only thing I could think of was cancel the party.. it kind of sucked.. so the other coach and I called the girls and told them it was cancelled and we would work out another time next week. most of them didn't sound dissapointed so.. maybe they forgot it was happening in the first place.. whatever.. so I went home..

Thursday - short day
Accounting10 - I started Ch7 notes with them.. quite a lot of terms.. used prezi.. lol..

Math10 - P4 - arithmetic series.. again same thing.. they were confused about sigma notation.. i tried to give them steps.. not sure if they quite got it.. we will see..

CCA9 - P6 - working on podcast again.. 2 groups left to finish editing.. everyone else.. free time..

Math10 - P6 - exam.. it was a pretty basic exam.. they should've been able to complete it within the 45 mins.. 5 of them stayed 15 minutes after class..

Musical stuff at 7:00.. fun.. felt a bit awkward since.. I don't do anything.. not sure if I'll continue to go to every rehearsal.. we'll see.. I'll ask the other girls..

Friday
Accounting10 - they had an exam.. sort of.. report cards also went out today this period..

Math10 - P4 - review period.. this time I reviewed everything.. Hopefully that helped them get the stuff.. I don't know.. they have a weekend to study.. we'll see..

CCA9 - P6 - last period to work on podcast.. most of them had free time.. but they worked quietly.. so that was good..

Math10 - P7 - I marked their exams.. I felt the first question had some questions that they've really seen in their assign.. so I'm going to modify it a bit.. and omit those questions.. so that should bring their mark up a bit..
- we covered lines and angles today.. pretty basic definition stuff..

That was it.. end of week 11.. it's just going by so fast.. I still have some stuff to do though in the meantime ;

- teacher certificate application
- school divisions applications
- ea intern application
- final evaluation..

Until next weeks.. signing off..

Posted by rom559 at 10:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

So, another week almost done.. only 5 weeks left.. holy crap.. My co-op and I were discussing the last few weeks of my internship about what I would be teaching and when he would slowly take back his classes. It was sort of a realization of how much time is really left for this "gig".

So Monday, CCA9 was my second observation. Eek.. I was freaking out and nervous before the lesson. So the lesson was a break from podcasting so I could do something flashy for my college supervisor, I guess. It was a section on Communication/Social Networking. I set-up a Skype conversation with one of my professors that teaches multimedia (web 2.0) stuff. So he was my expert for my students. I was scrambling the whole day to make sure the technical stuff would work. I figured out how to unplug the projector to my laptop (all by myself!) so that was a plus. So my lesson started with a brainstorm of the different social networking/communication tools there are. One of them said Skype, of which I thought to myself (yay!). Then I played a video from currenttv that was funny and kind of inappropriate but that's okay. Then I connected to Skype and told them we were having a conversation with a professor from the university. They didn't believe me at first, but we were doing it.

I told my prof to briefly talk about Web 2.0. I can't thank him enough. My kids on the other hand, two of them were on the internet (i totally forgot to unplug the power), the rest of them were somewhat paying attention. Thank god my professor started to interact with the kids. The kids asked questions but not related to Web 2.0 (about what he teaches, his guitar). So I didn't "get the best bang for my buck". I should have organized it better. I was so worried about making sure the technical stuff would work. I know my lesson was creative but I should have planned it better to be more effective for the kids. I know where I need to tweak it to make the lesson better next time (get students into groups than each group will ask a question about Web 2.0, have someone in the back directing questions to the class, put the laptop on a cart/podium, etc). After the skype conversation, they were to answer questions about communication/social networking on their blog. That was that for CCA9.

Math 10 - period 4, we covered two sections (Direct & Partial Variations). They were getting a work period on Tuesday. They were a chatty bunch. oh well..

Math10 - period 7, we covered Partial Variations. All I can say is Wow!, They worked like angels. Super quiet and asked questions. I have know idea why they are so awesome. Is it because they respect me now? I also gave them candy since I missed them on Halloween.

So Tuesday, my co-op had a "sick day" so I had a sub with me. I also had a meeting with the other interns about applying for SPSD. Anyways, Math10 - P4 had a work period. Most of them worked, i was surprised on how many questions they had since they just had the notes yesterday. It's like they had no idea on what to do. Once I got most of them to figure out what to do, I think they got it.

CCA9, I got the rest of the kids left to finish recording their podcasts. It was kind of crazy, I had some kids in one lab and other in another lab. Thank goodness I had a sub to watch the other half. So that went somewhat good.

Math 10 - P7, we had a quiz on partial and direct variations, marked them, they did good. We then learned functions & function notation. They totally got it too, they were super keen today! Gave them the assignment, they worked awesome again, and they asked questions.

So, Wednesday was sort of an easy day. No grade 9's since it was "take your kid to work today". So that was a load off. Math 10-P4 we learned functions and function notation, they got it too. They were chatty though.

CCA9 - no kids

Math10 - P7 - learned the arithmetic sequence formula. They got it dream-fully easy. They worked awesome again!.. Asked questions. I'm loving this class more and more (very different from the beginning of the year).

So Thursday,

Math 10 - P4 learning arithmetic sequence formula.

CCA9 - working on podcast, editing. Some of the kids are missing their assignments though. Alot of kids missing absent as well, flu-like symptoms.. eek!

Math 10 - P7 - learning Arithmetic Means. I told them yesterday we were going to have a quiz, but changed my mind since it's a short day. They were okay, not as great as the rest of the week but good.

Report card marks are to be finished by Tuesday, and some of my students are rushing to redo some of their exams before report cards. I tell them they shouldn't rush since it's not the final mark, it's just a midterm mark. Not sure if they'll listen, but we'll see.

5 weeks left.. dun dun dun.. here we go..

Posted by rom559 at 09:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

So it's the end of Week 9. Apparently, there are only 33 days left of internship!.. I can't believe how quickly time flies. So recap begins now I guess..

Monday, I was suppose to teach MathA30 with another teacher that day. He forgot he was still teaching some stuff. So I was like okay tomorrow then. Accounting, same old same. Math10, same old same.. my co-op was teaching.. Then it was my turn. I started with podcasting. I showed them audacity, and kind of let them play around with it. It's very hard for me to show them step by step on what to do when some kids go ahead. So I kind of let them take the reins. They had some fun, I do regret not showing some stuff. I need to get better control of that class.. I'm getting there. So then they picked groups and started to brainstorm. Some more then others.. 4 boys in particular..Anyways, Math10 they had review. I said they could bring in a cheat sheet again but just one side. I mean cheat sheets are really just a trick to study. After school, was the frosh volleyball tournament at Feehan. We played until 7:00pm.. so we finished early.. We won half our sets!... We beat Feehan (both), Tommy Douglas (one), Holy Cross (one!!! this one was really crazy.. they are a good team.. ), St. Joes (none, undefeatable, really..) It was fun.. But I'm glad volleyball is done. We still need to plan a wind-up.. I don't regret doing this.. I'm surprised too.. I feel like I get my frustrations more when I'm in the gym rather then in the classroom. I also got to know these grade 9 girls. So yeah.. that was monday..

Tuesday, again I was suppose to teach MathA30, and he forgot he was giving an exam.. OH well... tomorrow again.. Accounting and Math10, same old same.. CC9.. they started their group podcast.. I wanted them to hand in their outline of their podcast by the end of class. Some focused some didnt.. I guess that's what I expect from group projects.. One of the boys though was giving me a problem.. he's the one who tends to pick on the other kids alot.. makes fun of them and stuff. So I tried to make a phone call home, but no one was home. So I emailed his mom.. and his behaviour was much better the next day. Math 10, they wrote their exam. Pretty much it for the day..

Wednesday, I finally got to teach MathA30.. This was interesting (factoring higher degree polynomials).. different kids.. different level. .different teacher (he told me that I did good, I should work on not saying "pretty easy right", "basic stuff".. because that shuts out half of the class who don't think it's "basic stuff".. and then they won't ask questions because they'll think it's a stupid question).. I didn't do too bad. They were a chatty group though.. had to tell them to be quiet a lot.. I knew one girl in the class so that was good. Accounting 10 and Math10.. same old.. CCA9 - they worked on their script.. and had to hand it in at the end of class. Math10.. I taught a new concept.. Ratios and Proportions.. easy stuff.. I did do something bad.. I let them out too early.. like 10 minutes early.. so that was a no-no.. Learned my lesson..

Thursday, taught MathA30 again.. Continued with higher degree polynomials.. Showed them how to pick roots for their factors.. the teacher told me I did it wrong.. I was doubling my answer.. I was 100% sure that the way I was doing it was right.. He was so certain that his way was right because it was from the textbook.. I got my notes from a MathA30 site that showed a different (and I believe easier) way of factoring higher degrees. I didn't give them an assignment because it was a short day.. So I was annoyed for the rest of the day because that teacher told me that it was wrong.. Anyways.. Accounting10 was skipped because of a homeroom presentation.. Today, I officially took over the second Math10 class.. it went really good.. they're used to me I think.. Anyways.. CCA9.. some of them started their podcast recording.. so that actually went successfully well.. they worked quietly too at times.. Continuing the day.. Math10, I taught Direct Variations.. easy concept.. they got it.. this time I didn't let them out early ;).. done Thursday..

Friday, the day before Halloween.. so today I dressed up as a rider fan.. lol.. lots of costumes.. it was a pretty easy day.. every class, pretty much went to the gym to watch Simpsons Treehouse episodes.. But I didn't get to give my candy to my kids.. I think I'll do it on Monday instead.. I also got to supervise the Haunted House at noon-hour which was fun.. I felt stupid because I can't scream or scare people.. but it was fun regardless

But I did get to finish off MathA30, I tried to find the teacher before class so I could show him that my math worked the same before class started.. but I couldn't find him.. So I waited till he showed up.. I tried to hold strong to my way.. but he was dead set that his way was right.. didn't even try to look at my math carefully and see that it did work.. So I just went with his way and gave in.. I re-teached the concept from Thursday.. I think it went a little bit more clearer.. but some of the guys in the back were talking during my lesson.. so I had to tell them to be quiet again.. Later during the class.. I could tell he felt a little bad that he was "100% right in his way".. so he suggested foiling out my factors and tells me that my polynomial would be doubled.. I told him, I got the same polynomial that I started with to factor.. He was surprised.. like "Are you sure you did it right?".. I showed him my work.. he said he "would get back to me".. not sure what that meant since I'm done teaching his class today... He'll probably just re-teach the concept again when I'm gone.. I'll just ask the girl I know in the class if he does..

So that was my week.. I still have some stuff to do this weekend.. plus I have my second observation on Monday.. I hope my university prof remembers.. I'm setting up a Skype conversation in CCA9 with him.. (taking a break from podcasting).. so he can talk about Web 2.0 and stuff.. so I hope it turns out well.. End of October.. wow time flies when your having fun..

Mood: halloweeny

Posted by rom559 at 11:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

So I need to recap some days..

Thursday, CCA9.. I had a Mac vs PC debate.. Oh my goodness.. It was amazing. Once I told them that was what we were doing, people jumped up.. They were excited.. So I first had the class divided. Whoever was a PC, on one side.. and vice versa for Mac. I had one person from each group to the board and come up with as many things to write about their computer. They were shouting like crazy.. it was really fun to see them brainstorm on their own. I mean technically it wasn't a debate more so of listing things that were better then the other computer. Nonetheless it was so much fun. After the crazy brainstorm session. I had them go back to their seats. We then watched 5 Mac Ads and 5 PC ads.. I told them to compare and contrast the two ad campaigns. Some of them did admit that the Mac ads were funnier.. so that was ironic.. I then had them for the rest of the class to blog about what type of computer they are, PC or a Mac person. They answered questions as well, such as which ad campaign was more appealing and facts about each computer. After the class, they kept the discussion going into the hallway. I've done it!! I've actually managed to keep a topic going after a class was done. I would never imagine that I would be able to do it. But i did!

Anyways, Math was good again.. surprisingly they all worked quietly again. I gave them a quiz and then the lesson. They worked right to the end. That was it.. no issues.. Volleyball was okay too.. the beginning they were really energized.. by the end of it they were totally out of it. One of the girls was getting on my nerves and the other coach's nerves.. She was not listening, barely trying, kept talking, had an attitude problem.. seriously.. grade nine girls need to learn some respect and maturity..

So today.. I worked on the midterm assessment with my co-op, and managed to get most of it completed. I need to edit and fix it a bit.. I was surprised we got most of it done. My reflection is very different compared to my co-op.. I'm not really too sure as to what I should be writing for that part.. hmm.. anyways.. we did that for the morning half of the day.

I still taught my afternoon classes. CCA9, started well.. It was a work period really.. I showed them the Jobs vs Gates video.. they enjoyed that.. Then had them finish their assignments from before. I was going to try the chat thing again.. it went kind of bad. I mean there is one student who the other students pick on alot.. So it was no difference to do it on a chat.. I was so annoyed and frustrated that they were cyberbullying when they just wrote an assignment on internet safety.. Like come on grade 9's.. seriously, grow up.. I told my co-op.. he said that he wanted to try the chat thing again, but this time he'll be there. Personally, I knew it wouldn't go so great a second time.. but I wanted to try one more time. Hopefully when my co-op monitors the chat. it might go better. Revoke their privileges or something.. but yeah..

Math10.. oh my goodness.. so much fun.. So two of the french girls are leaving tomorrow and one of them asked if I could do something fun. So I thought, what could relate to math and graphing, and is fun.. ah ha!.. Dan Meyer's HIMYM lesson.. I printed out the graphs and set up the video. I used my co-op as the guinea pig.. it was his ex-girlfriends that were ranked from hot and crazy. They totally got the concept too!.. it was really neat to see. Then after that I continued with my lesson. and then assignment. They worked great again!.. what the heck, 5 time in a row already??!!..

I think I've finally got them.. They're my kids now.. They respect me finally, they know that I'm their teacher.. It's finally happened.. After class.. one of the french girls told me.. "you're going to be a great teacher Miss Mah.. really you will..".. I could have cried right there and then.. Like oh my gosh.. She made my day.. I can't believe one of my kids said that..

To recap.. this week was awesome!.. My math kids actually worked.. my cca9 kids got excited about class.. and a kid totally gave me the icing on the cake to end the week with "great teacher".. I am going to be really sad when I leave.. Damn it..

Mood: happy

Posted by rom559 at 07:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

So it's Wednesday.

I can't believe how fast October is dissapearing.

So Monday... after the long weekend.. My co-op was really sick, so I had a sub with me which was fine. I actually like it when he's gone, I feel like I have more freedom, no one is watching/judging me on what I'm doing. Not that I don't like having him there, it's just nice to have the class to my own.

CCA9 - we did some internet safety stuff. Brainstormed some issues that dealt with internet safety and what to be aware of. I gave them an assignment that I posted on my blog. They copied and pasted the questions to their blog, then they find the answers and post it back to their blog. They worked really well for this, surprising.. after the whole twitter failure.. Then after they were done that, they were to write/come up with 31 characteristics/hobbies/things that describe them. They were to save this in a word document for now. I told them we were going to do something with these words tomorrow. It was fun to see them try to come up with things to describe them.

Math10 - I marked their exams over the weekend. Some of them did good, some not so good. But it's not bad. I thought they would do really good since they had a cheat sheet with them.. I guess I guessed wrong. Oh well. Anyways, I taught my lesson that dealt with slope-intercept form. Then gave them the assignment. I told them I would post their marks in the back bulletin board when they got their assignment. I think they appreciate that I type out these marks and post it for them. I mean I know it's more so they're driven my marks, but at least they know what they need to work on. Rewrites, or make up assignments/quizzes. I just wish more of them would just take the time to just do it. I mean 3 of them are missing 4 quizzes cause they were missing, they can just come in for like 10 minutes after school/lunch to write them, so they can bring their mark up. I can't hold their hand anymore, but I don't want them to fail either. It's really hard just to sit back, wait and watch.

Tuesday, I remember more so.. here it goes.. Monday night.. I had some personal problems.. so I was pretty crabby that night, so I didn't do much of anything. So Tuesday I had to prep more.

Tuesday morning, my co-op had a meeting with administration about his "Personal Learning Plan" (an initiative with the school division). It's basically his teaching goals and future teaching goals.. So I was aloud to sit in on this meeting with him. I really enjoyed this. It's the first time since internship has started that I have actually got to understand how my co-op feels about this whole internships experience. It really made me feel like I'm lucky to have such a good co-op. I mean the first time I met him, we were complete total opposites. He is super tall, enthusiastic basketball guy, very sarcastic, and popular. Me, I am an average height (totally irrelevant), non-sports person, definitely not a sarcastic person, and not super popular. So working with him these two past months and getting to know him, it's really surprising that we get along really well.

Totally derived from what I was saying about his meeting. He said that having an intern is better than any PD he has attended. All I could think was.. Awe... Because him having a successful co-op teacher experience is based on me. That means, I'm doing a good job. :).. He said he's going to sign up for an intern every year. And it's different every year, so it could be a positive or negative experience. I'm just glad that I could be a part of his success in his co-op experience. I wonder if the other co-op teachers feel like that too??.. I just feel really lucky to have someone who can help me and offer me suggestions on what I can improve on without just giving me "you need to do this".. and "you are not in control of your class, work on that".. he doesn't criticize me, which i appreciate. I mean my co-op 2 last year doesn't even come close to my current co-op teacher 1. I mean in the meeting he praised me, so that's why I'm praising him alot on the blog now.

Okay.. let's move on.. CCA9 - I had them open up those 31 characteristics they came up with yesterday. Then I had them go to worldle.net and create a word bubble with "wordle". It went awesome. They loved it!.. they thought it was so cool. So success!.. I wanted them to set the wordle as their desktop.. but b/c their students without admin privileges, they couldn't do that. So I just had them post to their blog. There were some issues, but one of the students totally helped me out. I mean alot. I was completely shocked that she knew more than me. Am I getting that out of tune with technology?? I'm not that in-experienced. oh well. It just goes to show you that students are the best computer technicians. That took up most of the period.

Math 10 - they had a quiz based on the previous day's stuff. Not alot of them did so good. Then continued with the lesson (given a point and slope, find equation).. That went good. most of them got the concept. Gave them the assignment and told them it was for hand-in. Amazingly, all of them got straight down to work. Holy crud.. they actually were working.. and quiet.. It was the best I have ever seen them worked. I wanted to give them all suckers cause they were so good. And! they worked straight until the bell. So proud that they did that.

Ah.. Today.. So I asked my co-op to hear out an idea i had. I was thinking of posting a "MVP" for the week kind of thing.. So "most improved".. my co-op suggested two things.. 1. the kids might think it's a bit elementary, 2. not everyone is going to get to be on the board. So I thought how about a top 10 thing. He said yeah.. do it with groups, so someone's not singled out. And change it up he says.. instead of doing most improved every week, have maybe did homework for 3 days, or got 100 or 90 on the 2 quizzes straight. So I'm going to have to think of some good ideas if I'm going to do it. I mean I might as well experiment and try it out during my internship rather than later in the future.

So I also, signed up (technically my co-op asked for me, cause i forgot to) to teach a MathA30 class next week for 3 lessons.. FACTORING!!!.. i love it.. so much fun.. I love factoring.. and derivatives.. and integrals.. it's just moving back and forth of algebra/calculus.

Anyways.. CCA9 - we played with googleearth. it went okay, i mean there some glitches. BUt they seemed to enjoy playing with the program. They were to check off the places they found, and then posting to their blog they had completed the tasks. Stupid firewall.. I couldn't play my motivational set video for them.. I'll just play it tomorrow.. there's no relevance but it's just fun to play the Simpsons when I can..

Math10 - I reviewed with them some horizontal and vertical, zero and undefined slope, and what the equations associated with those lines. Cause, again they didn't so good on that previous quiz. I reminded and stressed that they can rewrite quizzes anytime if they just show up.

I continued with my lesson (given two points, find equation). Gave them an assignment told them that they are having a quiz tomorrow.. so study study.. They worked really well again!! Two days in a row!.. I probably just jinxed it.. but oh well.. Amazing.. The french girls are leaving next week. So that's kind of sad cause I liked these girls. Too bad that all of the work they did doesn't really count. Oh well. Hopefully my kids will do better on this quiz..

So I also had another "epiphany".. I was with my CCA9 kids in the computer lab. the lab is right beside the senior computer lab. Some of the grade 10's in my math class were in there. They waved to me.. me!.. At first, I was thinking are they looking at me or someone behind me. It was like the whole popularity highschool thing. "the popular girl said hi to me!".. lol.. it was really nice.. Then one of the kids after said "Hi, Miss Mah".. Awe.. I think I'm enjoying teaching. I know that I'll be able to survive for 10 more years.

And another epiphany.. some of the math 10 students in my co-op's class were complaining about one intern who is really boring because he rambles alot.. I have a really good idea of who it is.. I giggled to myself.. I mean I consider myself an okay teacher. Not a great teacher. But a teacher who doesn't ramble. I try to make classes fun.. "try" to.. (it's really hard to do with Math).. I giggled cause that means I'm better then him. It's not like I know that my kids don't talk about me like that.. but it can't be as bad as ramble forever.. and I know he does..

So that's the recap for the weeks.. Friday is my midterm assessment.. Not really sure how we're going to come up with an assessment.. but we'll see..

P.S.. my sentence and grammar really sucked on these past posts.

Posted by rom559 at 11:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

So I think this is the longest I have not written an entry in a while.

So the last time I blogged was before Thanksgiving. What's new?? I ate some turkey and school was back on Tuesday..

Tuesday, I started to teach my second class. Holy man, was I ever excited.. I think I pumped myself up too much though. I introduced Web 2.0, they got that. I introduced blogs, they got that too.. Than they were to create a blog and write an entry about themselves. Two of them were being smart-asses, and created their blogs with the names ihateblogs.. Oh well. As long as they have it all set up, I don't really care what they call it. So they did that for the first day. Math class, I wanted to use Dan Meyer's graphing stories. So I played 3 of the basic slope ones. They were confused on the first video as to what to graph. Not until did I show the answer, they understood what to do. They liked it. Too bad I only had 3 videos that dealt with slope. But they totally understood how the graph went and what it looked like. They were asking questions, and questioning the data, which was my goal. Then continued with my lesson for the day. I don't really remember if they worked well or not.. it's been a while..

anyways.. Wednesday, I tried to use twitter in CCA9.. major fail.. Did not work at all!.. Some got it to work, some did not. So i just gave up. I gave them a mini research assign. Find a webtool and research it, post to blog. Pretty basic. I had to re-evaluate my objectives as to why I wanted them to create twitter. There really is no use for twitter in the classrooms. It's good for news outlets i think more so. Math class, I gave them a review class before their exam. I told them they could bring in a cheat sheet. So most of them were studying and preparing for their cheat sheet. A cheat sheet really is a trick for students to study. It gives them confidence when really they already know the material because they took the time to make a cheat sheet. Again, it's been a while, I can't really remember what was going on in my head that week. I just remember kids being absent, worrying about them being behind and getting them caught up for the exam.

moving on to Thursday. CCA9 - all the band kids had to leave early, so I couldn't do the chat thing that I wanted to do. But I decided to do it with the remaining kids who weren't in band. That was only like 7 of them. So the goal was to go on the chat room and chat, but no talking at all. Anyone who talked was out. It kind of worked. I mean some of them logged back on anyways. Some were talking. So when I do it with the big group I'll have to think of some motivating strategies so they won't talk. like prizes or something. Math 10 - they wrote their exam. Most of them brought a cheat sheet. It seemed to go well.

Oh right, Thursday night and Friday afternoon was parent teacher interviews. They went good. I mean I'm not much of a talker so my co-op did alot of talking even though he was sick. I piped in to talk about what I was doing with the CCA9 kids and my math10 kids.. I really hate talking one on one with strangers.. anyways, some of the kids did show up with their parents which made it kind of awkward cause I didn't know if I was telling the student or their parent of their progress in the class. Plus some of the kids wouldn't even look at me when I was talking about them. I think because they felt "stupid" in front of their parents. I dunno..

Long weekend.. It's Friday morning, and I'm trying to work on the PGG. Which I have successfully filled out more of.. The other teachers are to be attending PD sessions or personal PD. So 5 of us interns got together to set a time to work on it. Which worked out well.

Posted by rom559 at 10:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

So today, I went to an interns meeting. I really enjoy talking with other interns because it reminds me that I'm not alone in this whole internship thing. There are other people going through the same things I'm going through too.
We talked alot about getting a job. Still not too sure, how it works though.. hmm.. I talked to other interns about classroom management and how they deal with it. They gave me some suggestions: be honest, call them out, be blunt, call parents. I'm going to try some of them.

Yesterday was not a good day. The thing is I didn't even notice it until my co-op told me. It was really loud during class yesterday. People talking, students looking out the window, distractions, and me hesitating. I gave them a quiz yesterday, it took about 25 minutes for them to do it. It was a 5 question quiz on finding intercepts that should have taken them 15 minutes to do. I didn't put my foot down and think to myself to say that if they do their homework than they can complete the quiz in no time. Then, some of them wanted to correct it in class and some didn't. I hesitated, and was indecisive, than said okay we'll correct it in class. Not until 3:00, did I start my lesson. It was my plan to not give them an assignment so they would get a work period next class. It took 45 minutes to write a 5 question quiz and correct it!!!.. Bad timing of things... During my lesson though, 4 students were chatting non-stop. I would say "okay one more time".. than 3 minutes later I would say it again and wouldn't do anything. It should have been no more times.. All around bad..

My co-op said something yesterday that has been lurking in my mind all day today.. "30 more years of these types of kids..".. holy man.. 30 years.. Do I want to be dealing with this for 30 more years of my life?.. I don't know.. Again, I'm questioning whether I want to do this anymore.. I know I am capable and I can do this, but it's very tiresome..

Posted by rom559 at 07:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

So I tried to explain what I did on Friday. Clarify it. I re-examined my notes. Thought of better questions to ask. I think that was my problem on Friday. I asked questions that I didn't really know what I was asking. So that probably confused them. Today, it seemed that most of them understood the process of how to solve the problem. Not sure I got all of them, but the thing it was Monday so they were pretty out of it. I need to re-look over my notes. Think about what kind of questions to ask and the questions my students will ask.

I'm confident in this stuff. The key is taking the knowledge I know and transferring that to my students in a way they can understand. I hate that sometimes they just give me blank faces. I feel that I'm rushing through my notes, not giving enough time for those who don't get it to catch up. Or me to help them out as well. I told my co-op today that it's really hard to do cover alot in an hour: do the lesson, give assign, help students with assign, help students who are weaker in math, make sure students who are chatting to do their assignment, make sure students who don't do homework to do their homework, get notes for that person or that person, catch people up who missed so many days, and remain sane while doing all of this.. And you know what my co-op said, "That's what being a teacher is".. I really don't know how teachers do it, seriously. I would rather work with one student so I can dedicate my time to he or she. So I know 100% that I'm helping him or her. When I have to ensure that 32 other kids are getting that 100% from me.. it's really difficult to achieve. Plus, I feel that I'm not doing my full job my reaching out to every student.

Sure I can ask every student (and I do) "how are you doing?" and "are you getting this stuff?", but when they say "not really" it kind of kills my spirit. Oh look, you missed one student, who else have you missed? When I go home, I think about did I even say hi to that kid today? That's what I'm struggling with right now, the fact that I can't get every kid to understand what's going on and than move on to the next concept with those 3 or 4 kids lagging behind. It's not like I don't get that I won't have A+ students in my classes, it's just difficult to get those students who need help to show up for help. I mean, I'm in my classroom at lunch, morning, and after-school (depends). Should I push those kids to come see me? Are they responsible enough to take ownership of their grade?

Anyways, tomorrow I should be okay with the explaining of concepts. As long as I know what kind of questions to ask than I should be okay. I don't know, things are just going so fast, it's hard to keep up. Especially since I'm a huge procrastinator. I'm working on it.

Mood: stressed

Posted by rom559 at 09:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

So Friday's class was a complete mess.

I gave them a quiz for the first 20 minutes. Learned a lot about classroom control. A stare definitely has its power. So I used the quiet stare to get the attention of the room. Success, it worked! So my classroom control was way better than it was on Thursday. I liked it alot.

So than I had to teach them the concept on solving linear equations with two variables. Did they ever get confused. It was definitely the way I explained it. They were asking why I picked 0, 1, -1 for the x values. I tried to explain that to them. I'm not sure if most of them got it. But they say they did. I don't know if I got the concept across or not. Did I completely fail? No. Did I successfully teach the concept well? No.. So what do I do for Monday? How do I get better? What kind of questions will my kids ask? Do they understand what is going on? Do I?

There is another factor, I didn't see my co-op teach before I taught my class. He has his Math class before I do, so I can see how he teaches his concepts before I do. So it is good practice that I teach concepts before my co-op so I know what I can work on.

I am really struggling with how I'm going to get better and better at this teaching thing. My co-op tells me that he is confident in me when I take over his classes eventually. Really?? I don't know, because I'm pretty much teaching his classes now but by watching him do it beforehand I have that advantage. When I do take over his classes, I won't have that luxury. Will I fail miserably again and again than? I don't know.. Just something to keep in mind I guess.

Posted by rom559 at 10:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

So it's October now. Wow those last weeks of September went really fast.

So the followup. Of course after I give them a really fun thing to do, we must go back to the old boring drill and practice. I think they kind of knew it too.

My problem apparently is that I keep talking to the front corner. And I realize it is a problem. I mostly talk to this corner because they are more talkative and they are right infront of me. I actually ignore the rest of the class. Complete failure. What am I doing?? Why am I doing that?

Today, my goal is to talk to everyone. I know it's going to be boring, but I'm going to try to stick to my objective/goal. I should really start practicing my lessons before I present. And doing the assignments. God I have so much stuff to do. Everytime I think of a task, I forget it later. Knowing that I have something to do later. Darn it..

They were really chatty yesterday too. I need to know what level I find appropriate for chatter and a level that is too much that students cannot do their work. These are all little things I need to improve on. Ahh.. Second thoughts on teaching again. Darn, right after my amazing day/observation.

So today, I taught my battleship lesson to the other grade 10 math. They didn't seem as energized as my kids were but they did the activity. Maybe because it was before lunchtime.

Memo.. I really like those Accounting kids.. Funny kids.

Other stuff, It's Friday! Volleyball game on Thursday. Yesterday we had such a good practice. They are totally getting better and better. Yesterday I also went to the Sir Ken Robinson talk thingy for an hour. I sat right infront of a column/wall. Not really a good seat. Plus I was annoyed by the people beside me cause they saved seats. I couldn't even see Sir Ken. :(.. I heard his stories tho..

Posted by rom559 at 01:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

So I had my observation yesterday. It went awesome! It was the best class I have ever had. I played a battleship game with the kids. I had two ropes. One down the center and one across the center. So we would have an origin. I placed hit signs under the desk prior to the class. Students were to guess where the hit was by saying the point and not the person's name. There were teams according to quadrants. So Q1vsQ2vsQ3vsQ4. Most of them were totally into it. One student said that they "loved this kind of math". I don't know if I got all the students engaged but I got the majority of them.

So the lesson went like this, I gave them notes about the cartesian plane. They wrote it down. Than I told them to clear their desks off. (They totally thought they were writing a quiz). While they were taking notes, one of the girls apparently looked back to see my supervisor watching me. (I did not see any of this as my back was turned away). So girl 1 asked girl 2, "Who is that?". Girl 2 said "I think that is her evaluator". Girl 2, says "We shouldn't be talking". That was amazing. I was overly ecstatic when I heard this. My students actually like me enough that they wanted me to do good. Wow.. I still can't get over that. When my supervisor talks about interns whose students comment about them, I think that will never happen to me. But it did, it actually happen.

Anyways, back to the game. They were mostly into it. I was amazed that they were helping each other out find the coordinates. They were playing as a team. Some who didn't get it and those who did get it, helped each other out. One student was getting frustrated that the other students kept picking points outside of the grid. I found that really funny that he was over the edge crazy if someone picked one more point outside of the grid. Another thing that I found funny was when one girl checked to see if there was a hit under an empty desk, she put her hand under and had a "disgusting look" on her face.. It was really funny.

Than I planned to give them an assignment depending on time. Once I gave them the assignment, every single one of them got right down to work. I think it was because I drained the energy from them after the activity. It was awesome. I do have second thoughts as to, if the students were being so well behaved because I was being evaluated. But I don't know, maybe they were just into the activity. But it's over, I'm done for my first observation.

Posted by rom559 at 01:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

So I've managed to survive the month. Not sure how it went by so fast. I got an email from my college supervisor about all the stuff we should be doing at this time. And man there is alot of stuff. but let's start with what's on my mind right now.

So yesterday, my co-op decided to not show up for work and left me with a sub. I mean at first I was a bit peeved that he didn't give me a warning or a heads up the day before. But when I met the sub, it got better. I decided to teach the Accounting class yesterday. It went surprisingly well. I got to know these kids more. They understood what I was saying and I felt like I actually had an inkling of what was going on in this accounting class. I've been stressing over on if I could teach this accounting stuff. I mean as long as I stick to the notes, I'll be fine. I like those kids, they're good kids. So yeah, that went well.

Math, I didn't want to teach them cause well, I hate word problems with a passion. They were a bit chatty. Oh well, it's Friday and they have a sub.

CCA9, same old same. I'm starting to study up on these kids' names. Flash-card style.. lol.. not really.

My lovely math class went okay. I mean it was hot and I was trying to figure out the projector while these kids are bugging me. lol.. I decided to use prezi to present notes to them and have a discussion about a related math problem (the parking meter as per Dan Meyer). Well, remember student 1 who likes pushing my buttons, well he pushed one to far. I told him to move back to his seat 4 times so I could start class. He wouldn't move, kept negotiating with me.. Than I had it, I said, "You know what, you can leave." Than he said "it's okay, I'll go back.".. Too late, button pushed, "Too bad, you lost your chance, you can come back on Monday, see ya".. That was that. I actually kicked a kid out of class. Than I continued with class, which went okay. They did some discussion which I was surprised they were all pretty engaged with. They were actually talking about math. It was weird, I thought they would go off track or something. The problem as usual with me is that when I teach outside of my realm of comfort, I get jumbled with my words. And I think the kids could see it too. I had a list of questions written down that I wanted them to discuss. I put them in groups of 3, so they could have one person write down the answers. It didn't work out that perfect. Some groups talked and some didn't know who their group was. Some didn't even move together as a group to discuss. All of them did not write anything down. So I think I need to work on planning out my lessons better, maybe practicing before hitting the stage. Typing out my lessons/questions also help, because when I read my own writing I tend to get lost reading my own writing. I should have waited until everyone knew who their group was before asking the questions. Making sure everyone is on the same page. Not sure how discussion will play a major part with me, since it's so out of my realm of teaching styles. But it's something I would like to try. I mean everyday is a new day.

Back to student 1, and how I dealt with the situation. So here's what my problem was, over the past year, I've been learning to never give up on a student no matter what. But than this kid comes into my class testing my buttons because I'm an intern, and my co-op suggests using him as your person to make an example of to gain the respect of the class. My co-op says kick em out if he's not willing to be a part of the class. And that's what I did. Was I right to do so? Did I give up on him? I mean I've had a talk with him and my co-op also had a talk with him. Did he lose his chance? Why is he giving me a hard time? Would have it been different if my co-op started the class from Day 1? I mean I know he's a good kid, he's not a trouble maker, he just needs a sweet kick in the arse to smarten up. Okay.. that's the issue that has been troubling me today.

But to just go back a bit. I've also had something positive on my mind. Yesterday, I had a revelation that I'm a teacher. Yesterday I was with another intern 1 and I saw two students from the Accounting class wandering the halls, and they addressed me "Hello Miss Mah".. that was just weird.. That was my revelation, me seeing those kids in the hallway outside of my class and saying hello to me. I think it was weird because I was with another intern/teacher and those kids addressed me and not anyone else. I felt special / liked.. ;)..

Later another incident also while another intern 2 was with me. Remember student 1, well after class I went to visit intern 2's class to chat. While she was packing up, I was standing in the hallway and student 1 was with his friends. He asked me "hey Miss Mah, did you mark me absent?" I said "Yes". He said "I just don't want to sit in that seat, it smells over there" I said "You know what, your not going to choose where you sit sometimes and you just have to suck it up. You don't get to have the luxury to pick a perfect seat. If you don't like it, than don't come to class and I'll mark you absent. So either you smarten up or don't come to class, your choice." I did this infront of his friends and intern 2. I wasn't mean, I just told him the honest truth. That was that, he didn't say anything. Intern 2 said I handled that really well. I was flattered in a weird way.

Edit: I also called a parent yesterday for the first time. I did really well! lol I hate talking on the phone. But I got the courage to do it. And might I say, I did good. I'm not going to mention the reason why I called. But it was a good conversation. I was confident and straight to the point.

So those incidents yesterday really made me realize that I'm definitely growing professionally and personally. I'm building those relationships (good or bad) with students that I thought I couldn't do at the beginning of the year. I'm dealing with situations that I've never realized I am strong enough to handle. Internship is really the make or break that determines whether you're cut out to become a teacher. I'm still learning, hopefully one day I'll master this "gig".

Mood: perked up

Edit: I have a sore throat.. darn teenagers and their germs.. grr..

Posted by rom559 at 10:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (750)

So I had a mishap today in class. I lost control of my class. I am really struggling with this whole classroom management thing. I am not as mean as I should be. I had the class start with a quiz. That was good. They worked quietly. Than I let them correct it. Than I handed them their notes instead of them copying notes from the board. I should have had a look through my notes before I started the lesson. Bad move on my part. I was so disoriented. I didn't know what I was explaining. So my co-op jumped in and helped me out. Was I embarrassed? Kind of, more so this time than the last time. Because He had to actually explain it instead of just re-iterating what I was saying. Plus he told me that I had my attention only towards half of the class. The rest of the class were totally lost. Holy man, I feel crappy right now.

I mean yesterday was a better day than today. I wish yesterday was today.. grr.. Maybe because the content yesterday was more clearer and direct. I also felt like I was building a rapport with most of the students. Some are still very quiet, although I feel like those who are quiet still think I'm not a real teacher, so they still go ask help from my co-op rather than me, oh well.

Volleyball was also interesting. We had some "experts" come and help us out today. Our "expert" was useful, she actually let us help instead of just taking over. Some girls needed this b/c they need an attitude change.

I also got to talk to one of the other interns about how she's doing in internship. I had a good talk with her. Not really sure how this is relevant, but something for me to remind me of what I did today I guess.

I also made a to-do list of stuff I need to do. There's alot. And I started to plan "my unit plan" for CCA9.. super excited about this class. I also used Prezi in class yesterday for Accounting.. Man, did those kids ever like that. I used it again today. They're so impressed by it. I would show them how to use it if it wasn't the fact that they're in Accounting class and not a computer applications class.

I think I'll use Prezi tomorrow and see how that turns out. I'm going to try to use Dan Meyer's grocery problem in class. If I run out of time, I'll throw in the parking meter problem too.

So all in all, it was an okay day. The big 22 today.. So yeah.. another year another regular day. I'm just looking forward to my sleep tonight. That's really what I want for my b-day, to catch up on my Z's...

Mood: drained, stupid, and tired

Posted by rom559 at 09:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

So week 4 begins. There is a lot of stuff I need to do. Like my co-op said I would get busy later. Very true. First volleyball game yesterday, it went okay. It's all about participation so as long as they support each other than I'm happy. Some of the girls have an attitude problem, so the other coach and I need to figure something out.

Anyways, the week started okay. I gave my class a new seating plan. They of course whined and complained. Oh well, i strategically placed them in specific spots. I also "subbed" for my co-op in his other grade 10 math for like 20 minutes. I mention this because I got to experience being in front of different kids but who are the same grade and subject. It was interesting, not to have favorites but I enjoyed this class(Math10c) more than my own (Math10d). Maybe it's because Math10c seems more attentive. Also, to factor in that my co-op started this class.

Does the previous paragraph make any sense??

Continuing on, so remember student1, the student who likes to chat and push my buttons, well he hasn't changed his work ethic (he's still just sitting there). Now I have another student who just sits in class while I do my lesson. But he actually answers questions in class, but he doesn't take any notes. My co-op says that it's there choice to not take notes, because I'm starting to do random note checks. So if they want the mark, they do their notes. Something about this system is flawed somehow. Hey let's threaten the kids, if you don't do this than I'm taking this away from you. Isn't there another way to get students to take notes? Or maybe that's a signal to me, they're bored in class for a reason, cause they're not engaged in the material. Or the other factor that they just get the stuff and think they don't need to take notes. It's gonna come back and hit them in the head later.

So tomorrow I teach Accounting. Holy crap! I know absolutely nothing about this subject. I'm going to try to use Prezi instead of Powerpoint. I was reading up on some articles about Prezi, criticizing Prezi and how it's just a fancy Powerpoint. And that some presenters have used Powerpoint for every single presentation without the use of fancy transitions. Okay, I see that point. But might as well try it.

Today, I went to a PD meeting for the new grade 9 math curriculum. I totally disagreed with mostly everything they said. I don't know, it's just reading and following Dan Meyer and these other teachers, who are trying to teach away from the textbook, inspire me to become a non-traditional math teacher. The fact that these curriculum supervisors believe that their text is beneficial to students need to put themselves in the position of a student. Do most kids like to read? Most likely no. Including me. Let's present these students with images of actual practical math applications instead of giving practice questions from 1-10. Apparently the difference from this curriculum and the old one is that it includes "reflections", "connections", and "challenges". Oh yes, as a student I am so excited to reflect about Math.. NOT!.. Get it together people.. Let's try something different. Use everyday examples for students to connect these mathematical concepts. Yes, I do see that students need to learn these "skills" to build on for future math courses. Again, another system that is flawed. University expects grade 12 students to be able to take Calculus without any trouble, these skills that were build upon grade 11 math skills, and so on.. I can't do much about this.. I kind of sidetracked here..

Continuing on again.. A great example of who is able to not teach from the textbook is Dan Meyer. I've read many blogs where many teachers have praised Mr. Meyer for his ability to incorporate different methods of looking at simple things with a mathematical point of view. He asks simple questions. He's a wizard with video editing and photo editing. I just wonder what his classroom is like... Student engagement is what he does best.

I'm done with my rant today. Peace.

Posted by rom559 at 10:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

So I did it. I gave them the lowdown of my class expectations. They were wondering why I was telling them this. I told them because I was annoyed the day before. With 7 people coming in late and 5 people going to their locker to get their textbook. That was that, I needed to step in and say how I felt. Surprisingly, they respected me for what I said. The crappy thing is, the student I wanted to direct my speech to was not here. So hopefully I have the courage to tell him myself and get him back on track.

They have their exam today, so I doubt there will be too much trouble. The test to myself will be Thursday. If they don't take responsibility in their role in my class than they can leave and come back tomorrow. I feel like I am a totally different person compared to when I started this. I think I've gotten better with saying "no" and classroom management.

Posted by rom559 at 01:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

So I have come to another phase of this thing. I really don't want to discipline for the rest of my life. It's getting so annoying. It is exactly what my first year english prof said.. "I wanted to become a teacher but than I realized I wanted to teach English and not discipline".. hmm.. well isn't that a pickle. I know I am only an intern, but I feel like some of these kids are not taking me seriously enough that they can play that 'get away' easy card..

Yesterday, apparently my classroom management needs improvement. And I thought I was doing so well. :(.. I am going to have a talk with them today, so hopefully this works. I just wish the College prepared us more, gave us more practical situations of how to deal with things within a school. I've wasted a year on the philosophy of education, education psychology, and education technology. These classes were not beneficial to me at all.

I really need to buckle down on some stuff too. As of right now, I am planning my lessons like a day before. I should be planning them ahead of time so I don't have to bring textbooks home with me every night. I finally know how to use the photocopier properly.. yay!.. lol

Covering Polynomials next.. not sure again on how I could approach this differently than notes, lecture, assign. This order is so dull and boring. Of which I told the students I would try not to be. But sadly I am.

Discipline is really my problem.. I'm not as verbal as some teachers.. so yeah.. I'm also faced with the dilemma of having kids not doing so great in my class.

Again, I don't like doing things by myself.. I'm not a leader.. grade 10's annoy me.. arrgh..

Posted by rom559 at 01:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Well I've survived Week 2. It feels very different from last week, which is a good thing. I don't feel like quitting. I feel more comfortable with my ability. I ask myself the question, "Is this the rest of my life?", and I'm still on the fence about that. I'm not hating it but I'm not lovin it. But like everyone says, it is getting better. I am so exhausted..

Friday's class was good. Some of them wanted to go to the volleyball game during my class, and I knew they would hound me about it. But I had already missed the previous class due to a meeting, so I was behind. I told them no that we were going to the game. I gave them a quiz, and they stopped bugging me. Than I continued with my lesson, and that was that. I figured none of them would be at the game after school anyways, so yeah. Kids..

I still feel like I'm not getting my lessons clearly across. I mean I am worried for some of my students. I give them these quizzes and some of them are not doing so hot. I know these quizzes are worth very little, but still it reflects on my teaching. It could also be that they're not doing their homework. But I feel like I'm failing on my teaching. I asked one student, who did poor on the last two quizzes, if he was getting this stuff and he said not really. I was like okay, do you want to know why? or would you like to get some help? He said nah not really. I was kind of sad because, it seemed like he lost confidence in himself to learn this stuff. Confidence, definitely plays a major role in this subject. It sucks.

Also on Friday, I sat in on the auditions for the musical. It was so interesting. I'm rally excited to be involved with this. Knowing me, an adamant fan of Broadway musicals, I knew I would enjoy this more than volleyball. It's obvious, interests interest me. Why am I in volleyball again?? I know nothing about it. I feel so useless there. The girls look at me like I don't belong there.

On Thursday, some of the interns had a meeting with our supervisor and co-op teachers. This was a good day. It went by so quickly too! I really got to know my co-op a lot. It was interesting to hear him because he told me how he just "gets kids". I asked him a certain question that made him think, "Do you think you favorite students?".. His response made me think if I will ever favorite students... As of right now, nope.. no favorite students.. they're all different and I don't know them. I recently received some advice, if I don't like something about a student than I should find something to like about that student. I'm trying..

Mood: tired

Posted by rom559 at 11:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

So on Wednesday, I taught my Math class the concept of solving equations with fractions. Complete failure. I could not get my point across clearly. They all just looked at me with blank faces, "huh?". I felt really stupid. So my co-op jumped in and explained pretty much what I had written on the board already. So technically, all he did was show what I did. Than 3 minutes later, I did another example where they got confused again. So I asked him if he could help me. And so he did. I felt like an idiot after that. Do my students believe I can teach? Do I look weak infront of my students? Like the saying goes "asking for help is not a sign of weakness, it is a sign of strength". True, but I still did not feel like I could have done my best.

I feel like I am psyching myself up too much. If I fail one day, I will definitely fail the next day. The thing is I didn't let this get to me as bad as the first day. I'm slowly starting to shrug things off and move on. So that's good. I still feel like my class still thinks I'm a joke. That I am not a good teacher. I don't have set ways to do things. I'm all over the place. This is how I feel, but really it's not as bad as I think it is. I still feel I am a push-over, for which I am still working on improving.

Hopefully today will be a good day.

Posted by rom559 at 01:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

So I survived until Week 2!.. Will I be able to go to the end? I don't know right now.

Yesterday was a pretty good day. It went really fast actually. Again, I'm not checking homework and it was a long weekend, but I think the quiz I gave them was a bit more difficult than they were used to. Me being a softy, is feeling sorry for them. I mean kids who got 5/5 on their first quiz got a 1/5, and I know how that feels when you know you're a top-notch student and you get defeated by a little quiz. It's not the end of the world, they know if they do their homework than they will do good on the quiz. The chapter exam, I wouldn't be as hard. So that's where they can prove to me they're getting the concepts.

I wonder what they think of me. Am I an easy-teacher? or a hard-ass? I'm definitely easy-going, I don't really have set standards in my class of which I should. I mean, I don't scrutinize students who do their work in pen or don't show all their work. It's just going to bite them back in the butt when they mess up a question. I'm not here to hold their hand, and it sucks because some of them do need that. They're old enough to take responsibility in their learning, it's up to them to step up.

My co-op tells me I'm very comfortable up there. So he said to make some goals on what to tweak to make things in the class perfect. Here are some:

- push the kids who are not doing anything to do something at least.
- check on kids who are not doing so well, make sure they understand it
- try not to make the atmosphere "too relaxed"

So these are what I should work on. So all in all, yesterday was a good day. I think the good days are the days when I lecture most of the period. No discipline problems.. so that's good to note.

Frosh Girls Volleyball tryouts started yesterday, which was interesting. I have no experience in coaching and very little in volleyball. I mean as interns, we are not suppose to coach so I'm wondering what they need us for than. Until than I guess.

I feel like I have so much stuff to do everyday. I think it is time for schedule time. Knowing me.. I probably will not follow it.

Posted by rom559 at 01:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I've come to realize that this is all a chore to me. I don't want to drive in the morning to school. I hate it. I can't quit. I wish there was a way to make it better. Sure I can work with other people to come up with solutions, but you know what it's all up to me to enforce those solutions. And it usually ends in failure for me and my students. I just want to teach the way I want to teach. Develop my style and be able to share that with my students. I feel like it's too late to change it. I've set my course outline for my students. The assignments are given. The topics chosen. When I divulge away from that and go against what I said in the beginning of the year, my students will see that "hey this teacher isn't standing by what she said". It's true. They'll see that I don't know what I'm doing at all. You know what, it's true. I'm just an intern, still learning one day at a time.

That's what sucks about this, I hate being alone. No one can be there to defend me. I'm the one who needs to stand up and do it. Can I go in and say "I'm still learning, guys and girls.. I'm new at this.. give me a chance to experiment with you"... maybe I can say that.. but I dunno.. right now I have so many things floating in my mind. All I can think about is school and this whole experience. Nothing else.. I need something in my life to make me happy and right now I've got nothing. Nothing to keep me distracted.. Nothing to keep my mind from thinking about this "chore".

So just to recap Friday's class, I did a huge no-no.. Half the class wanted to go outside to do their work and the other half didn't say anything. I was a push-over, and let half of them go outside (the half that wouldn't do their work anyways) and the other half in the class. I asked my co-op teacher to watch the half inside and I would watch the half outside. When I came home and realized what a mistake I made I felt stupid and embarrassed again. If I had my own class, I would not have someone else watch my class. Either the whole class came outside or no one went outside. I should have made a distinctive decision and realize that not everyone wanted to go outside. That sucked.. Major fail... I didn't even discuss this with my co-op because I would have felt embarrassed. Why am I such a push-over? I'm really not going to be good at this job, me thinks..

This weekend I was suppose to have alot of stuff done, but managed to think way more about how much I hate this experience. The thing is I can go talk to my supervisor about how I'm feeling, but it wouldn't change anything. Again, she would just offer me suggestions. I get alot of different advice, than I think about it and get scrambled up with my own doubts.

I want to step out of the box, and teach what I'm interested in.

I hated high school. Why am I back? It's like a huge popularity contest all over again. What made me want to come back to this hell? When I graduated, I thought that I could change the system. Be able to pick those students that were like me and make them like high school.. I can't just wave my magic wand and make that happen, why would I think that I'm capable of that?

What did I hate about high school? That I was invisible. I came and I left. No one noticed. May be I'm feeling sorry for my past self, but that's the way I saw it. To this day, I still think my old classmates could care less about me. And you know what, I don't care about them. I survived high school and managed to land myself straight back.

I go to school tomorrow, and I don't know what to expect. Is that a good thing or bad thing? I'm not sure. Everyone else is having a good time and I'm sulking in the corner.. I'm just not lovin it.. and of course I've heard it many times.. "it will get better..".. really? I don't see it happening anytime soon. I'm just so critical of myself.. I'm scared of people judging me and labeling me a "bad teacher" or "failure". I feel like I'm disciplining more than actually teaching my students, helping them learn and understand better. The "head honchos" tell us to teach what our co-op teacher is teaching, being a leader and focus on building those relationships with students. I don't feel like that's what I'm doing at all. I'm just gonna say it.. "I'm not a leader, I'm not a follower, I'm here to guide." I want to help students learn, see their eyes light up when they "get it". I'm seriously reconsidering becoming a teacher. I think I want to work in resource or EA support.

Week 2 begins.. I need to get organized quick. on a side note.. I need a haircut again. I'm outs.

Mood: lost in thoughts

Posted by rom559 at 09:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

So the week has slowly begun to get better. Yesterday was the first day when I realized I might be able to finish this thing. Today, I sat in on a Computer Science/Robotics class. Actually, it was alot of fun. I got to see these students run something that was created from scratch based on a computer code. It was really neat to see the actual practical application being put to use. I talked with the teacher alot about how and what exactly he teaches in his Comp Sci courses.

The students were given metal pieces, gears, motors, remote controllers, antennas, computer codes, wheels... so on. The students were able to directly send the code to their robot and begin to test it out. It was really amazing. In my experience with computer science, I have never seen the actual connection between the code and application. It was basic coded programs that I had to program. I guess this field is really directed more to mechanical engineering, so maybe that is why I never experienced this. It's just cool that all the students knew what they were doing and what had to get done to get the "bot" to work.

These students were definitely engaged. I wish all my classes were like this. I mean the students are mainly boys and who are interested in robotics. So I guess there is a level of interest that kept the engagement level attentive.

Edit: These kids are my kind of people.. They're my 'peeps'..Same type of people found in the Computer Science department at the University. I think I have a minor idea of what they will pursue later in their education career. ;)..

Posted by rom559 at 01:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Okay stupid blog.. totally erased everything that I just wrote.

So it is the fourth day. Still hating it. Why? I don't know. I just don't look forward to coming to school in the morning.

The second day was not as bad as the first day. I started to teach content where my "comfort zone" was. I got the class's attention quickly. I gave them notes and the assign. Where they finished 15 minutes early, but still my presentation had definitely improved from the first day.

The third day was a bit better again. I didn't feel like it was the greatest day. I wanted to do a switch of seats between two students. Student 1 talked alot during my class, so I wanted to move him. Student 2 did not want to move (I was not penalizing Student 2, so I felt bad that it wasn't his fault that he was being moved). So being a softy, I let Student 1 off the hook. I told him if he talked he's moving. So of course, he talked. So I was definitely moving him the next day. With my teaching, I felt a bit more comfortable. I'm still getting used to silence. I hate when there is an awkward silence, with a passion. I'm slowly getting used to it.

Today, went actually well. I moved Student 1 with someone who was very quiet Student 3. Student 1 definitely had some resentment. But my class went way much better. I didn't have to tell Student 1 to stop talking to the people around him. So I felt better.

I am still feeling this is not the place I want to be for the rest of my life. I'm not enjoying it as much as I should. I mean it is still the first week, and I should give it time. But I can't help the way I feel. I am taking on the role of helping to coach the Frosh Girls Volleyball. I have absolutely no experience in Volleyball Coaching or Coaching at all. But might as well try. I mean I won't be alone, so that is a plus.

I actually sat down and looked through the PGG today. I feel so overwhelmed. I have to do this and do that by a certain time. There is so much little things I should be doing. I'm already an emotional and critical person, so taking on more stress issues will definitely make me more stressed.

I mean after today's class, I feel that there is no need to withdraw. But this morning I was definitely contemplating on the idea. Right now, I want to get this week finished. I just want to move on to content that I can get creative with. It's all basic algebra review. So I feel that my students are not getting/experiencing my "teaching style" yet. Eventually I'll get to it. Until than.

Posted by rom559 at 01:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Well I lived through it. I am so dissapointed with how I did on my first day. The day ended badly, with my class. I went so fast. I ended up with an extra 30 minutes of nothing. I went through my outline, expectations, and even the icebreaker. The more nervous I became the faster I went.

Grr.. I tend to beat myself up alot over little things, and certainly this is the case. I should have paced myself better, but I always do this.. I rush through things alot when I'm not talking about Math or something I'm not comfortable talking about. One of my flaws, I know. The students don't care that I messed up, they were actually pretty good. It's just I'm being way too hard on myself. I do this for every presentation that I do.

I feel like I'm having an epiphany, is this really where and what I want to be doing for the rest of my life. Maybe it's just first day anxiety, and I'll get over it in the next couple of days/weeks. But right now, I just feel like quitting and crawling under a bridge to cry. I know I'm definitely blowing things out of proportion over a minuscule event, but that's how I feel. The thing is I want to get my masters in Education technology, and this teaching "gig" feels unnecessary.

This feeling is the exact same way I felt when I got my first job. I wanted to quit the second day because I hated feeling new to something I was unfamiliar to. But you know what, I toughed it out and managed to work another 8 months after that second day. I made some good friends and learned to build relationships with young people. So maybe this feeling will go away, actually I know this feeling will go away. It's just getting over that hill is what's getting me down. I probably will say 4 months from now the exact same things I said about my first job. It's just day one, right? Tomorrow is another day.

Mood: sadly defeated

Posted by rom559 at 10:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Okay, so all you lucky folks.. you get two entries in one day!.. I'm packing up my books and work from this semester. And I have just realized that I am not ready for internship!

Mood: cleaning

Continue reading "I am not ready for internship." »

Posted by rom559 at 04:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)