It's Been Real!

I really wish I could've put the peace finger emoji in my title because that's how I feel right now. Also, serious question here: do contractions apply when we're using the past tense of is (as in, has)? Cause that's exactly how I just used it in my title and I'm not quite sure if it's correct. Ah well.

Today we did that whole categorizing thing and that was a nice catch because it would definitely be helpful to know when to use each specific strategy. Dr. Clark demonstrated NCTCS 5c: teachers function effectively in a complex, dynamic environment. Sometimes, actually, not even, most times, college classes are hectic. They tend to get off schedule a lot and this is especially true during spring semester with all of the snow days and fun trips. Some teachers wouldn't modify their set class schedule to accommodate these changes, and I'm just grateful that Dr. C does, instead of moving on into new topics and subjects. It's the actions of a person that teaches you, just as much as the knowledge that a person gives you. With that being said, thanks Dr. Clark!

I have enjoyed every minute of you guyses during this class! Ya'll are the absolute best! Now we just have to get through this week and finals and I have total and complete faith in all of you that we're going to pass and have an amazing summer.


IT'S BEEN REAL 316!!! *insert party favor emoji's*

Stealing Third, Heading Home!

"I see... I see a light" -Dory, from Finding Nemo.

As if you couldn't tell by my lovely hints, I really want to watch Finding Nemo ( and can't wait for Finding Dory!!!) and I'm having softball withdrawals as my high school team just made regionals! Bittersweet, because I'm not there to celebrate with them and I promised to come to a game and I haven't been able to! But, anywho...

Dory's quote is very relevant to today, as I can see the light that is the end of the semester! I'm trying really hard to push through and finish strong! Thursday's class was eye opening and also a little disappointing. Right when I thought I had the hang of planning effective lessons, assessments included, I realized that I didn't. And all in a matter of 17 minutes. Our group had a complete "aha, lightbulb" moment, and it was awesome! I choose to look at the bright side and be thankful that it was brought to my attention BEFORE I began to plan in the real world.

I taught my first lesson today in the classroom, and it went well. I was so nervous before I started but the student caught my drift and I became more relaxed as the lesson progressed! I think the biggest thing it taught me, was how important NCTCS 4a: Teachers know the ways in which learning takes place, and they know the appropriate levels of intellectual, physical, social, and emotional development of their students, is. Seeing first hand how nervous my student was made me mentally check, okay what can I do to make them calm down?. That was the biggest thing I took out of teaching today.  I teach again tomorrow and I honestly can't wait!

The End is Near.....I Think?

Today we talked about analyzing data, which is cool because I'm working on a data analysis for my ESL class. It was really interesting seeing real live data from the natural habitat and looking over what all of that means and how it affects stakeholders. Collecting, analyzing, and using data helps to reflect on their practice (5a) and analyzing student learning.

Confessional: more and more as the weeks go by I question whether I really want to teach. Like, in real life, teach. I've felt this way before, but it was also due to a lack of confidence. Now, I'm feeling this way because of the work-load. I feel like something new is presented every minute, of every hour, of every day and I'm just a tad bit over it. OR maybe I'm just over school in general and to think that this is about to my whole life. Either way, I'm in need of a serious break.

Greetings from our Nation's Capitol

Washington DC was absolutely amazing!!!! There was just so much to take in- from the memorials to the museums- we didn't even get to experience everything. My absolute favorite part of Washington was touring the Library of Congress. The funny thing about it is that I didn't expect to like it. I mean, I work in a library and all and books are a passion but, when it was first presented to us, I wasn't, like, jumping for joy on the inside. However, stepping into that building, my mindset changed COMPLETELY! The amount of art, skill, and patience put into that building is absolutely phenomenal. I strongly encourage those who haven't been or who find themselves in DC to check it out!

Of course, we saw Dalton's fasces (spell check) almost everywhere! I have to admit that it was pretty fun looking for something that a fellow student taught us in all of the places we visited. Dalton, you would've loved it! My second favorite place was the Lincoln Memorial, cause that's bae! I have an unhealthy obsession with Lincoln ever since I saw the movie Lincoln in 10th grade. This memorial was really cool because we definitely saw Robert E Lee's face carved into the back of Lincoln's head, we saw his hands signing out his initials "A" and "L", and we really considered climbing on his lap to take a picture, but we decided not to get shot.

A few more tidbits before I head out: Georgetown cupcakes are absolutely AH-MAY-ZING, stay to the right when riding the escalators, don't use your metro pass for the metro bus, but the circulator is ohtay, and sometimes, you'll find yourselves getting directions and life stories from really nice Indian men! Also, I encourage you  to finish all schoolwork BEFORE you go on a school-sponsored trip where you'll spend all day walking and you'll come back to no wifi at the hotel! Fair warning, it'll save you a lot of stress.

If you really want to make teaching about American History relevant for your students (NCTCS 3d) plan a field trip to Washington: it's a trip they'll never forget!