Like I've stated in earlier blogs about my experiences, I've taken multiple times where I pray over my placements, my relationships with my mentor teacher and the students I will teach, and the things that I will learn. I've prayed for challenges (I know, call me crazy) so that I can learn.
God has answered in so many ways! I LOVE the school that I have been placed in for 8 weeks! The first day was a little stressful because I ran a little late and then there is only one road right in front of the school. Yep, that's where there is congestion as parents drop off their kids in the morning. Usually, I write out a prayer in the morning just to help me focus on praying. Sleep is very important to me at this point and so I haven't been able to do that lately. Instead, I've been praying as I walk to the parking lot, and then as I walk across that drop-off zone into the school. I feel so ready to take on the day that way.
I have an AMAZING mentor teacher who has taken in 4 Phase 2 students for the semester. She also graciously let me participate in my Level 3 experience in her room too. This meant that I would stay in her room all day, all this week, and stick around for conferences. Basically, I was her shadow for the week. I was able to take over a lot of teaching responsibilities too!
There have been a lot of challenges in the past 4 weeks of Phase 2, but they have all been a HUG+E learning experience. I know that there will be more challenges to overcome as the next 4 weeks happen, and I am so ready! I'm learning a lot about interacting with junior high students, and students with special needs. Honestly, I cannot even begin to explain how big of a blessing this experience has been! I love these students, and I've even ran into one of my campers a time or two! Small world when one of your girls that you really never thought you'd see again goes to the school that you are having many field experiences at! God's blessings are all around! :)
The stupidest thing that I struggle with is working with the iPad, but on a high note, my struggles make one of the students smile and giggle at me. This is HUGE! It is so hard to get him to talk, show any emotion, and laugh, so being able to get him to laugh at me struggling is so great! Yesterday, I was in charge during Functional Living. This is where students learn a lot about independence through experience. Wednesdays are devoted to cooking. I was so looking forward to this! We were making pancakes, and I was to teach them how to flip. Uh-oh. What did I get myself into? I'm the type of girl who can work with 12 cakes at a time on the griddle at camp, but when I come home and am only in charge of 4 at a time, it's a complete flop. I kept talking about camp for the whole period! :) Thankfully, it went well and with added blueberries, the pancakes truly hit the spot! I was given so much affirmation from the associates in the room. It just makes me feel like I'm doing something right.
I am so incredibly thankful for the road that God has brought me down and the continued guidance that He provides. I am still praying over and waiting anxiously for my student teaching placements, but I will know soon enough! :)
Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge.
-Proverbs 23:12
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