Welcome to our Fall Practicum blog! This is your place to share your thoughts and experiences about teaching at Merry Lea as well as your reflections on our readings from The Courage to Teach.
I enjoyed the reading. It not only brought up many memories of great teachers and mentors that I have had throughout my life, but also made me think of the type of educator that I want to be one day. I have always been attracted to teachers and mentors that inspire you to learn and then help you through the process. I have always enjoyed being able to go to any teacher for discussion outside of class and get their thoughts on their passions that brought them into the profession. I also just find it helpful to be able to talk with someone who has been in the same place and can openly relate to their students frustrations, achievements, breakthroughs and dreams, without being scary or intimidating. This chapter made me think of ways in which that happens and how I can make this happen when I teach. It seems a little tricky, but I am guessing with more experience and more in depth learning of my passion, I can pull it off.
I must say before starting practicum I was scared, nervous, and antsy. I haven't had much teaching experiences before starting this program, well with kids that is. Before starting this program I actually didn't really like to spend my time with kids and I didn't have patience for their little habits. So I guess you are wondering, "Then why in the world are you here Rachel??" Well I shall let you into the mind of the Great Rachel Funk. Last year during my senior year at Goshen College I decided to take a course called Human Behavior and in that class we learned all about the different stages of when humans are infants all the way to when we become old. And I was surprised by how fascinated I became with learning why people are the way they are. In that class we had a lot of assignments that required us to observe people that were children, families, or just people in general. I spent serval weeks observing and interacting with Alta (Carol's daughter) to see how she evolved over time and during that time I noticed how I evolved into actually enjoying kids. So from that class I felt that it helped me develop patience and understanding for how children are developing into their own selves. From doing practicum I have also noticed that I have enjoyed all the kids that have come to Merry Lea, which is great news for me! And I also think I will be able to tolerate my own kid one, which I never thought was possible.
From these practicum sessions I am discovering what I am capable of in the teaching world and I am learning how to deal with my fears and struggles. I liked the reading from the book in particular the fear chapter. Teachers really don't get as much credit as they should.
p.s I don't know how to make this my own comment so that's why I posted this reflection under the first post.
Although I can't really remember my bad teachers, I do remember my favorite teachers. I think that my favorite was Julie grade 5 and 6. For the 10 of us grads we were invited to Julies house for supper. She got over her fears and connected with us and put herself vulnerable. It was awesome.
I think that we do have to get over our fears, which involves knowing who we are. I know it sounds corney but I think it is more or less true. I think that I know myself. I know I can hear a song in my head or have an awesome impresonation, but when I try to say it out loud, it fails.
I also have had the feelings when some days are great and then the other days are bad and you just can't connect with anyone. And you feel like you did the same thing. AHH. Sometimes focusing on the good kids sucks for the bad ones or the opposite. Its hard to get a balance and having the best opportunity for all.
I think it is great that you have taken your fear head on and joined this program. I never had the fear of working with kids. I love kids! My family has told me for years to become an Elementary teacher, but I always refused. When I found this program, it combined two of my favorite things, being outside and hangin with the little ones. So cheers to you! We all have so much to learn and this will never end. I think we are always learning no matter how old or how much experience we gain.
Tanya,
I like that you can't remember bad teachers. It makes it more important and beneficial if we have those that are good and can be remembered then many bad ones and no good ones. I have had a couple GREAT ones, a few good ones, lots of good ones that were jerks, and then some REALLY bad ones! I think it is good that you know yourself, but I think you will continue to surprise yourself over the years. Especially in something like this. I feel like kids are really able to see who people really are and can teach us all something about life.
I agree with Sami. Tanya, it is good that you can't remember many bad teachers. I remember way too many. One nice thing about programming is that hopefully you will see yourself grow. I think you already have. You can hold a snake now!
THOUGHTS ON FIRST CHAPTER OF "COURAGE TO TEACH"
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the reading. It not only brought up many memories of great teachers and mentors that I have had throughout my life, but also made me think of the type of educator that I want to be one day. I have always been attracted to teachers and mentors that inspire you to learn and then help you through the process. I have always enjoyed being able to go to any teacher for discussion outside of class and get their thoughts on their passions that brought them into the profession. I also just find it helpful to be able to talk with someone who has been in the same place and can openly relate to their students frustrations, achievements, breakthroughs and dreams, without being scary or intimidating. This chapter made me think of ways in which that happens and how I can make this happen when I teach. It seems a little tricky, but I am guessing with more experience and more in depth learning of my passion, I can pull it off.
Chapters 2 and 3
ReplyDeleteI must say before starting practicum I was scared, nervous, and antsy. I haven't had much teaching experiences before starting this program, well with kids that is. Before starting this program I actually didn't really like to spend my time with kids and I didn't have patience for their little habits. So I guess you are wondering, "Then why in the world are you here Rachel??" Well I shall let you into the mind of the Great Rachel Funk. Last year during my senior year at Goshen College I decided to take a course called Human Behavior and in that class we learned all about the different stages of when humans are infants all the way to when we become old. And I was surprised by how fascinated I became with learning why people are the way they are. In that class we had a lot of assignments that required us to observe people that were children, families, or just people in general. I spent serval weeks observing and interacting with Alta (Carol's daughter) to see how she evolved over time and during that time I noticed how I evolved into actually enjoying kids. So from that class I felt that it helped me develop patience and understanding for how children are developing into their own selves. From doing practicum I have also noticed that I have enjoyed all the kids that have come to Merry Lea, which is great news for me! And I also think I will be able to tolerate my own kid one, which I never thought was possible.
From these practicum sessions I am discovering what I am capable of in the teaching world and I am learning how to deal with my fears and struggles. I liked the reading from the book in particular the fear chapter. Teachers really don't get as much credit as they should.
p.s I don't know how to make this my own comment so that's why I posted this reflection under the first post.
Although I can't really remember my bad teachers, I do remember my favorite teachers. I think that my favorite was Julie grade 5 and 6. For the 10 of us grads we were invited to Julies house for supper. She got over her fears and connected with us and put herself vulnerable. It was awesome.
ReplyDeleteI think that we do have to get over our fears, which involves knowing who we are. I know it sounds corney but I think it is more or less true. I think that I know myself. I know I can hear a song in my head or have an awesome impresonation, but when I try to say it out loud, it fails.
I also have had the feelings when some days are great and then the other days are bad and you just can't connect with anyone. And you feel like you did the same thing. AHH. Sometimes focusing on the good kids sucks for the bad ones or the opposite. Its hard to get a balance and having the best opportunity for all.
Rachel,
ReplyDeleteI think it is great that you have taken your fear head on and joined this program. I never had the fear of working with kids. I love kids! My family has told me for years to become an Elementary teacher, but I always refused. When I found this program, it combined two of my favorite things, being outside and hangin with the little ones. So cheers to you! We all have so much to learn and this will never end. I think we are always learning no matter how old or how much experience we gain.
Tanya,
I like that you can't remember bad teachers. It makes it more important and beneficial if we have those that are good and can be remembered then many bad ones and no good ones. I have had a couple GREAT ones, a few good ones, lots of good ones that were jerks, and then some REALLY bad ones! I think it is good that you know yourself, but I think you will continue to surprise yourself over the years. Especially in something like this. I feel like kids are really able to see who people really are and can teach us all something about life.
I agree with Sami. Tanya, it is good that you can't remember many bad teachers. I remember way too many. One nice thing about programming is that hopefully you will see yourself grow. I think you already have. You can hold a snake now!
ReplyDelete