So those of you who know me know that back when I was younger I swore up and down that I would NEVER EVER become a teacher. I can't really tell you why I ever thought that but I never thought that I could be a teacher. There are many teachers I had when I was younger that I can remember being very influential in my life and now being older I realize that they are all a huge reason why I decided that teaching was for me. I decided that I wanted to be just like them and teach and make a difference to children the way that they made a difference in my life.
Yesterday was my first time to do "Total-Teach" an assignment that required me to think, act, and become a solo teacher for today. A year ago I don't think that I would have been able to do it. Even last semester I was hesitant to d one or two lessons. So yesterday I stepped up to the plate and taught all day long. I know that I need to work on my self-confidence in the classroom and I need to not second guess myself and take charge of situations, but that is really hard to do in somebody else's classroom. I however have jut about the coolest, most down to earth, and helpful mentor teacher EVER! Not only have I learned from her and gained a lot of knowledge, but I gained a friend!
If you ever have a bad day and need to be cheered up go sit in a first grade classroom. No matter what you do, how bad you feel you have messed up these tiny humans are so loving and forgiving. When I walk into the classroom I am greeted by 21 smiling faces and hugs and unconditional innocent love. They are also some of the most funny children you will ever meet. For example, the other day my lovely teacher asked the kids to use their imagination and play a "movie" in their heads about what they were reading... in the most serious and innocent and depressed voices ever a little boy walks up to Mrs. Reinhart and solemnly says "Mrs. Reinhart my mind is black!!!!" "My TV doesn't work" he meant every word of it and he was so sad. These are the things I love, the things I look forward to, and the things I will miss next semester. I love getting to watch these sweet babies learn and watch them think and make decisions. I also love to paint and do crafts with them. Yesterday I got to teach a moon project and it was so much fun!!!!
I love my little first graders and my awesome teacher Jacque Reinhart! I have had such great experiences there and can't wait to see what is in store for me!!!
