It's so weird to think that I'm almost finished with my first year of teaching. There are only 7 weeks left in the school year. Parts of me remember week 7 of school like it was yesterday, then again, it also feels like forever ago. So much has happened this year. I definitely think I've learned just as much, or more, than my students. (Sorry kids, a bunch of the things I tried this year were at your expense :) )
For the first few months of school I would drive home almost in tears (or in tears). My head was pounding from being frustrated and from raising my voice. I felt like a crappy teacher. I didn't know very many teaching strategies. People around school would mention all these acronyms and other terminology and I felt clueless. I felt like somehow I missed an entire very important semester of college. I would have internal battles because I knew this was what God made me to do, but I just wondered why I was so ill-prepared for the job.
There wasn't a specific moment that things changed. I didn't wake up one day and go to the perfect class. No, unfortunately nothing magical like that. But through much consistency and determination, things began to get better.
It's Spring Break this week and I've been reflecting on this year. Here are a few things I've learned and decided.
My classroom will always be a safe place where any student is welcome. I've had kids come and go. In the middle of the day I've had new students arrive at my classroom without any notice to me. I've set the culture in my room to be welcoming (despite how inconvenient it is to get new students). Now when we get new students, my other students are so excited and act like we're getting a new family member!
Don't keep doing things that don't work. This is very hard. I've put time into lessons and activities and when I actually go to teach them, they flop. The temptation is to push through the lesson, but I've learned to stop and try something new!
I've realized the importance to think before I speak. I know this is something parents teach their kids when they are in elementary school, but it still applies when you're a 23 year old. Things happen all throughout the day that require quick decisions and reactions. I've learned though, that my words are powerful. My students don't forget ANYTHING I say, and I'm one of the only positive influences in their lives. Boy, the pressure is on for me to be an exemplary model of unconditional love, self-control, acceptance.
I celebrate small victories, take photos like I'm a first time momma and allow time for hugs and cuddles. I share my life with my students and in turn they feel comfortable sharing theirs with me.
Here's to another 7 weeks! Praying that I say and do all the things God wants me to before I say goodbye to my babies on May 24!
For the first few months of school I would drive home almost in tears (or in tears). My head was pounding from being frustrated and from raising my voice. I felt like a crappy teacher. I didn't know very many teaching strategies. People around school would mention all these acronyms and other terminology and I felt clueless. I felt like somehow I missed an entire very important semester of college. I would have internal battles because I knew this was what God made me to do, but I just wondered why I was so ill-prepared for the job.
There wasn't a specific moment that things changed. I didn't wake up one day and go to the perfect class. No, unfortunately nothing magical like that. But through much consistency and determination, things began to get better.
It's Spring Break this week and I've been reflecting on this year. Here are a few things I've learned and decided.
My classroom will always be a safe place where any student is welcome. I've had kids come and go. In the middle of the day I've had new students arrive at my classroom without any notice to me. I've set the culture in my room to be welcoming (despite how inconvenient it is to get new students). Now when we get new students, my other students are so excited and act like we're getting a new family member!
Don't keep doing things that don't work. This is very hard. I've put time into lessons and activities and when I actually go to teach them, they flop. The temptation is to push through the lesson, but I've learned to stop and try something new!
I've realized the importance to think before I speak. I know this is something parents teach their kids when they are in elementary school, but it still applies when you're a 23 year old. Things happen all throughout the day that require quick decisions and reactions. I've learned though, that my words are powerful. My students don't forget ANYTHING I say, and I'm one of the only positive influences in their lives. Boy, the pressure is on for me to be an exemplary model of unconditional love, self-control, acceptance.
I celebrate small victories, take photos like I'm a first time momma and allow time for hugs and cuddles. I share my life with my students and in turn they feel comfortable sharing theirs with me.
Here's to another 7 weeks! Praying that I say and do all the things God wants me to before I say goodbye to my babies on May 24!
