Over already?

My first placement was a whirlwind. The days themselves seemed to pass really slowly, but by the time I would get home the last thing I wanted to do was type up my day, especially since I was already doing that with the observation notes and self-reflections that I had to do for homework. I feel like I failed in my chronicling duty, but I guess now I can give an overview of my entire experience without being repetitive.

During my two weeks of observation the school had track and field day, a fog day, a jersey day, and a 'be active' week. I got to see students at their very best and at their very worst. I was surprised to see students I had labeled as "sweet" be down right cruel the next day without batting an eyelash. Some kids changed faces so quickly I almost go whiplash. One thing is for sure, as a teacher you have to be constantly on your toes.

Overall, the students were great. They were friendly. They were (usually) very sweet. I had a great time at the school and have been invited back as a morning volunteer for the rest of the year, which I, of course, accepted.

I spent quite a bit of one on one time with the grade 4 student with the grade 1 ability in math and English that I mentioned in my first (and only...) post. She is a sweet girl and her story just breaks my heart. Yesterday she said something that left me completely speechless. She had picked out the book "Flight 29 Down" to read with her grandma at home because she watched the television show the book is based off of. Having also watched the show, I asked her about it and asked who her favourite character was. She told me it was the little boy, and when prodded to continue her answer she said it was because he was the smartest of them and that she wanted to be like that.

I expect that years from now after I've begun teaching for real, I'll still remember that little girl. She seems like one of those unforgettable students.