EDUC 490
When I started my teaching journey, I thought MGA Elementary was my only home. This safe space. This niche I grew up in. It is where I connect so many happy memories of my childhood and my dad. I wasn’t sure if I would fit the same way anywhere else. I was kind of scared to try.
My win for the week happened on Tuesday of my second week. I was being a team player and helping to sterilize and organize the sports equipment. A job my dad did for years. It was in that action that all these memories of my dad working in a similar room came back. I realized I still feel all those happy memories while in a new school. I still feel a kinship to staff and could fit in outside of my happy niche. I was really nervous going into a new school this term. I am so happy I had the chance to. I am happy with my experience and look forward to finishing out this week with new hopes and possibilities.
I thought so much of my experience in school had to do with the space my dad created for me. This week I see that a big part of it is within me. I love schools. I love working with kids. I love learning new things and sharing ideas or stories. I enjoy the company of teachers as we are quite like minded and kid centered. Home is what you make of it.
I am sad to see this practicum coming to a close. I will miss this life. When I was finishing my last practicum I felt teary too. I asked, “How do you ever say goodbye to your students?” and was told, “You don’t, they’ll always be your students”
Some of my personal highlights during this practicum:
I was elated to have the opportunity to teach Gitxsan Language and Culture classes each Monday of my practicum. I wrote a children’s book titled “To Be an Artist,” which discusses the cultural and personal significance of Art within our cultures. I began my series with by reading this book and discussing some of the local artists mentioned within the story. I started an introduction to Northwest Coast Indigenous Formline artwork with the students, starting with the ovoid and expanding further with each lesson, until they created their final art piece. I had intended to have students create a salmon egg design, but as Christmas was already being discussed in our school, I opted to change it to a Christmas Tree bulb instead. These are some of the pieces created by my students. I taught this lesson series to grades 3, 4, 6, and 7.
I was nervous going into primary teaching, I had thought for sure that I was an intermediate teacher at heart, but I am so glad I had the chance to! I had a wonderful Coaching Teacher in Melissa McCreery. She has such a heartfelt and gentle way about her. She was absolutely loved by students and respected by staff. I enjoyed my time learning with her. I particularly enjoyed her use of Mind Up and thorough instruction on emotions and self-assessment/care. I enjoyed her incorporation of music throughout her day, many songs are a part of the daily routine. She actively engages with her students and does so on their level. I revamped my teaching style to match hers as best I could. Previously, I had relied a lot on digital lessons with videos and PowerPoint presentations, with this practicum I made the anchor chart my new best friend. I really enjoyed my time with her class. I am so grateful for this 4 weeks as it opened new doors for me as a teacher. I now see that I would love to be a Primary teacher.
EDUC 491 to begin January 25th, 2021.
