But there was something going on that made me uncomfortable. Rather than listening and trying to learn from what was being said, people were quick to dispute one another. If I didn’t know any better, I would have to say they were actually trying to prove each other wrong. I understand that we all have our opinions, but I don’t think this is a debate where having your argument win is the point. If anything that just counters everything that we are trying to do.

Maybe if we listened, and really listened, we would realize that we’re all right. We all want to help our students, and if awareness is the first step towards change then what’s the point in having tunnel vision? If we keep that up then we all lose.

Good thing this was only our second class. Us newbies have got a lot to learn!

I, Ms. R, am guilty of not blogging in a really long time. Thank you for the push, Mr. G! The biggest reason I haven’t written anything is because student-teaching and classes have been kicking my butt… with a steel toe boot. We’re all busy though, especially this time of year. (I’d just like to add that 70 degree weather in December doesn’t feel right. Boooo global warming. Booooo.)

I’m also guilty of wanting to post but deciding not to. Sometimes I start to feel that its not profound/inspiring/revolutionary enough. I’m very thankful for our readers (hi guys!), but sometimes I do feel the pressure to make every post AWESOME. I don’t know how that happened. Its not like people are saying “Hey, every post you write must change someone’s life.” I gotta throw that mindset out the door. I’m just here to share my adventure, so profound/inspiring/revolutionary or not, that’s what I’ll do

Yesterday I crashed and burned. Ironically, it was the first time I was had to turn in a formal lesson plan so I thought (silly me), that things would run even smoother. I don’t know what happened exactly, but somewhere in the middle my kids started fading fast and misbehaving. I wanted a walkie-talkie so I could scream “Abort! Abort!” and wait for someone to come and extract me, but no. I did consider mouthing the words “HELP ME” to my master teacher sitting in the back though…

After the lesson I thought about what went wrong. Maybe the topic was just boring? I mean, how exciting is California’s climate and vegetation anyway? Nah, ANY lesson can be spiced up. Maybe I didn’t plan enough? Maybe the kids were just tired? What else could I possibly blame? NOTHING. I can’t blame anything, really. I tried, my kids tried, but something just didn’t click. It was a great learning experience though! (Isn’t it great how that can always be used to make a horrible experience something positive?) I really did learn a lot, and for that I’m thankful. There’s no avoiding it -you are going to have some of these days.

It’s all good though.

Thank you, universe, for reminding me that this is NOT EASY!

student: h…e…r…

me: Oh wait. Well that one’s a tricky one…

Darn you English language.

Oh and this is beside the point, but eating in the teacher/staff room is so weird. I feel like I should be playing 4-square outside…

Student teaching starts on August 25 and similar to Miss S, I have yet to know my placement! Will I get the cute little first graders? …Or maybe the tweener sixth graders? Who knows. What I DO know is that I’m preparing myself the best way I can -by simply enjoying my two weeks off. I mean, technically I am a student, so I feel entitled to enjoy my summer vacation just like the rest of us. Don’t worry, I’m not a slacker. I like to think there is a fine line between slacker and person-who-has-fun-when-there’s-no-school. Once I know my placement I’ll get crackin… I promise. So rest assured, the future of California’s children is in good hands. (Really!)

Here’s a little conversation between my brother (who is also a teacher) and me:

E: Morning. What are you up to?

J: I just passed Final Fantasy Two!

E: Final Fantasy TWO? I’m glad you’re making the most of your summer vacation..