TriniGringo: April 2010

Today marks the end of my one week internship at Bentley Elementary School and words cannot describe my experience there. It was one of the most fulfilling, rewarding, and priceless weeks that I've had in my academic career. What I learned this week about students, teaching, administration, and techniques - I could have never been taught in a classroom. It was worth the 5 vacation days I took from work to spend with 19 great children and 1 great teacher.

Monday could be described as the first day on any job. I was nervous and excited to start and get into the swing of the educational field. I observed most of the day and memorized names. By the end of day 1, I knew who the trouble makers were, who the slow ones were and I already had a couple favorite students in my backpocket! It was a great start to the week, and it only got better after that.

On Tuesday, I continued my observation of the teacher's teaching strategies, techniques and classroom management skills. I had to teach a few lesson plans so I was learning how to specifically teach adding fractions. When I learned math I was told "This is how you do it, so do it." Nowadays, teachers are looking for deeper understanding and even though I knew how to add fractions, I needed to learn how to break it down for a 8 year old to understand. By the end of Tuesday, I felt more confident to help the slow learners and gently remind the hyper kids to sit and be quiet.

Wednesday, I tried my hand at the front of the class. I went over bell work and homework. Total walk in the park. I started off with making them stand and stretch. This got them up and the blood flowing to begin the day. That broke the ice and everything went well. Teaching is kind of like a power trip! You're in charge of the class, you will do as I say, and do it now. Needless to say, I'm a natural at it!

Thursday was the big day! My lesson plan was to teach adding and subtracting like fractions and another teacher from my college was coming to observe me do so. Oh I was a wreck 10 minutes before it started. Broke out in hives and the whole 9 yards. But as soon as I got the class going and fed off the kids' energy - It was a breeze. The observing teacher said I did great; the kids were interested and motivated, I used manipulatives for the students who learn by touching and doing, and I made fractions fun. The only criticism she gave me was to not shout to quiet the students. I tended to raise my voice to get regain control and my tone only makes the kids more worked up. Easier said than done of course!

Thursday night was rough for me. I realized that this was going to be the end, and I didn't want Friday to come. I was very emotional and I boo-hoo'ed for a good 45 minutes around midnight.

By Friday, I felt as if I was a part of that classroom all year. The kids loved me and I loved each of them right back. I had them call me Ms. Danielle because I didn't think they could get Soo Yee right, and everything was Ms. Danielle this, Ms. Danielle that. How could you not love the attention and the fact that you're so needed and wanted. You naturally get closer to some than others, and I won't lie and say I didn't have absolute favorites. I would come home every night and tell Lee story upon story about what they did, what they said, how cute they were, and what fun it was to be there.

I teared up about 5 times Friday. The little things they did made me realize how much I would miss them and how much they came to mean to me within such a short short space of time. I got about 8 "We'll miss you, You were an awesome intern, Come back soon" cards from the girls which of course came with hugs too. When was the last time somebody at my office gave me a card to say how much they appreciated me..or even for my birthday for crying out loud. Never, and I've been there 5 years versus 5 days at Bentley.

During bellwork and home work review Friday morning, I told them today would be the last day and that Monday I had to go back to my real job. Devin (of course one of my fav's) said, "Ms. Danielle why do you have to go? Can't you stay and let Ms. Shroyer go instead?" I replied, "DEVIN..that's mean to say" and Ms. Shroyer said, "Thanks a lot Devin..." but I felt the familiar burn in my nose again by his request. Little things like that is what makes teaching such a great career.

I told Ms. Shroyer that she needs to put a webcam up so I can check into the class from work! I've gotton so used to their routine, that on Monday while I'm behind my desk again, I will know at 10:45 they would be on their way to P.E. and I could already hear Ms. Shroyer complaining about the noise in the lines!

Even though this was the last day of my wonderful intern, I know that it's not the last time I'll see them. I'm going there after work on Tuesday to attend the PTA meeting and will definitely keep my face around the school in case any job openings come up. I already knew I wanted to become a teacher, but this week only cemented that dream which would be a reality in the very near future..stay tuned!

Ms. Shroyer's 3rd Grade Class