Almost Spring Break!

I cannot wait until next week for Spring Break! I'm so happy that I only have two mid-terms to take before the break, bt unfortuantely they are big tests. My favorite part of the week is Friday because I get to go into the classroom that I observe and interact with the students. Since my teacher is the language arts specialist for three sixth grade classes and three fifth grade classes, its hard for me to make a bond with any one particular class, but there are some students that I have gotten to work with that are so sweet. They are so happy when they get to have one-on-one attention and work with a grown up. Nothing feels better than spending the day helping the students with their writing and helping them with projects. I love it!

I was very surprised that my co-operating teacher didn't do anything Dr. Seuss themed for Read Across America Day on Friday. I think that since the children are older, she had to stick to her lesson plans, but the school was extremely decorated where I was. When I walked in, there were giant Dr. Seuss plants (I don't know what else they would be called) outside on the walls in front of the main office, and there were younger children wearing "Cat in the Hat" hats wakling in the hallways. They looked adorable!

My co-operating teacher is so good with the kids, and I am so lucky that she wants me to get super involved with them. I love being able to work with them and she offers me so many experiences to be in front of the class. I'm still a little nervous to do that yet, but soon I know that I'll feel confident enough to go.

This past Saturday, I attended a music teacher's workshop in William Paterson for my Fundamentals of Music class. I was surprised by how much fun that I had, but I felt that the workshop was best for the current music teachers that could apply everything to their classrooms right now. For me, I may not ever have the need to use those new techniques in my classroom, so I made sure that I didn't intrude or keep any teacher from being able to participate. It was fun to learn new songs and activities, and it was worth waking up early on my Saturday morning!