RCOE International Student Teaching Fall 08

When I stepped off the plane, there was a sign that said "Mind Your Head" at a low enterance. It was at this point, I knew I wasn't in America anymore. The only thing we use "mind" for is your own business, or as something someone is out of. Here, everything is minded: they have child minders, mind each others mail when out of town, and mind the other cars while driving. Also, what we call chips, they refer to as 'crisps', and 'chips' here are like steak fries, which is handy to know when eating out.There are many other differences, but those stuck out to me when I first arrived. Though we speak the same language, our vocabulary varies immensely.

Aside from language differences, I am blessed with the best host family I could ever ask for, and am at a school that is a great fit. I am teaching at Kill O' the Grange National School. They have Jr. Infants through 6th Class (pre-K through 6th grade), one class per grade. While here, I am the 6th Class (same as our 6th grade) assistant in the mornings, and art teacher/helper in the afternoons Monday-Thursday. Friday the art room is used for Music, so I am free to tour the country, or help in 6th class all day.

In 6th class I assist with Maths (they add the 's' here, to acknowledge all the different sections rolled into one: basic, algebra, geometry, etc . . .), English, the Christmas Play (casting and rehersals), and of course, art. Though it is out of my element, I am enjoying the experience of working in a standard classroom. The art room is definitely not the norm, and I have enjoyed the variety this opportunity affords.

As far as art goes, some teachers already have art plans built into their lessons, so I assist them during their art time. With others, I will work with the teacher to create an art lesson that coinsides with their other curriculum. Some of the teachers know what medium they want the students to use, and I go from there. It is really great to be able to work with the entire staff and student body, while at the same time working more indepth and getting to know the 6th class better.

This week I went with 6th class to a local observatory to celebrate Science Week. We learned about the moons of different planets, as well as telescopes, astronomy, and the science of computers and computer programs they use to calculate things happening in space. It was VERY interesting and I am so thankful for the opportunity.

Here are some pictures of the students and the classroom

6th Class at the Observatory
Some Students Drawing the Moons
The Art Classroom
The View from the Classroom