I'm here for a student teaching experience. I know, I'd almost forgotten with all of the hubbub of traveling and such. But, there was no forgetting when I went straight back into the classroom this Monday!
This time around, I taught the Middle class (2nd, 3rd, and 4th class), which is approximately the same as 3rd-5th grades in the States. I have come to the decision that this is my favorite of the three classes. The Junior class is fun and they are super cute, but they are too young for me...but more on that in a bit. Senior class....well....more on them in a minute, too. (See what I'm doing there, creating suspense so you'll keep reading. Yes, I'm being deliberate about that!)
Anyway, back to Middle class. They are my faveorites for two main reasons: 1) They are by far the sweetest of the classes. They always greet me in the mornings like there is no one else they would rather see in the day, and they give me hugs and love on me. From this class, I have received cards and pictures. They are precious.
2) They are old enough that I can have a real conversation with them, but they are young enough not to have become super cocky. They know they aren't the oldest in the school yet, and so they are by far more humble because of it. Most of them also still have that desire to be in school, which is always nice for a teacher.
Before Easter II taught a lesson to this group on the American Revolution. It was similar to a lesson that I had taught previously to the Senior class. (See my blog, "Brilliant Lesson, Ms. Jones!") I replaced The Patriot with Schoolhouse Rock's "The Shot Heard Round the World"--a more appropriate clip for the younger ones. I also had to revise the lesson so that the content was appropriate for the age.
I do miss being able to ask the same types of critical thinking questions that I can ask the 5th and 6th class. Most of the Middle class students are not at the same level of analytical thinking as the older students. Since my style is largely focused on question-based discussion, I found that Ineeded to make this aspect more appropriate to them. However, my lesson went well. I had them draw political cartoons at the end of the lesson. These were very good.
On Wednesday, I did what I had been dreading since I got here: I taught Junior class. I have never felt that I was cut out to be a teacher of five year olds. I just don't know how to encourage learning with this group like I do with older students. I decided to talk with them about the United States.
I read a book called "America: A Patriotic Primer" that uses the ABC's to talk about different aspects, history, and values in the U.S. I had them predict what the next letter was going to be, and several of them really enjoyed this exercise. Then, in the end, I had them color a picture of the United States flag and write "America" at the top to practice penmanship.
Then today, I taught my last lesson for the week: an art lesson. My first three lessons had been great because they were history lessons and draw on my knowledge strengths. I was back in Middle class, and being a history-oriented person, I'm sure you can imagine that I wasn't going to let an art lesson get away without putting some history into it.
I decided that I was going to teach about Michelangelo and the Sistine Chapel ceiling. I talked about Michelangelo and who he was as an artist. Then, I showed them pictures of the Sistine Chapel. I told them about his scaffolding and how he had to paint either standing up and looking towards the ceiling or lying on his back. I had them tape a sheet of paper underneath their desks and lie on the floor. Then they painted like they were Michelangelo. The students really seemed to like the lesson.
Ok, back to what I was saying about Senior class. Being a pre-teen is difficult. In Ireland the 6th/7th graders are at the top of the school in age. They fully enjoy being the oldest in the school. Since the school is very small, about 56 students, the staff has decided to tive these students responsibility in helping out the younger kids. These students are funny and entertaining, and really sweet. They are smart too, doing math that is far more advanced than one would expect.
I can't believe that tomorrow is Friday, just a week before my last day, I fly out on the 6th. This trip has just flown by! I am going to miss Ireland and the school very much, a part of me is ready to be home. I'm in the process of filling out job applications and answering questions like "What teaching strategies would you choose to teach _____?" I cannot wait to have my own classroom.
Things to be look for in the next week: I'm teaching...yikes!!!!....science to the Juniors next week and the history of piracy two days to the Seniors.
Until next ime, may the sun shine warm upon your face; the rains fall soft upon our fields and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Junior Class working hard
Junior Infants coloring
1st class working hard
