Where has the past four months gone? As I reflect on them, there are many thoughts and emotions, I can hardly share them all with you – but, here is my attempt to take you inside my 2nd grade classroom at Whitnel Elementary School:
*There have been moments of frustration – having to teach even the simple task of how to read and follow directions. But without this skill the student’s progress could definitely be limited or squelched.
*Then there are those times when I am so excited to see the students have an
“ah-ha” moment, and that they finally get what we have been studying.
*Many days are filled with laughter - hearing them say something they have no idea what it means, telling silly jokes, or sharing an honest “at home” story.
*Inside my classroom I feel hopeful…many days you can almost see the wheels in their brains turning – trying to comprehend all that is being taught. It is awesome to think that what I am teaching will impact their lives forever.
*I suppose if I measured the strongest emotion or thought that I have experienced in the classroom it is “Love”. Seeing the student’s need for love, and being the one who can supply that need while they are at school, is very overwhelming. I sincerely want the students to do well…because I know their academic growth is the key to who they will become.
As my students learn, I, too, am learning and growing. Learning what works and what doesn’t and how to be the reflective practitioner! Hope you are having a great week – more details from my classroom will follow…
Blog posted by December writer Angela Steele, a 2nd grade teacher at Whitnel Elementary School in Lenoir, NC.
*There have been moments of frustration – having to teach even the simple task of how to read and follow directions. But without this skill the student’s progress could definitely be limited or squelched.
*Then there are those times when I am so excited to see the students have an
“ah-ha” moment, and that they finally get what we have been studying.
*Many days are filled with laughter - hearing them say something they have no idea what it means, telling silly jokes, or sharing an honest “at home” story.
*Inside my classroom I feel hopeful…many days you can almost see the wheels in their brains turning – trying to comprehend all that is being taught. It is awesome to think that what I am teaching will impact their lives forever.
*I suppose if I measured the strongest emotion or thought that I have experienced in the classroom it is “Love”. Seeing the student’s need for love, and being the one who can supply that need while they are at school, is very overwhelming. I sincerely want the students to do well…because I know their academic growth is the key to who they will become.
As my students learn, I, too, am learning and growing. Learning what works and what doesn’t and how to be the reflective practitioner! Hope you are having a great week – more details from my classroom will follow…
Blog posted by December writer Angela Steele, a 2nd grade teacher at Whitnel Elementary School in Lenoir, NC.
7 comments:
I see your students in the hall and they are so full of life and joy! Keep up the good work! You are a wonderful teacher and colleague.
Angela,
The reflection and understanding in this piece define you as a teacher who knows where the value of their profession lies. This knowledge will serve as your compass through your years as an educator and someday, after 31 years in a classroom, I hope you can find a young teacher such as yourself to once again put into words what you still feel daily. Here's to more learning ahead for both of us. THANK you for your gifts!
Karen Molter
TLN
Indiana
Angela,
Four months into your professional career, I'd love to hear your top five "things they never taught me in teacher ed" list! And anything you have to share with those who will follow behind you next fall!
I agree with Karen -- your insights and your heart promise great things for the children lucky enough to spend a year in Ms. Steele's second grade classroom.
I'm impressed that you are so enthusiastic at the end of your first semester in the classroom. By that point in my rookie year (17 years ago) I was an exhausted, teary bundle of nerves. Fortunately, for me and my students, I recovered and regrouped. I learned something at the end of that semester that I took with me for years. Now, I look forward to the Christmas break as a time to really assess what I'm doing in my classroom. The new year seems like such a great time to make adjustments and try new things (or reclaim old ones that are working).
Renee Moore
TLN
Mississippi
Angela, it astounds me that you, as a first year teacher, have the energy, focus, and talent to share yourself with the blogging world. Way to go!
Kathie Marshall (33rd year teacher):)
"Ah-Ha" another great teacher from Caldwell County! Keep up the good work. Your Local NCAE Colleague, Rob Gardiner
Angela,
I remember when I first started teaching and couldn't help but bore my friends with "stories from the classroom." Even now, nearly 10 years after I began in education, I can think back on a time with my kids and crack myself up laughing! Don't let those fun times fade in your memory. Always keep them fresh in your mind so when the frustrating times get you down, you can remember why you are there. There's nothing like being a teacher!
Best of luck to you,
Melissa Rasberry
CTQ/TLN
North Carolina
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