January Volunteering

January was a superb month for volunteering! I try to volunteer in various settings with the youth so that I get as much exposure as I can when having a classroom of kiddo's on my own. 

The first week I was SO SO excited to be back in the north-end school that I was at before my practicum. I had to stop going there temporarily because my IFX happened, and then summer came working two jobs then last fall term hit. Nevertheless, I am extremely thrilled to be back there for this winter term! 

To sum it up in a sentence, kids read to me using the assessment Fountain & Pinnell. We read one-on-one so that I (the reading assistant) can scaffold them by correcting mispronounced words and asking them comprehension questions about the text. I read with children anywhere between grade 2 to grade 6, and I LOVE it. Unique opportunities like this provide me skills to adapt and be flexible with a wide age range of youth. Also, you can never read TOO much, can you? 

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I also volunteered with a good friend of mine at his parish. I helped deliver sacramental and confirmation preparation to both division I and II students. Again, I love the variation of youth I get to work with. I'm taking a class about teaching religious education to youth, and I feel that delivering church preparation aligns with what I'm learning in that class right now. 

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On a side note, this is why I LOVE and feel SPECIAL being an Education student! Unlike other programs (not going to name names of course..) most, if not all of my courses contribute to my knowledge that I can use in practical applications. I admire this because everything will always then come full circle. 

January Recap!

I can't believe it's already the end of January! I remember just buying new pencils and pens for the term to start. This term is different for me, and I am not entirely sure why!

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I'm in three classes only, which is super strange as every semester I take either 4 or 5. I originally was in 4, but I dropped one because I figured I didn't need it and I didn't want to add any more unnecessary stress. I only go to class twice a week - which is beautiful - because then I get to catch up with life on my other days off. I remember in first year going to class every day between Monday to Friday, and I just COULD NOT WAIT until the weekend. Having breaks in the middle of the week alleviates that stress! Plus, sleeping in past class time is always a bonus.

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In a nutshell, January flew. Course outlines were distributed first week and then we jumped into course content. I also volunteered at a school and at my friend's parish this month where I'll be talking about that in a separate blog post. I worked as always and met up with friends more times than average. Social life wise, I think it's as strong as ever as I've been able to meet and catch up various education and non-education friends! You can never have too many!

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What Was That? School Starts... Monday?

This holiday break honestly consisted of just work and sleep and watching an endless amount of YouTube videos. I did meet up with a couple of friends that I was grateful for their company. The eager beaver I am already bought all my textbooks even before the new year hit. My binder is put together with lined sheets and dividers and labels, it is beautiful. I emptied my University of Alberta clipboard and am full-on ready for classes to start. Of course here's a picture.

Already the 2nd day of the new year, my calendar in my bedroom does not function. I was planning to buy a calendar, but since I have two official school terms left, I thought I would ride the "student life" a little bit longer. I got a gift card from Chapters, and I know they have student-specific calendars, which I am sure they still have some... for 50% percent off. My kind of deal. 

This was my desk when I was studying back in December for finals and essays. It is completely messy, and nothing will change, even though it's a new year. I love having all my papers and books and research spread out because I know where (almost) everything is. This will foreshadow my teacher desk, but I do need to look into purchasing IKEA storage. IKEA trip anyone?!