Goodbye 4th Year!

I feel that once I start school, I can't wait for it to be over. And then when school ends, I can't wait for it to start again. It's the irony of learning and University I guess! Last Thursday (my birthday actually!) was when classes finished. I only took 3 this term! CHRTC 380 (Teaching Religious Education to youth), EDPY 416 (Intro to Teaching English as a Second Language) and EDPS 410 (Law & Ethics). Although I'm not graduating this year with all my other friends, it's exciting to know I'll be back this fall to take just Art class and then my final practicum. And of course, wish all my fellow Education graduates success to new challenges! 

I'm not graduating this year (/sad face) because I decided to finish my degree with my practicum instead. Although it pushes me behind a semester, I also believed I wasn't ready to do my practicum last year either. Don't get me wrong; I love teaching and it is my honest passion doing it, but I needed something to regain myself. Time. 

I needed time to learn, grow and absorb more. I needed (and maybe still need!) to energize and regroup my thoughts and ideas. I wanted to connect more and build upon ideas. Looking back, I'm pretty positive I made the best decision for myself. And who knows? Maybe I'm not fully ready right now. I'll sure take this upcoming summer for more me time will help me even more. I think of the second practicum as a "9-week job interview" because essentially, it is. My evaluation means everything for me, and I'll be bummed if it's sub-par or just average. I hope to excel and to succeed even more with those little learners. Watch me ;) 

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. 

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?! 

 

Jumpin' on the Pinterest Bandwagon

For some reason, I feel as if I'm the last person who has ever heard or uses Pinterest. When I bring it up in conversations, my teacher friends especially will gasp or roll their eyes or tell me YOU HAVE TO USE IT. Of course, that's what I've been doing allllll Christmas break! 

I had it for a while now and started some "pins" here and there, but never got myself on it on a regular basis. Now, I'm starting to slowly ease my way, becoming this Pinterest Master. I honestly know why teachers (elementary ones specifically) use it so often! If you don't follow me (is that even the correct terminology?!), click here too! Or, just comment with your link I'll follow yours too.

This is me, literally.. 

(Some) Resources from EDEL 496

Here is a list of resources that have been introduced in the class, and which I have (or am willing to try) sometime soon! 

1. Waterlogue and Snapseed

One evening, someone from EdTech came to our class with a class set of iPads. We were required to come with a set of pictures that answers: What does "home" mean to us? Being the always-prepared-person that I am, I had about 8-10 pictures answering this question. We were introduced to two photography iPad applications to explore. I didn't use the iPads provided because I just downloaded the two apps we were going to use that evening on my own. 

Waterlogue -- a watercolor application that unfortunately costs money. I think I paid either $4 or $5 for it, but totally worth it because the photographs are pretty great. Simply upload your picture and choose which features you want to enhance your picture. Check out some of my pictures using Waterlogue! 

Mo:Le Restaurant in Victoria, BC

Water Harbour in Victoria, BC

Snapseed -- luckily, this app is free (I suggest you download it when you can)! Snapseed adds pretty cool effects to your pictures and has options to provide borders too. Similar to Instagram (which most of my friends have), but I think it's a tiny bit better with the options. It takes a little getting used to when using Snapseed, but after a day, you'll be a pro at it. Just like me! Check out some of my pictures using Snapseed. 

Mo:Le Restaurant in Victoria, BC

Water Harbour in Victoria, BC

2 Papyrus eBook

So, after we incorporated pretty cool effects to our "home" pictures, our professor gathered all our pictures into an online eBook! I used the Papyrus eBook resource just like my professor did, which you can use for yourself if you click here! Just sign up for a free account and you're good to go. 

I was absolutely amazed by this that I used this outlet of representation when I used this for my integration of multimodal project. I made an eBook of my Victoria trip back in Fall Reading Week! 

3. Puppet Making 

Here is a picture of my puppet we created! We had half a class to make a puppet. You're probably thinking, what's the point, right? In class, we discussed how "powerful" exploration is. Give a kid a box of lego's and tell them to build anything, which they will. Exploration, at such an early age, is so important to facilitate! Building a puppet showed us adults how key exploring an object or experience it. 

4. Popplet and Powtoon 

Okay, so I absolutely no nothing about Popplet or Powtoon. We had several opportunities for class presentations, and some of my peers used these approaches for presentation purposes! I'm trying to experiment (aka get away from the typical powerpoint) when presenting information. Have you tried these resources? Watching them in class it seemed much more engaging and aesthetically pleasing. 

Recap: EDEL 496

A required class is taking an EDEL 4xx class, where I initially was going to take EDEL 411 or 412. Things happened last minute, classes got cancelled and shifted so I decided, why not 496?! Right from Beartracks, it's called Group Project: Integrating Language Arts & Art K-6. This was also my night class for the term, where I usually take a night class to make it easier on myself when finals arrive. Going into the first night, I was extremely nervous about this because I did not know what to expect at all. I found no professor ratings about it and none of my friends took it either. I was going in blind!

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Did I also mention that this class was a combined undergraduate and graduate class?! Yes, so it was a combined class called EDEL 496/595. Intimidating, right? 

As the class went on, Wednesday evenings became easier and easier for me. I was honestly overwhelmed with the graduate students, but being the "social butterfly" I am, I connected with most of them. There was full-time or part-time or retired teachers there, literacy consultants, teachers who taught abroad, etc. I mean, I was figuratively swimming in a pool with people with tremendous amount of knowledge and experience. Why should I be overwhelmed by this when I can use this to make meaningful connections? #useyourbrains 

The evaluation component is somewhat complicated to explain. To make it simple, there was an integration project using multimodal literacy, a major essay and participation marks. However, it branches out into further marks or points for assessment. I'd rather not talk about it, BECAUSE, in this class I want to highlight what I loved and learned and what I'll be walking away from it.

Sometimes, EDEL 496 didn't even feel like a class! I felt the evening, at times, was a PD session to learn and immerse ourselves into an art environment. We did self-portraits one evening, which was new for me as I'm not into art as much as some of my peers, but do check out the progress I made throughout the term! (And don't make fun of my eyes and hair haha!)

September 2015

December 2015

In another post, I'll brag about the amazing resources we used in the class. From my five classes this term, I was exposed to SO MANY outlets of representation that I cannot fit all my knowledge into this one post. EDEL 496 focused on integrating art and language arts, and because of that I want to share what I learned to you! A big thank you and shout out is needed to all my peers and my professor!

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Recap: CHRTC 103

I am so grateful that I took not one, but TWO CHRTC (Christian Theology at St. Joe's) classes this Fall Term. I don't know if you guys know, but my plan is to finish my B.Ed with my Certificate to teaching Catholic Education. I feel that it will help me with applications and jobs, plus I really do want to teach in a Catholic school district. I took CHRTC 250 back in 2014, I finished both CHRTC xxx (which is my 103 Happiness class) and CHRTC 100 this term, finishing with one last class next term! It's P-R-etty exciting, let me tell ya.

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If you're interested in that Catholic certificate, click here to find more information about it!

Okay, so CHRTC 103 is called Introduction to the Roads of Happiness. Ya, I see those eyerolls already, don't give me those. I remember I was late for this class on the very first day (yikes!) and it was a smaller class too, I think about 12 people in it? It is definitely a worthwhile and truthfully, one of the best/better classes I recommend to take at the University. Here are my top three favorite things about this course.

1. Okay, so the breakdown of the evaluation components is simple: 3 papers (which I did very well on, pat on the back for me is needed) and a participation/discussion mark. The three papers, I felt was more of a fair and authentic approach to appropriately assess our understanding about the course of happiness (which I will touch later on!). There was no final exam, instead it was a final paper (thank you thank you professor) which I felt was my strongest paper yet. *giving myself high-fives*

2. So my first favorite thing, if you haven't already guessed, is the assessment. It was pretty easy, as it should be for a 100-level course. My second favorite would have to be coming to lecture! Who knew that coming to lecture could be SO refreshing and helpful? (I did actually..). The style of the class was considered a "semi-flipped classroom" meaning we would have to do discussion forums before coming to lecture. That way we would be already somewhat familiar with the topics going to be addressed. The forum discussions were straightforward, reply to the question then reply to a classmate's post.

The lectures, didn't even feel like lectures, more "class discussions". Starting the second week people didn't even write things down (only if it was important for the papers). It was more of a "period where we shared our feelings and applications of the given content" kind of a class. Worked for me since I looooove to talk.

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3. My last thing I want to highlight is the CONTENT! (Aka what we learned). Is it possible to walk away from a class a better, happier person?! Because each lecture I felt that. It wasn't weird, but it was refreshing to feel, almost like therapy. 

Our textbook was amazing too, it's called The How of Happiness by Sonja Lyubomirsky. I highly suggest you check this book out, it discusses myths about happiness and ways to cultivate happiness long-term, for example. It's a very quick read too, and who knew a book I would read for efferent purposes could also be used for aesthetic reasons. (That's my literacy vocabulary coming out... sorry).  

Not only we explored key terms such as happiness, gratitude and love, but also saw the other side of the mirror by analyzing negative words like acedia, lust, depression and sadness. Our amazing professor used eye-opening videos and photographs to deepen our understanding. It was honestly, an overall amazing class. Take it. 

Also, during the last class, each student took markers and wrote words that mean or relate to happiness. I won't post those pictures now, but I will soon. It's truly inspiring! 

Recap: EDEL 335

Well since my last final, for EDEL 335 is tomorrow, I would much rather talk about it than study for it. Totally works in my mind, doesn't it? EDEL 335 is the curriculum and pedagogy focusing on social studies, and let me tell ya, it was an adventurous up and down, down and up roller-coaster ride for a majority of the students. We were the only class this term where our professor came from the west coast teaching us too for his first experience at the University.

The main textbook is called The Anthology of Social Studies: Issues and Strategies for Elementary Teachers where I felt reading it throughout the term has not only shaped my instruction about social studies, but honestly for all elementary subjects. The chapters are short, it is very relevant for teachers today and provides a great amount of insight for educators. I'm pretty sure I won't sell this textbook because I actually found it as one of the best teaching resources for a pre-service teacher! Some of its chapters include proper assessment, unit/lesson planning and correct evaluation of incorporating resources in a social studies classroom.

Since my final is tomorrow and I am not terribly worried about it, I'll briefly outline the summative components of this course. The two main assignments included an evaluation of teaching resources (10 in total) and a unit plan consisting of 8 to 10 lessons. Both of these major assignments were due about a week apart at the later half of the term, closer to the end of November. All of us were put to the test handling how were we able to even survive this, just because I felt that a little more time for both would have been appreciated. Looking back, it was fine to say the least, though with 4 (or in my case 3) other classes, late November/early December was one of the craziest times regarding assignments this term! After tomorrow, it will all be done. 

We learned a lot in this class actually, our professor is very passionate about social studies and it was evident in his lectures. There are two favorite things I liked about this class:

The first is how our professor incorporated cooperative learning strategies into his instruction. Similar to Kagan Learning Strategies (which by the way I have bought the full book and am planning to read!), able to see it being put into practice. Examples included using Four Corners, Hand-Up Stand-Up Pair-Up and Placemat Activity that were used in class. This helps me to see if these strategies will work in the future for my students or not. 

The second thing which I admired was my peers. Not until November is when I started to "branch out" and talk to different people about things not just relating social. Whether it was seeing then at the library, or at the cafeteria or just in the hallways, every time I initiated a conversation they would too and who would've known an hour has already passed! This one of the few classes where I know the vast majority of my classmate's names and able to recognize their faces. The last day of classes a majority of us when to the on-campus pub to relax and had a good time before finals hit. It was nice to see everyone outside of class and proves how pre-service AND service teachers are the friendliest. 

I Swear, I'm Not Dead!

June 27 was my LAST post, and right now it's September FIRST. That's basically two full months with no blogging. I highly apologize for that, it's been an insane summer! No lie. That, of course, I'm going to share with you all, and then some. 

Seriously, I feel ridiculously awful that I haven't blogged in so long. I guess working at a library is SOOOOO draining. Hashtag not. I think because working two jobs, planning a BC trip and preparaing for fourth year is lots to juggle. 

I started this blog to reflect and share. The experiences I go through, I want people to listen, to engage and to contribute. With that said, I will, yes WILL, as in commit to actually blogging this time. Topics will include recaps about 

- Summer job at the library

- BC trip 

- Orientation 2015
- Senior Year University
- Other...haha

I'm not sure which I'll start first within this next week. You'll just go with the flow anyways. I'll show pictures (beautiful ones, not blurry) and also share what I've learned. As always, teachers are constantly learning. Today was the "official" first day of University, though, since I don't have classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays tomorrow is my first day!

I should go, and start collecting some pens and paper for notes. I promise I won't be MIA! 

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April, really?!

Oh man oh man, I can't believe today is APRIL! Sure doesn't look like it. Look at what Edmontonians have to suffer. 

Backyard

Our Lawn

I guess Mother Nature was more like "April Fools, it's actually not Spring yet, so here's wind, rain and snow all to start off your April!" Yaaa, no. Not cool MN. I'm pretty bummed that Spring Break does not fully have "spring", (as the name suggests) weather. Can someone just magically transport me to Mexico please and thank you?

Yesterday, I dropped off my forms for my summer job! And since it's a bit of a drive to go there, I ended up exploring around (so that I'm already somewhat familiar what's around -- walking distance wise prior to my first day!). I walked to the mall, visited Target and then found that the Education Station is a 5 minute walk away! I've always wanted to go there, but never had the time too, until yesterday! I spent I think 45min-1hr just browsing and a nice staff member gave me a tour of the place. It. Was. Amazing.

I can't fathom or describe how the Education Station is like a teacher's pot of gold. They have basically everything, from borders to games to workbooks, you name it! Everything was organized usually by subject of age group and I just was imagining how my future classroom was going to look like! I'm serious, they even have SMELLY STICKERS! My favorite is the pizza one!

What's YOUR favorite smelly sticker?

Have you ever been to the Education Station? It's the best, for future and current educators. Throughout my summer job, I'm sure I'll be a frequent customer!