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? 

via GIPHY

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. 

via GIPHY

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. 

Did You Guess My 5?

Before I reflect back on the 5 subjects I taught during my practicum, I went to first off say two things:

1. It's M A Y, how is this possible!? I feel that 2015 is just soaring on by and can't believe it's already May. I hope it'll be beautiful weather until October and as I'm honestly tired of seeing rain/snow/snow/rain/snow/rain/snow. You know what I mean.

2. I finished wrapping up my volunteering with an elementary school that I started back in October! I had this week completely off until I start FT work next week. Soo this past Monday, Wednesday and this morning I was at that school individually reading with the students. Specifically, with the higher grades! Despite the lengthy drive, I love going there because the kids are wonderful, the staff are great to be around the my coordinator is an amazing mentor to learn from!

My very last kid I read with this morning, absolutely loves Minecraft. It's his (healthy) addiction! And so, I was hoping that we would minimize the conversation of Minecraft and more towards the books we were reading. With about 7 minutes left in his time slot, he didn't want to read another book. Instead, I asked him "could you draw on the board what your favorite part was from the book?" This is what he drew:

The book we read was about 2 mice -- a city mouse and a country mouse becoming friends and enjoying each other's company. I'm sure this picture depicted that exact message. ;)

Starting the weekend I'll blog about each subject I taught and will describe my favorite thing about it! Oh, get out your list -- let's see who's right!

In alphabetical order, I taught health, language arts, physical education (gym), religion, science. Were you right!? Doubt it..

Orientation for Orientation

I was so busy throughout the Orientation training today that I didn't even snap a picture, so this one below is courtesy of my friend Ms. L! 

This is my 3rd time volunteering with the UAlberta Orientation program as an Orientation Leader that I'm so stoked to work with the group of OV's (Orientation Volunteers) I'm assigned! 

Being a part of this amazing program I can see the skills and attributes correlating into being a(n awesome) teacher. As there are certain positions within Orientation, as an Orientation Leader I know that I'll be leading new students around, showing them the reasons why UofA is the best institution they have chosen and "educating" them about campus.

In relation to teaching, being an OV you also have to be energetic, enthusiastic and model leadership-like qualities. Which in my mind, having done it twice previously and once more this year will help strengthen my teaching abilities. Also, I love Orientation as it's a great way to start off my academic school year! Plus you meet a bunch of new friends!

See You Later Volunteering!

Due to my practicum starting this Monday, I finished (for now) two of my volunteer experiences today. Super bittersweet. I understand that I don't get paid for my time going to the schools, but it's the students, teachers and support provided that honestly helps me in realizing why I want to be a teacher.

This morning I was at the school where I read with various children--aging from grade 2 to 6. I read with a grade 6'er, telling him that I was going to be a student teacher for his grade and asked him to give me advice. Honest advice. He told me the following

- "Watch out for the silly kids"

- "There's always going to be drama"

- "Most either cry or get extremely sad"

At grade 6, really?! I told him that this sounds like grade 2, but then he told me his reasoning and it became more clearer to me. It was cool that he gave me honest, honest advice when teaching a group of his own grade because other than me, who's more of an expert in a grade than a student in that grade itself! 

And then there was this 3rd grade girl who was magnificent in her reading! I could tell right away. She told me that she absolutely dislikes Frozen. Yes, a child who does NOT like Frozen. Is this real life?! She mentioned that she dislikes the singing and Elsa and Anna, but concludes that her favorite character is Olaf. OLAF MAN! Furthermore, she told me that during reading Jack and the Beanstalk she does not want to live in a castle as a princess because she dislikes dresses, wearing them and seeing them. THIS GIRL IS GOING PLACES. And to top it all of, she wants to be a teacher. A TEACHER!! So unique this child is--surreal to see it up front.

My afternoon then consisted of helping out with an in-school field trip with a group of Kinders! These guys are so interesting to observe as they have no filter... which I love! I helped them with glass art which was cool to create!

It seems like I'm a 'student teacher' already at these schools, but I'm not. Because of my practicum, I won't be back till maybe September or even January at the schools. It's nice to reflect on back on these volunteer experiences because as I previously mentioned, they help me realize why I'm doing this teaching profession for. Not a goodbye, but a see ya later!

First 2015 Post!

Yep, here it is! I finished my first week of winter term. Were you thinking that 2015 is finally here? Well that's here too. I'm not one for new years resolutions, in fact I give that awful look to people who says stuff like "new year new me" or "20xx will be my year". Stop. You're doing favors for no one. 

It's been a week or two since I've blogged! I think that's because I worked a lot, watched a ton of TV and just finished my first week of school. It is so refreshing to have class from Monday to Thursday, that means I have Fridays to relax. Actually, not really since it's volunteer-with-elementary-kids day. Fridays actually make it fun for me to look forward to! 

All my courses this term are condensed, aka are 8 weeks longs because of my IFX. IFX = Introduction Field Experience = first student teaching practicum!!! We start in middle of March, but we have 3 observations days starting this month. School just started this Monday and we already have school visits. I even just finished my letter of introduction to my (future) mentor teacher! I'm actually so excited, but nervous, and hesitant, and worried, all at the same time. I'm sure my emotions will get jumbled into each other the closer I start my practicum. But right now, I feel content. Though I'm sure it's going to be a new emotion every day. Who knows?

This term I'm taking science curriculum, music curriculum, assessment class and a seminar for IFX. I'll try (at least) to update about my courses as I think they are critical to know as teachers. Also, upon entering my practicum I hope to stay on top of my blogging and I would love to share my experiences here. With that said, stay tuned! 

Volunteering at School Number 3

So this morning I finished up my third and final school volunteering for the rest of the year. Pretty bitter-sweet I must say! This elementary school that I go to is in the north end, so it's the farthest in driving (time-wise and distance-wise) out of all 3 of my schools. I work with these kids, where I pull them from their classroom to read to them 1-on-1 for about 25-30 minutes. Well, I lied. They actually read to me for their designated reading period. Specifically I work with grade 2-3's and one in grade 5 with their reading. The coordinator, Mrs. P is so patient, understanding and helpful that she gave us (there's 3 volunteers) each a holiday card with chocolate and a Tim's gift card this morning. If you don't know what to get me at all (for my birthday or a graduation gift or whatever), you can never go wrong with a Tim's card.

I also forgot that today at the school was PJ day! Yes, the expectation of pajama's to be worn by students, staff and others were highly emphasized. As former high school president and active member of the school community, how could I resist? So I brought my plaid H&M pajama bottoms to wear. What surprised me the most was that every kid, and I mean every child was not wearing pajamas but also their printed one-sies, carrying around their stuffed teddy bear and/or wearing (I think?) their bedhead. I love it when schools participate in theme days, especially because it's all the more fun for the teachers! No really, one kid who read to me had on hot wheels pajama bottoms and sweater. Now that's pretty wicked.

Volunteering at School Number 2

So today I wrapped up my volunteer experience for the second school I go to! It's located in the south side where it's not an elementary school, rather a junior high school. Instead of working with mainstream junior high kids, who are (ahem) a tad bit annoying and frustrating preteens who deserve all the attention necessary. Kidding, (maybe). I actually work 1-on-1 with students who are new to Canada, learning English for the first time. Mr. E, the teacher who teaches that class has been an excellent role model and teacher for these newcomer students. What is cool is that I work with all kinds of students from all over the world, and each one brings a little bit of uniqueness and understanding towards the Alberta Curriculum. I can't wait to return back to the school!

I've been with this school since my very first University semester, so I have loyalty towards not only the school, but the class and to Mr. E. Yes, that means I've known that school atmosphere, its staff & students for about 3 years! I also love how that he gives me the harder subjects to work with his students (ie. chemistry or mathematics) because he trusts my educational background and passion for seeing these students to succeed academically, despite their language barriers. That's what I want for my students, essentially, to succeed. Regardless of any barrier or adversity that my (future) students will face, I really want to ensure that they are given a variety of tools and resources to become successful in their academic career.

Therefore, this post is a shout-out to the hard-working Mr. E! Because even though he appreciates all of us volunteers coming into his classroom working 1-on-1 with his newcomer students, I appreciate his patience and knowledge that he passes along to me, knowing that I'll be a teacher in the future myself. It's extremely useful and gives me a perspective in the teaching career, despite teaching elementary or secondary students. 

Wanted: Blogger Tips & Volunteer Experience 1

So I'm fresh fresh fresh FRESH "off the boat," with this blogging fanatic. I'm trying, yet struggling a bit. Kidding, though, but I feel that I'm still so new to this blogging thing. I kind of think of myself as Anne Frank, only male, and a future teacher and writing electronically... and not in danger. All jokes aside, if any of my experienced friends could give me 1 of their most valuable tips or tricks or advice about blogging, I would very much appreciate it!

Also, if my friends know me well I volunteer at not one, not two but three different schools. I know, I must be insane. Yesterday, I volunteered at an elementary school, specifically a kindergarten class with Mrs. W (for privacy settings and respect of confidentially, all references to other people will use a different name). Mrs. W is such a fantastic teacher who is both, directly and indirectly, teaching me her wise words of wisdom and knowledge. Yesterday was the last Friday I'll be in her classroom helping until 2015 due to next week I still have a final (yes, just one more!). In a nutshell, I help out Mrs. W with tedious tasks such as cutting & gluing projects and with table centers. These tasks I'm given help me realize the "behind the scenes" administration duties a teacher must do while graciously helping her out. Her students are the greatest, and I can't wait to see them again in 2015!