SUMMER! - ish...

We are FINALLY done with our first semester of Methods! It has been an amazing experience so far and we are SO happy to have a break from both our classmates (sorry) and schools. We learned so much about teaching, and looking back, this has been our favorite semester so far, mainly probably because we learned so much about teaching, unlike other semesters, where we will unlikely remember anything we learned. This semester, we learned about the age group we want to be teaching, what to do when we become teachers, and also what not to do. This year was unlike any other and gave us so much experience to take with us into Block B. Also, we might both get 4.0's this semester!!

Next up for me is taking two online summer courses to satisfy my lab-science requirements (blegh). We will be taking our next NM teacher content exam in June, have a student teaching portfolio to start this summer, need degree checks, and so much more before next Spring! Be praying we stay dilligent as we go into our last year (hopefully) of school!

On another note, we are excited about a couple more things this summer: 1) will be going to MVCC this summer as teachers! Well, more Steven than me probably, but either way I cannot WAIT to get there! We will be there for Session 1 with Leland and it's going to be different to be there as a married couple and not as counselors. :) and we are excited for 2) our 1st anniversary! We will have been married for our first year in August and have already booked our mini vacation! God has blessed with an amazing first year of love and marriage and we cannot wait to see what is in store for us next!

School may have temporarily ended, but we are still busy!

Learning

Lately, things at school have become really routine, which really tries my patience in my attempt to learn new things that will help me in the future. Although I probably shouldn't talk in specifics about what I'm doing or where I am or who I work with, I will say that I have been doing the same thing with students with a minor change for the past couple weeks. I am starting to get a little burnt out. :( I have learned that when I am a teacher (God willing), helping out college students that come to the profession will be something I will be so glad to do, knowing that I can help them learn so much from my classroom if I just take the time to teach them.

Another thing: I taught my first solo Science lesson in Spanish on Tuesday! The kids were engaged and a huge majority of them totally grasped the concept! I loved it, and although I was sick all night and morning before I taught, I was really ok with everything once I got started! It was really great knowing that if I can do this decently now, then it will just become that much better once I actually get my own classroom. I know I should probably be freaking out about my first classroom, but I am so excited to get to run everything according to my experiences.

I have also learned that communication is very important in a school setting. I have learned that regardless of that burnt out feeling right now for me, and a possible tension between me and the teacher that I am working with, it's not about me, it's about the kids. I will leave my personal problems and "grudges" outside of the classroom and still do my best to make sure they are learning at their highest potential. I have also learned to make a great impression on administration, whether or not they are holding a job opportunity for you. I have also learned to take opportunities that will make a lasting impression on the "higher ups" even though it may not be the most fun or cool.

I am not in the least talking down on my practicum. It is the most amazing learning experience I have been through in my college career, just has been really different than expected at times...

Hurry Up, Spring Break!

soooo...my mind is officially on Spring Break. Reading everyone from LCU and DC's posts about Spring Break is frankly a little depressing. I worked all day Monday and was really motivated and ready to finish out this week and move on to Spring Break as soon as possible. The school where we are doing our practicum is a year-round school so they have a 2 week Spring Break, starting this week. This leaves only classes at 10:30, which is great, and we get to sleep in! Weirdly I'm saying unfortunately...but unfortunately, our class yesterday was cancelled, and I wasn't working yesterday, which left a free day to do anything! We slept in, watched tv, had lunch, ran a couple errands, and went to the driving range! We basically got a premature Spring Break day...but that sadly means that I have lost all motivation for the rest of the week. I have two more classes and work Friday morning before we head out for a quick visit to both homes/golf courses. :) I am praying for motivation and for happiness as I go into the last couple days and classes before a MUCH needed break. I am so ready to to have zero assignments and much golf for a week!