Last Day In the 3rd Grade

Well, today was the last day; the last day for smiling faces and squeeze-hugs; the last day for seeing children's "light-bulb" face when they figure out the solution to a problem; the last day for listening to every student and getting to know them personally; and finally, the last day of sharpening endless pencils!


My experience in my 3rd grade host classroom was short, but one that I will never get. Some things were challenging during my experiences, but I loved every second of the experience that I got! I cannot wait to do more. This host classroom taught me a great deal of classroom management techniques, showed me how I am growing as a professional, and posed as a challenge to see if I have what it takes to be an effective teacher (and trust me, I think I can do it!).


During my last day, I gave cards to the host teacher and teacher aid and thanked them for allowing me into the classroom and helping me every single time I needed them. I brought in cookies for the kids and thanked them for being a part of my journey. Toward the end of the day, I was asked to stand in the front of the morning meeting carpet as each child went around and shared something that they will remember about me. I enjoyed listening to comments like "You are nice," "You always smile and make things I don't like to do fun," "You take initiative in the classroom," and of course from the girls, "You're pretty." I got to share personal memories I will keep of the students as well and it was a heartwarming moment for me.


Without naming classified information of the school, the staff, and the students, I would like to thank a few specific individuals. First off, thanks to the principal who helps maintain such a wonderful school culture and invited myself and other individuals from my college into the school. Secondly, thanks to the wonderful teacher and fellow staff who helped me out by showing me what it takes to be a teacher each and every day (and let's face it, all night too!). Lastly, thanks to my college professors who have shown me efficient ways of handling certain situations and constantly challenged me keep going and stay motivated as I experience the pressures I will soon have to face as a teacher. Thanks to you all!

My First Social Studies Lesson!

So yesterday at my host school, I was fortunate enough to teach a lesson about Mountains in the United States. It was overall a positive experience as the kids really enjoyed the activity I had them do. However, some complications were present. I was told by my host teacher that I would have a spot reserved for me in the afternoon in the computer lab since I incorporated technology into my lesson; the truth was, I had no spot reserved for me when I got there and the spots for the computer lab were booked.

LUCKILY, another 3rd grade teacher was nice enough to allow me to share the computer lab with her for a little while since I only needed to teach a small group of children. The downside was, I did not have the time needed to do my lesson plan. I ended up quickly having them read about the mountains in the United States and play a quick matching game to match facts with the correct mountain ranges. Then, I had them create their own mountain ranges. Sadly, I did not have enough time to conclude my lesson properly and ended up asking them whole group what they learned while I was walking them back up to their classroom.

They loved creating their own mountain ranges on the computer. They asked me if I could give them the website we used to send home with them. So that felt good to witness. The site I used has several features that focus on geography and other areas of the curriculum. It is a fantastic website to use when planning and doing lessons. I hope you click the link below to go to an explore the website I used. If you have any questions about where I went to have them make their own map or any other questions, please comment and I will answer.
http://www.mrnussbaum.com/