Today was sort of an unremarkable day- it was as if we had already settled into our routine, the kids knew each other, and the rules and expectations were old hand. There are still kids who are "too cool" and feel the need to disregard what is going on in the classroom and do their own thing, but for the most part we had a good day.
We started out with our morning meeting. The kids had their first chance to greet one another by name and with eye contact and they ROCKED it! Of our 17 kids, only one of them had to ask what someone's name was, and it was my name they had forgotten. I was so proud of their ability to remember one another after just a half day of being a class. After our MM, we went out on the playground to talk about some playground rules. We let the kids play for a while afterwards because, frankly, it'd be pretty mean not to.
The class went to PE and music, and then we did an activity called "Hopes and Dreams". I was a little worried coming into this activity because sometime activities like this result in ideas like "I want a DSi." or "I want to be the best video gamer ever." After some concrete modeling, we let the kids work. I was impressed by some of their responses. We made the parameter that they had to choose two school-related ideas and one non-school related idea. Most of the students got down at least three ideas. Tomorrow we will revisit this idea and refine our ideas.
After that, the kids went to lunch and recess. When they got back, we had about 20 minutes for quiet time. Each child has an "Anything" folder and an "Anything" notebook that they can use for absolutely anything. They can draw, write, or do math. Some worksheets and activities are provided, but for the most part, the kids use this as their time to do what they like best. Many students drew pictures today, but two boys asked for math problems. Both of them are incoming 2nd graders that sheepishly asked my CT and I to write out math problems for them. One boy, K, absolutely relished in the math problems I gave him. Even when I tried to be tricky and give him a story problem, he got it done in about 30 seconds. He didn't show any work, though, so I talked with him about how it's important to show what his brain is thinking in case he didn't get to the right answer.
At the end of the day, we did our second house activity. Yesterday, we did the "friend bingo" scavenger hunt, and today we (attempted to) play a game called Crows & Cranes. It is similar to sharks and minnows, where the students are split into two groups and take turns chasing after one another. The kids were crazy and not listening during directions, so we had to call them back in to review them one more time. Needless to say, the day was done and we only half played the game. Maybe day two was a little too early for this one.
Tomorrow is our first full day of school! The weather is supposed to be less hot (thank goodness) so hopefully we aren't all melted by the end of the day. It will be interesting to get a whole picture of what the day is like and how energized the teachers and the kids stay. I made a Target run and purchased coffee and filters... my first iced coffee will be happening tomorrow morning! I have also been hunting for a job to have for 10-15 hours a week while I'm student teaching. I had an interview with a local KinderCare center that went really well last week. I hadn't heard from them, so I called today to follow up. They are in the process of calling my references and submitting my information to corporate- so hopefully as of next week I'll be employed.
I'm off to get a lift in before the night is over. Also- I get to go home and see my honey in TWO DAYS! Let's hope the next 48 hours fly by.
Brittany :)
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