Well, time flies when there is nothing to do but work! I can't lie
though, I have definitely spent 1/4 of the hours in the classroom this
year so far as compared to the amount of time I spent in the classroom
last year. Last year I was a first year teacher with a challenging
class. I was working hard to find my groove as well as discover ways to
keep my class in line, interested and out of each other's
faces for the better part of the day. Looking back now I am not sure I
could call myself successful, but I can at least say my first year was a
success. I SURVIVED. That is about as "successful" as I could get.
Don't get me wrong, I loved each and every one of my students in their
own ways. They each taught me something valuable about teaching,
learning and living. I took so much more away from that class in life
lessons than I am sure I departed on them, but in the end we all
survived and I feel like I could tackle anything now.
Teaching
Grade 2 for the second time around has definitely lightened the work
load as well. While I am not necessarily using the same ideas and
lessons verbatim, I am finding ways to improve upon and evolve my old
ideas and activities to better suit my new class and teach concepts in a
more hands-on way. These kids are far more used to the use of manipulatives
and explaining their reasoning and though processes. They are a very
articulate bunch who don't get shy at explaining their great ideas or
contributing meaningfully to classroom discussions. We share a lot at
circle time and I feel like we have built a really trusting, loving and
caring classroom community. All the kids are willing and able to help
one another which is a fantastic and heart-warming sight to see. They
take pride in their work and work hard too. I am really able to take a
step back and allow them to take more leadership in the classroom and
more ownership of their learning.
Since these students are an
independent group, I am able to take more time to facilitate meaningful
learning opportunities and careful observation. Asking deep and
open-ended questions reveals so much about they way these kids learn and
how to best address their needs. I can't wait for more independent
skills to start to sharpen and what creativity will flow out of my door!
On a side note, my favorite Wemindji sports and recreation employee has returned to Wemindji
to facilitate the Sports Academy program. Sam and her boyfriend Joel
are back in town and it is great to see her and I can't wait to spend
some of the long, cold winter nights laughing it up!
I also wanted to report on something you may have heard about recently on such reputable news sources as CBC and MSN.com. The Wemindji
Sasquatch. Yes, you read that right. Dozens of sightings have been
reported in the past and recently, a large set of footprints was
discovered in the bush in Wemindji.
This sent the community into a tailspin of drama and fear/hilarity.
The town seems pretty set on the existence of a Sasquatch and people
began retelling old stories of a Sasquatch (and more recently, his
family) traipsing around the Wemindji wilderness, living in peace alongside the residents. Google "Wemindji
Sasquatch" and you'll find roughly 2200 results! Incredible. Needless
to say I was a little worried when I went to go blueberry picking a
couple of times, scared I would find myself face to face with the hairy
beast. Maybe what broke into my house to eat my Cheerios those many
months ago wasn't a crafty squirrel after all...
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