Favourite educational quote and edited selfie!!

Technology

The technology was pretty readily available at the school I did my student teaching at. There were two laptop carts (25 computers per cart). They are also in the process of getting an iPad cart (25 of them). Each classroom has about 4-5 computers. My classroom in particular had four. I think that my CT could have used technology in a much better way, being way more effective. My CT was very "old school". He actually criticized me for using the SmartBoard too often....

Pre-service teaching

How fast did these past five weeks go by?! It was a whirlwind of emotions, but a great experience. There were many conflicts with my CT and a few rough patches, however I learned more than I thought I would! My FS was great and extremely helpful. The kids were challenging but awesome. I created good bonds with many students and hope I made an impact on others. 

Through coaching the girls grade 7&8 volleyball team, I connected with students that I don't think I would have if I didn't coach. I really enjoyed it and am continuing to coach until the end of the season. I definitely hope to get the chance to coach in the future!

7 days left!

Well it's the last week of classes before student teaching..yup, seven days..

With exams and presentations coming up all over the place, it's nice to have the ICT class to release stress. I find that allowing creativity to flow also allows stress to flow out of one's mind. The ICT class is a different style of learning, not like the lecture/pen and paper style of classes which we usually take. This type of learning really appeals to me, I think I succeed in these types of situations. I like that ICT lets you express yourself in various ways and there isn't necessarily a right or wrong answer. 

Concluding this week, I look forward to student teach for the next five weeks. It will be both exciting and a huge challenge.I have heard from a fellow Ed student that I should be expecting the worst.. This student had the same cooperating teacher as I will have in a few days. His experience was terrible, as the teacher took a five week vacation during the placement. This is my biggest fear, but something that I think will be my biggest learning experience. I am I'm sure after the fifth week of being in the classroom, I will be running through the Ed doors to come back to class! 

We'll see what happens...

Pixlr

I had never used Pixlr previous to yesterday. It is surprisingly easy to use. I think it would be a great tool to use in the classroom. It would be ideal for students to use in expressing opinions in subjects such as English. I have used photoshop and various types of photo editing tools, which I really enjoy. I think it's a great way to get creative and I think there is huge potential in using visuals in a classroom. 

As a teacher, I really want to strive to use a variety of teaching strategies in the classroom. I personally think that simply lecturing is boring. I like interactive learning, and I think kids are much more likely to be engaged and successful when exposed to different styles of learning. Hopefully I can integrate Pixlr into my lesson plans in the next few weeks!

Websites

Good news.. I actually really enjoy making websites! I just finished mine today, "Ms. Korman's Phys Ed". Weebly was a super easy site-builder to use, I highly recommend it! It's a very easy navigation system and everything is simply click and drag. From someone who has never built a website, it is definitely something I would use in the future. I can't compare it to other sites, as I've never tried any other ones, but I think it's awesome!

New Outlook

Well, week two into classes and they're slowly getting better! Thank god! I'm getting into a routine of homework, time management, and thinking on the fly. Slowly but surely improving!

Tonight will be my first hockey practice in four years, so if I can't walk tomorrow and am falling out of my chair you will know why. As nervous as I am, I'm overwhelmed with excitement! It's going to be a blast. I'm looking forward to lacing up my skates and seeing how much talent I've lost. Let's hope I've still got it!!

Wish me luck!

A side note: I've discovered my juicer again today, very exciting news! Delicious and highly recommended!