"The only person you should try to be better than, is the person you were yesterday."
- Unknown
First of all, before I get into anything, Happy New Year to everyone! It has been exactly two months since my last post and I am quite disappointed with myself for not making time to write- especially when I’m learning so many new, exciting things on personal and professional levels. Picking up from where I left off in my last post, my teaching practicum at Vulcan Prairieview Elementary School was nothing short of challenging, enjoyable, and gratifying.
When I last wrote, I was teaching a wonderful Grade 5/6 class for over 2 weeks. With the immense support from my teacher associate, university supervisor, and other teachers in the school, I taught the Science unit: Evidence & Investigation and the Basketball unit in PE. (See Professional Portfolio for more details)
At first, when I discovered these were the units I was teaching, I honestly felt like I was having a mild heart attack... I was naively expecting to teach subjects I felt strong in such as LA and Art. Teaching Science and PE was daunting to me because they are subjects that I personally feel I don’t naturally excel in as a learner... so what more as a teacher? I mean, I didn’t even know what a basketball set shot was or chromatography, let alone teach them effectively to students! But with my TA’s unwavering faith and reassurance (even the students at some points...), I agreed to teach the units and told myself every day to just focus on giving my best.
Each day brought different challenges that I learned from and I am ever so grateful for the experience! On a personal level, I have greatly expanded my comfort zone and have become a more resilient, resourceful, and creative person. I have also grown professionally by improving my communication skills, classroom management, and collaborative abilities. These are things that I know I would not have learned otherwise if I did not push my boundaries and accepted challenges graciously.
Right now, I am in my second professional semester at the University of Lethbridge. I am taking four valuable courses that will aid me in my next teaching practicum from March-April. Outside of these classes, I enjoy being a part of the Education Undergraduate Society (EUS) as the Director of Member Services. I love meeting new people in the Education faculty, getting involved in professional development together, and simply sharing experiences. Also, I have recently joined the University Chess Club... and I am super excited about this! Despite my lack of mad skills, I absolutely love playing chess to develop my analytical thinking and because it is just so fun! One of my goals in my next practicum is to be involved and even start an extra-curricular activity such as chess, so I am glad to be practicing right now.
I know my next practicum in March will be even more challenging but I genuinely want that because that means I will grow and improve to be the best teacher that I can be. Among the many rewards in teaching, it is this that I truly value and wish to exemplify to my students when it comes to learning. For now, I can just prepare myself by being open to as many resources, strategies, and advice; which is a wonderful thing about being in this faculty- how support is always available when asked for.
Thank you so much for reading, please feel free to leave a comment or subscribe for blog updates. Stayed tuned for the next post! :)
When I last wrote, I was teaching a wonderful Grade 5/6 class for over 2 weeks. With the immense support from my teacher associate, university supervisor, and other teachers in the school, I taught the Science unit: Evidence & Investigation and the Basketball unit in PE. (See Professional Portfolio for more details)
At first, when I discovered these were the units I was teaching, I honestly felt like I was having a mild heart attack... I was naively expecting to teach subjects I felt strong in such as LA and Art. Teaching Science and PE was daunting to me because they are subjects that I personally feel I don’t naturally excel in as a learner... so what more as a teacher? I mean, I didn’t even know what a basketball set shot was or chromatography, let alone teach them effectively to students! But with my TA’s unwavering faith and reassurance (even the students at some points...), I agreed to teach the units and told myself every day to just focus on giving my best.
Each day brought different challenges that I learned from and I am ever so grateful for the experience! On a personal level, I have greatly expanded my comfort zone and have become a more resilient, resourceful, and creative person. I have also grown professionally by improving my communication skills, classroom management, and collaborative abilities. These are things that I know I would not have learned otherwise if I did not push my boundaries and accepted challenges graciously.
Right now, I am in my second professional semester at the University of Lethbridge. I am taking four valuable courses that will aid me in my next teaching practicum from March-April. Outside of these classes, I enjoy being a part of the Education Undergraduate Society (EUS) as the Director of Member Services. I love meeting new people in the Education faculty, getting involved in professional development together, and simply sharing experiences. Also, I have recently joined the University Chess Club... and I am super excited about this! Despite my lack of mad skills, I absolutely love playing chess to develop my analytical thinking and because it is just so fun! One of my goals in my next practicum is to be involved and even start an extra-curricular activity such as chess, so I am glad to be practicing right now.
I know my next practicum in March will be even more challenging but I genuinely want that because that means I will grow and improve to be the best teacher that I can be. Among the many rewards in teaching, it is this that I truly value and wish to exemplify to my students when it comes to learning. For now, I can just prepare myself by being open to as many resources, strategies, and advice; which is a wonderful thing about being in this faculty- how support is always available when asked for.
Thank you so much for reading, please feel free to leave a comment or subscribe for blog updates. Stayed tuned for the next post! :)
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