Just Another Week

This week was a short week but a very educational one for me.  The student that I have that has oppositional defiance issues was really out of sorts this week and it was rough for the students and all the teachers.  Today was the worst day.  From the start of the day he didn't listen and was just all over the place.  He didn't finish his work during stations and due to that, my mentor told him he had to go to study hall to finish it.  He refused, layed down on the floor and started kicking and screaming.  When the aid came in, my mentor teacher took the rest of the class to recess and we tried to get him up.  I went and got the guidance counselor and the student wouldn't get up for her either so the counselor and the aid preceded to pick him up and try to escort him to study hall.  When they started having trouble I had to go get a teacher that is qualified to work with this kind of issue to help but by the time we got back another teacher had him calmed down and was talking to him.  He finally walked himself down to study hall and continued to finish his work.  I had never witnessed anything like this before.  It was very eye opening for me and I'm glad I got the chance to see something like this happen so that in the future if I have similar experience, I will know what to do and how to conduct myself.  My internship is not only giving me the opportunity to grow as a teacher, but it is also giving a chance to broaden my educational horizon.

Kindergarten Tales

Last week was the first full week with students.  It was interesting to say the least.  I have a very rambunctious group of students:12 boy and 8 girls.  They are all good kids they just need some guidance and aren't used to the schedule of kindergarten life yet.  I have experienced my first exposure to oppositional defiance disorder.  Before this semester I had never even heard about it, but it really does exist and in my classroom as well.  The student has done very well though and we've been working with him so things are getting better.  The first few days were questionable.  Now he only has a few moments where he shows some defiance, but it's no where near what it used to be like and I think he's learning to like school better and get more used to having a routine everyday.  My mentor teacher has given me some of the best feedback I could every ask for.  She told me that she thinks I'm cut out for kindergarten and that I'm doing a wonderful job.  My mothering personality and the care I show for the students is something that she is very fond of and she urges me to continue with the way I am going.  So far I am loving kindergarten and enjoy going back every day!