Term one- week 5: 24th and 26th March

"Whaia kia tutuki" seek to achieve

This week was a short week for us, as there were parent interviews being undertaken at the school, therefore on Tuesday school commenced at the end of lunch, then my fellow candidate teachers, and I, along with the Principal and relieving teachers organised school wide sporting activities, while these were taking place. This was a great opportunity to be apart of. The afternoon was very hot, and the children definitely adjusted well to the conditions. The school were designated into their house colours, and teams were made from that (all house leaders, year 8, took ownership of this and arranged their teams. Doing this prior would have made the organization quick and more controlled, however that was something to reflect on for next time. Also the kids running off for toilet and drinks breaks constantly was distracting for the teams to get on with their tasks. Many kids got bored and unengaged with either their teams and/or the activities. Maybe next time we could organise a few stations of games, and everyone rotates, with a timer? I had cancelled my netball training as I did not want to inconvenience any of the students or parents, so I will come in next week and take them (our first one)                                                                                                                        

n the morning, I had the opportunity to assist and observe in room 1, a new entrants class with my Mentor Teacher. She is amazing, and I just love all the interaction activitions she has set up in her class. I love the use of the interactive board, reinforcing the letter of the week and the words of the week. This then incorporates into their writing. I got to read the kids a story, and the book I choose had a learning curve in it....and the children noticed straight away, one page was printed by mistake up side down. That was a great discussion to be had. And because they were all engaged and motivated, they noticed right away and told me why it was wrong, and what other things they knew. What has happened? What side of the page do I read from? There was a student having a school visit. This was his third one. I witnessed the transition, and how challenging it must be for some children, and teachers to encourage and motivate these children that have limited knowledge of learning and the difference between kindy and daycare. I helped him colour in, cut, and even assisted with taking him toilet, as a student that offered, forgot and left him there. My awareness of him was very much a priority, as well as building his self esteem to become an independent school kid was soon approaching.

We had the opportunity to revisit our social inquiry with our fantastic group of learners. The passed few lessons my group have been the only ones to stay in class, while the other 2, have had the privilege of being in another class or the library. I think this may have contributed to some students being not quite interested, and iv been thinking a lot about how to involved everyone and how can I make it more fun. Today I decided it would motivate my learners if I tried something different, therefore we went to the library. Instantly the students felt motivated. They were talking, smiling and really contributing logical ideas and questions that they wanted to find out. My lesson went great, and the amount of assessment I collected was fantastic. I was so proud. I was prompting when required, questioned when I wanted more information from them, and got to know them more. I gave them the opportunity to have ownership of their collections of work, reminding what our learning intention was, my expectations were, and knowing what they were trying to do. I made sure I reinforced their great behaviour, and how proud I was at their efforts of research, and their motivation to help each other solve ideas.

I concluded with reading a book on Jims letters. We run out of time to start writing. I am considering emailing them on their blogs an example, so they can write one to their parents or siblings, explain they are soldiers in the war, how they are feeling, and whats happening etc. I want this to link to further teaching of hopefully getting an Anzac or expert in to talk with. Then we can possibly write letter of thanking him for coming, and do some arts and maybe baking. Poppies and Anzac cookies.

Unfortunately we were not at school Thursday, as a dare friend/beautiful woman that studied alongside us passed away after  battle with cancer. As a tribute and respect to her most of our class attended.

Another great highlight was completing both of my first assignments early, and drop them in. These both have caused me hours of late nights/early morning, sleep deprivation. I handed these in early, and that has made me feel less tensed. Life's extremely hard right now. ill health, my children and their demands/extra curricular activies, interests and demands, my husband, fulltime studies, assignments, netball, my personal fitness interest, work, selling a home, and moving. Hope next term my head feels more in it, once some of these factors have been eliminated. And I cant wait to get back into my fitness as I know that helps me feel good-and this is the first time in my life I actually cant find ANY time to do even a little. I love being busy (cause that's just my life and what its used to) and I work great under pressure etc...but roll on next term :)