I is for Individual, February 15

Individual. A word to remind me that each of my students comes with a unique story, upbringing, past, and personality. Each student is their own unique person created by God. Each student learns in their individual way, each student thinks in their individual way, each student works in their individual way.
While at West Side I will need to write "Individual Student Profiles" for each of my students. Since I see about different students in 1 day, I will only write Profiles for the students in my homeroom. I see these students twice a day, once for Bible, once for Math. My profiles will not be as detailed in comparison to other student teacher's since I see the students for a limited amount of time. I will however have to do a write up on each of them. Getting to know the students inside and outside of class gives helps me to make sense of who they are and how they think, listen, learn, and work. This process of getting to know the students can be overwhelming and never ending. However, I have a feeling that if I had my own classroom this process would be a bit easier. For now I have to try to 'catch-up' on the first semester happenings of the students as well as the last 7+ years.
Individuality is important and it makes us who we are, but learning to make sense of each of our students in a way that allows us to teach them all best is a somewhat laborious task.

H is for hallways - February 14, 2011

Hallways of a school are an important part of the day and play into the community of the school in large ways. Today is Valentine's Day and to 'celebrate' the girls in 7th and 8th grade were given a paper heart to wear. The rules of the game are simple: girls can't talk to the boys during passing periods, break, or lunch. If the girl talks to a boy then she must give him her heart. The competition is light-hearted, but is something special about the day. Apparently on St. Patrick's day the game is played in reverse and the boys are not to talk to the girls.

I have enjoyed observing and talking with the students while in the halls. A different side of the student can be seen in the hall outside the walls of the classroom. Whether conversations about weekend activities, sports, who is 'crushing' on who, news, West Side happenings, and other things. The hallways allow me to see into the lives of my students in a different way and I look forward to it each day.