Ms. K

Wow.
Today I felt like a teacher. In my classroom my cooperating teacher teaches both 1st and 2nd graders in the same room. During the first week of my TA-ing I'm merely supposed to be observing the classroom to get a feel for it. Yesterday (my first day) I was left to teach the first graders all morning. Today (my second day) I was left to teach the second graders. WHAT?! Yesterday I was freaked out, but handled it to my chagrin. Today I had a blast with the second graders, and loved the responsibility and opportunity to "try" teaching. It was great. While teaching the second graders their spelling words one girl raised her hand to let me know that she was going to call me "Ms. K" from now on. I like it. Ms. K.

Charlie (replaced child's real name). Today I got a chance to get to know a smart little boy a little better. During the first grade reading time the children were at their desks reading silently to themselves a story about dinosaurs. I noticed "Charlie" sitting with his head down and eyes closed. I approached him, and gently touched his shoulder. I asked him why he wasn't reading and he said 'he hates reading'. I remember this. I was this child, and maybe a part of me still is. I knelt down, looked him in his eyes and told him quickly about my struggle as a reader. I explained that it didn't matter what page his neighbor is on, and that all that mattered to me is that he tried. I reinforced the idea that he could, in fact do it. I read the first sentence and he followed suit. Soon, he was reading excitedly and calling me over to his desk to listen to him read. Oh what joy this brought to me. Later on in the morning the children were working with letter tiles to make words. Again, I spotted "Charlie" sitting alone and not participating. I approached him once again and asked why he wasn't making any words. Just as before with the reading, he explained he hated making words. I reminded him of what a good reader he is and that he can, in fact, do it. I asked him to try to make at least one word. He replied with a NO!, and then said, "I"ll make a bunch of words and show you!!!!" What a smart boy! I cannot wait to see him grow in his confidence in learning!