Mitt

I am blown away at how quickly the days are flying by. I am well on my way to beating my fear of teaching math. The fact that I struggled as a kid (and still do) is helping me reach my "low" math students. Math is so tricky.

I am learning and growing so much this semester. I am so blessed to be paired up with a teacher who truly wants me to be successful. She allows me space to do as I wish, but also tactfully inserts advice and gives me the appropriate amount of time to ask questions. I am taking her advice and applying it to the way I teach. We have different styles, but are able to work along with each other and respect and learn from our differences. I am so thankful for this. Last semester was truly trying, and this semester I feel like a successful teacher in training. Which, if I might add, is a great feeling.

I just finished the book, "Mitt, the Michigan Mouse" with my students. This book had me in tears (thank heavens I pre-read it at home and was able to keep it together in class--haha). The story is basically about a mouse who loses his family and goes through a heck of a lot to try and find his lost mitten, the only thing he has left. Throughout the telling of this story I had the sincere priviledge to speak to my children about the people we are given in our lives who take care of us. We talked about how we don't always have all of our family, but we have others in our lives who love us just the same and help guide us through life. Many students shared about their family situations (lack of parents, foster care etc.) Needless to say, these discussions touched my heart greatly and made me love these precious children on a deeper level. Upon finishing the story, I asked my students to write a letter to Mitt (the mouse). Their responses were so gentle, insightful and kind. They told Mittt things like, "I know how you feel, I feel so bad for you, I hope you find your family." This experience helped me to see the kindness in my students. I am beyond blessed to be surrounded by them daily. I am going to miss them.

*** (I'm just venting here, if you don't want to read it you may skip ahead) The craziness of this semester is making me feel as though I cannot keep up with all of my relationships. I have no time. I'm working 50+ hours and planning for my classroom as well as trying to fulfill assignments for my GVSU classes. I think this is how teaching will feel. Being pulled in a thousand different directions, and expected to be everything for everyone. I talked with my nephews on the phone the other day, and my heart broke. I miss them so much. I wish I was closer, but know this is where God wants me.

64 more days until I will have my degree and a whole life to figure out. Until then, it's lesson planning and staying afloat. Ready, Go!