I'm baaaack!!!

It has been quite awhile since my last post! My computer crashed leaving me without a vessel to post, but I now have a work computer and a lunch period which is a match made in blogger heaven!!

Update: I have graduated from Grand Valley State University, and have been out of school for over a month now. Crazy. It is still unbelievable to me how quickly "life" happens. I want to take a little time to reflect on my last months, weeks and days as a student teacher. It was an experience too real and too great not to mention.

Alpine Elementary will forever hold a special place in my heart. Through all the staff at that school and the beautiful chidlren I encountered I was able to grow as an individual and as a teacher. For that, I am forever grateful to all who gave their support and continue to do so. Student teaching was a trying time for me overall, but as John 15 states: Christ was pruning me for more fruit to come of my branches. A stretch? Look up the chapter =)

After graduation I was blessed to have a colleague and dear friend of mine give me a tip on a job. I sent in my application, worrying far too much of the outcome, and went in for my interview. The timing happened just as my grandmother passed away and I had an out of town funeral to attend. I came back into town after the funeral and after 8+ hours of interview prep in the car and sat down to my interview. If you know me at all you know that I was FREAKING out! Way too much. It's what I do.
I did my best and tried to put forth all that I learned at Grand Valley. The principal called me two hours after my interview and offered me the job. My response, "Oh my gosh, that's fantastic" (said in a way-too-excited valley girl tone)

EMPLOYED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 10 days after graduation. All I can say in response to that is I AM BLESSED. I recognize this. I am so grateful for this.

I have since put in 1.5 weeks as a Reading/Academic Interventionist in Kentwood. I am loving every minute of it. Every day, every hour and every student is different. This makes for an exciting day. I am working with K and 2. I never thought I would be able to handle Kindergarten, but let me just say...they are hysterical and will be fueling this blog for weeks to come.

I was testing a boy asking him for rhyming words. Our little interaction went a little something like this:
"What rhymes with dug, rug, bug..."
"Dug...bug....Ms. Lett....(whisper) I like to eat BUGS!!"

classic.

I have been working closely with two second grade classes with a lot of need. One boy in particular is giving me a run for my money, but I like the challenge =) He is not much for talking, and is hard to get to work. I spoke with one of my colleagues and she tipped me off to the trick of bringing a picture of each letter of the alphabet and showing him the alphabet letters to get him to write them. He knows what words he wants to write, but has trouble knowing the letters and what they look like. Since implementing this alphabet sheet into our time together, we have been able to COMPLETE assignments and even laugh together. It's moments like this that make me think, "Yeah, this is why you are here...this is what it's all about...don't give up"

I am happy to be back to blogging and even more happy to be in a great place of employment where I can love on kids!

Be blessed!!