The Man With The Christmas Eyes

Tis the season and all that. Tis the season for stress! The end of the semester is always tough. All of the projects and exams and unit plans are enough to keep a wannabe teacher up until the wee hours of the mornin', but add to that mix full-time employment and there truly is no rest for the wicked. And that's not to mention all of the family obligations and such.

I have been sleep deprived for quite a while now, so much so that my green eyes are almost aways surrounded by red--very Christmasy, huh? We'll I'm hanging on by my nails, and gritting my teeth--praying I can get it all done in the next half of a week. I know you all are likely feeling the same way.

From the man with the Christmas eyes--I just want wish each and every one of you a glorious Happy Holidays--whatever religion you may be. And if I don't see you next semester, since the majority of my time will be at Beechwood, I want to wish you the best of luck in the future! Please keep me updated on how you are doing, you'll find contact info on my website if you need it: www.gsdavisphotography.com

Again, Happy Holidays and congratulations on another semester.
GREG

Finsihed....

I think I've said enough this semester on my practicum experiences and I stand behind my blog from last week...I have nothing left to say. I can't wait til next wednesday when all my finals are over and I can finally sleep in again and my life will settle down quite a bit. I want to wish everyone a good week and finish strong...there's only a few days left!!!! Have a good break, a Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year, and I'll see everyone next year.

P.S. - Don't forget to take some time for yourself, family, and friends (especially over the rbeak)...THOSE ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS IN LIFE...school is just school; a job is just a job.

It's never as easy as it looks!

I have been so nice and patient with this student, knowing she has issues at home. Last thursday in practicum I had her snidely say, "Look who has a staring problem". She said that to my face. I about lost it. I was like, "I work too hard for some snot nosed punk...". Then in my head I remained calm and decided against going off on her, and my teacher took her to the principal. She has been a problem all year and it's so ridiculus. I would've been beat by my parents if I would've said that. I never would of dreamed of saying that. What do you do with out of control kids? I can not ground her, I can't send her to bed without dinner, I can not use corporal punishment, detention is not a deterrent, suspension is a reward for her, the principal is a joke for her...

Anyway, I am doing a review game tomorrow for my students. It took me forever to plan it out. I never realized how much behind the scenes work went into preparing students to take a test. I thought those would be the easy days for teachers, to just spout questions off and prepare a study guide for the kids. But its actually pretty involved...And I'm nervous about teaching it tomorrow. I had trouble naming my objective to cover in the lesson. And I'm really not teaching them anything, I'm reviewing information already taught. Trying to make a KTIP lesson for that is a challenge in itself. Now my main concern is classroom management. When I was a student I loved those days because we could get outta control. I hope these students don't, but for all I put teachers through I'd probably deserve it!

It's Almost Over!

Wow I cannot believe that the semester is now coming to an end. This semester has been one filled with lots of interesting happenings in practicum and many other things happening throughout the semester. Now that I am about to begin my journey in being a teacher there are a few things I am thankful that I have learned through my practicum experiences. I hope to even learn more during Student teaching before I start a new chapter of my life. I have learned that I want to be a teacher that is one where the students understand when it is time to work and when the time is to have a little bit of fun. I hope that I am able to make all my lessons meaningful and engaging. I want the students to have while learning. I want to my classroom to be one that is full of joy and also I want it to be a comfort place for students when they enter the classroom.
I also just wanted to tell everyone Good Luck with their future endeavors. Have a Happy Holiday!