Time to say gooodbye....

No words can describe my experience with the students of Room 2 at Anaheim Hills Elementary. I had my good weeks and then the bad weeks and then the not so bad weeks. I went in really gung-ho about teaching, but slowly that idealistic teaching turned into realistic teaching. When I had my bad weeks, I had doubts about whether this was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. Today, I walked into the class and even if it was my last day, I put my all in my lessons. I probably made a fool of myself, but the kids were having fun and I was having fun. Every one was learning and I was learning that this worked with them. So... when it all comes down to it, I know why I want to teach and these students helped me discover that. I made a difference and an impact in the learning experience of these students. Here's how I know:

1. Alyssa gave me a watch because I taught her how to tell time.

2. Chris knows what time to go to bed because I taught him how to tell time.

3. Abiral, sweetest boy who makes me smile and brings oomf to room 2, thanked me for teaching him how to add and subtract and knows to fix his mistakes right away.

4. Hunter gave me a Lego figurine that he made of me. If a student can remember all the details of how I look and my favorite types of designs on a shirt and put so much thought into Lego Miss Tran, then yes I know that he enjoyed my presence and I know I made a difference.

5. When students enjoy writing, I know I have done my job. If I have students sitting in during recess to finish their writing without any moaning and complaining, I know that I've inspired them to be the best and have fun writing.

6. When students are not complaining about having to rewrite but rather are excited about performing surgery on their writing, I know that this is what I am called to do in life.

There are just sooo many things and moments in this student teaching experience that has lead me to truly believe that this is it for me. I am truly being Miss Tran.

So what's next?

In my next placement, I will be more direct, more open, more professional, and keeping it real. This shy and timid in me cannot overshadow who I really am and what I am capable of.

Hippie Miss Tran has left the building...

The way I see it, I have tried and tried to make the best for the students of room 2. I pretend to be in their shoes and plan my lessons in a way that they would get the most out of and have the most fun. I have also tried to be a person who is forgiving and gives students second chances because I have faith that they can do better. I have also been the nice Miss Tran. The teacher that all students can come to talk to about anything going on in their lives. I have been...and you've guessed it. The tree-hugging, lets make up and try again, and everything is going to be alright Miss Tran. Well everyone... that hippie has set sailed onto a ship to a deserted island. And all that is left is an authoritative person.

Today, I cracked. The kids pushed all my buttons. They tested me and I cracked. I gave no one anymore chances. I gave pink slips like wild fire. I had kids clipping up and down. I just gave into the system that I never thought I would ever use and I broke down in the lounge, and believe me I have days where I come home and then cry. Not today. I was devastated, hurt by what the students put me through. I don't think there's been any day like today. Sooooo... tomorrow is a new day and we will have a talk about showing respect and being respected.

Tired?!?

I've realized I've told many people that I am tired all the time. I've had days where I've written in my lesson, "Students will meet me on the flower." Well....there is no time to be tired this coming week. I've decided that I will be pumped, energized, excited, and enthusiastic about all things that go on in Room 2. It will be the best week ever at the hills!

Memorable moment:

Me: I expect everyone to show me respect and participate in our math lesson. If I see that everyone is doing what they should be doing, you will each get a kiss....I mean a chocolate kiss not a real kiss.

Room 2 was busting out laughing.

All Eyes on Me...

21 students + 1 master teacher+ 1 to 2 parent helpers= A BAJILLION EYES!!!

I have to admit... I am very very reserved when I have so many eyes on me. I think way too deep about what is going on in my master teacher's mind plus I think about what the parents think of me when I work with their kids. I'm surprised I haven't sweat a whole ocean for my students to swim in and have a beach party. When no one is watching me, I get kooky but in a good way. I let loose and become the true Miss Tran.

Back to the eyes, I have several students watching me and when I look over at them...there's this negative aura or vibe I feel coming from them. Is it my gut instinct or is it just me psyching myself out? I'm hoping that by talking to them individually, it will create some change.

Room 2 is Ready for Advance Bio...

Fact: Students in Room 2 crave the big words!

Today, we learned about the basic parts of plants and how plants grow. I throw out the words "photosynthesis, chlorophyll, chloroplasts" and voila! I have a class going "ooooooo."

Me: Photosynthesis occurs in the leaves of plants. It is the process of making food for the plants. Photo means light and synthesis means to make. If you put the words together it means making something from light.

(silence for a minute)

Whole class: OH!!! THAT'S A GOOD ONE MISS TRAN! I GET IT NOW!

Hey.. college prep starts early! =)




Forgot... here are some quotes from the students of Room 2. =)

Moses: Today, in my mom's country, we are celebrating. ( In reference to Cinco de Mayo)

Another one that cracks me up....

Me: Zachary, you have a comment?

Zachary: Actually I have two comments.

Kids are strange...

Fact: Room 2 first graders have a strange way of expressing their feelings towards me.

Usually, I don't get hugs. I don't get a lot of kids coming up to me and sharing about some interesting thing. It makes me wonder how much they want me to be a part of their classroom. But... when I opened up my "Converse Box," I found some interesting notes. One was from a girl who is always getting into trouble. The note said:

"Dear Mrs. Tran (yes I became married overnight) I hope you are having a great day at school. Thank you for teaching us. Love, Alyssa"

I would have never expected that to come from her. haha...

And my favorite note said:

"Miss Tran, what is your last name?" hahahahahahahaha... it cracks me up every time!

Coming out of a chrysalis...

Since the first week of student teaching, I have been a very soft spoken Miss Tran. It's great to build a connection with the students but definitely not great when you're trying and expecting students to get something out of your lesson. Today, I've come out of my shell as you can see I'm using our vocabulary from one of the stories that we read last week. =) During Excel, I told each small group, "You will be doing a silent word scavenger hunt by looking through magazines, cutting out words, and pasting it on the correct space. If I see that you are talking, you will be thinking of your own words and writing them down on your paper. So think about the choices you might make because this could be a fun activity or a boring activity." I turned and looked over at my master teacher and she goes, "Where'd that come from?" That's right everyone... I am setting my expectations straight.

Then, there was opera. Today all the dancers, narrators, musicians, singers, actors were separated. I ended up staying with musicians and totally winging it with the instruments and teaching the kids. My master teacher came in and I was just trying out the mini cymbals and we both started cracking up. It's hard not to be silly!

Seriously though, I am glad it is almost Friday!!! woooooohooo!!!!!