Growing Pains

Stormie and I helping sell See's Candy bars at the Clay School Car Show

Making posters for the Car Show

When Mrs. Scomona and I were planning for the last month of school, she asked if I'd rather plan the remaining History or Reading units (I'm already doing the Math). Before I knew it, I was answering with "Well, I should probably do the History since it's my worst subject...". I would have rather taught Reading 1 million times over History!! I could not believe what I was saying!

As I've pondered this choice, I think I knew - deep down - that I needed the "growth". I wish I could put into words how hard History has always been for me. All the names and dates just jumble together for me and it's a big ol' mess. So, teaching three weeks worth of Ancient Hebrew/Israel, Greece and Rome was a literal nightmare to me!!!

Teaching it meant that I had to actually understant what I was teaching!! So before I could teach them, I had to teach mySELF!! I just completed my week on Ancient Americas and Ancient Hebrew/Israel and can tell that I've benefited from the growing pains! I forced myself to conquer something very uncomfortable to me....and I will even admit that I *sort of* liked what I learned. I've covered from about 2000 BC up until 68 BC. I felt determined to teach it to them in such a way that, if possible, they would not feel all jumbled and confused about History like I always was. I think it worked. Its a fine balance between giving them the right amount of information, keep them interested, present it in a dynamic way and then assess their knowledge on it afterward in a way that is challenging yet not overboard. Whew!

As challenging as this entire semester has been for me and my family, I feel that I am a better person for it. I've really enjoyed it. And I really feel like I've been placed where I was "supposed" to be. My current master teacher (which feels funn to call her because she has become a friend to me now) just found out that she is pregnant after a couple years of trying! She is so thrilled and is so thankful that I'm here right now. Before I came, her dad had just been diagnosed with cancer and life was hitting a peak of stress for her. She thought the principal was crazy when he approached her about having a student teacher (they have a reputation of being a lot of work). She was reluctant, but we both feel like it was "meant to be"! We have made a great team and I wish we could teach like this all the time! She even wants me to be her long-term sub when she goes on maternity leave next year! I'm anxious to see what the next year unfolds for us.