The First Days of School

Where did this week go? It's already almost Friday and I feel like it was just Sunday.  On Monday, I had my first day of student teaching in the second grade.  I was greeted by the principal who is very friendly and I got to surprise my second graders during their community circle.  The first news I was given is that we are going on a field trip next Friday to Dinosaur Land! I was super excited for that and was told that I'd be paired with a child who has special needs.

I wasn't sure what special needs this child had, but I was more than willing to help out and was even excited.  I soon found out that this child has very bad aggression problems. I realized this when he yelled out "I hate this school!" and then broke his pencil in half.  This child has been a challenge the entire week, but instead of letting him make me angry, I decided that he is going to be my "project" this semester. As challenging as it's already been, I want to help him learn to control his anger. We've been trying breathing techniques and talking about decisions he makes.. I think we can have some success, it will just take a lot of work!

My second graders are absolutely adorable. After one day at school, one of the girls gave me a hug and told me she liked me and I walk her to her mom every day after school.  The children were excited to hear about Oklahoma and shared with me the different places they've been in the States. I am so excited to begin teaching them! The school is one of the friendliest places I've been.  Everybody has been so welcoming and willing to take me under their wing. I have already become part of the "Feltwell Family" and I've only been here for a week.

Last night was probably one of the funniest nights so far.. I walked into our kitchen to get dinner and I found a little mouse eating our food! That was definitely not funny.. in fact, I don't think I've ever heard myself scream so loud.  Everybody came into the kitchen and we found that our little friend had eaten through Cheez-its, chips and oatmeal boxes!  I wish I'd had a video camera to record Karl (the only guy of the group) trying to find the mouse and all of the girls running/screaming/climbing on counters.  It might not seem funny to you all, but I was laughing so hard, I was crying.

Lastly, the most exciting part of this week aside from meeting my class was booking trips!  We have already booked most weekends for the remainder of our semester.  This weekend we are going to London and I am very excited!

Countdown to graduation: 86 Days!