My first practicum

  So, this semester is getting crazy busy and we are all looking forward to our last practicum in the Wasatch/Urban cohort! I know that I'm at Old Mill Elementary in Heber, 3rd grade. I'm so excited for a new classroom and new experiences! It got me thinking about my last classroom. I miss Mrs. Kerr's first grade class! They were such sweet little kids. We loved getting to know them and learning from them. It is crazy to think that it was all so long ago... it seems like just yesterday we driving to Midway for our first day in the practicum absolutely terrified with no idea what to expect.
  I thought I'd share some of my experiences with you from the last practicum. I had an amazing experience that I will never forget. I learned lessons that were invaluable to me as a future teacher. I was assigned to Mrs. Kerr's first grade classroom. She is a sweet older lady who has been teaching for 27 years--needless to say, she knows her stuff. As soon as I walked into the classroom, I knew I was in the right place... everything was  Mickey Mouse/Disney themed! Its like she knew I was coming... : )
Here is my partner, Kilee, Mrs. Kerr and I.

Our little class was so excited and curious about us when we walked in. They knew we were from BYU, so they thought we were ancient... haha. To me, it feels like I am way to young to be teaching these kids... but to them, I may as well be a grandma for all they are concerned. They loved learning about us and we loved getting to know them. I was so impressed by how well-behaved the students were- Mrs. Kerr is a master at classroom management. I learned a lot of great tips and tricks for keeping the class engaged and under control.
  One of the best things I learned from Mrs. Kerr's class is how to effectively implement guided reading in the classroom. She was a genius! Even though we did it every day and it got really old, I loved my little reading group! They were smarties! It helped me gain confidence in my ability to teach.
   Thanks to Mrs. Kerr and all her help and love! She showed us what an amazing teacher can look like, even without a bunch of pizazz and flash in the lessons. She was so fun to watch with the kids. It was just like teaching was her second nature, like she didn't even have to think about what she was doing, even when she has a reason for each thing she does. It came so easily for her, and I hope that someday teaching will be like that for me.
  Here is my cute little class and teacher! I miss them so much... I can't wait to take a trip back up to Midway to visit.

I wish I had a better picture, the color is kinda weird on this one. Here are some group shots of most of the kids.

Table 1! Cambree, Anna, and Ethan. Ethan was in my reading group, and Anna was my special helper for my literacy assignment. 

 

Table 2: Diego- he was the new student, we only knew him for a few days. The class was so excited he was coming! Then Madelyn, Marcus, (who is the sweetest and kindest little boy I've ever known, Halee (who has a twin, Chett) and Jackson, who as you can see is full of energy! :)

Table 3! Chett (Halee's twin) Scarlett, Yumna, Lucy Anne, and Carter- our GT kid. He was a little genius!

Table 4 (probably my favorite table... shhh... don't tell!) Bottom Row: Lucy Belle, Bella Sue (in my reading group.) Top: Brooklyn (also in my group), Austin, Edith, and Drake.

This little guy is named Danny... he snuck back into class after pictures. I love this kid! He made me laugh every day. 

I love these kids! Just looking at these pictures is making me miss them and want to go back to their class and be with them again. 

I can't wait for the new adventures coming up in March in my new classroom!