Lets get physical... physical...(remember the tune anyone?)

My legs are killing me...

The Deep End

The school librarian gave me a call Saturday at noon, informing me that my mentor teacher's daughter, Rose, passed away in her sleep Friday night. She was 5 years old and was in kindergarten at our school. She was in a special needs class and often had seizures.

Rose was always in our classroom before school, watching Elmo and trying to climb onto the computer desk to get closer to her dancing red friend. Students in my classroom would watch Rose every morning, and she made everyone smile. Rose was in our classroom Friday, smiling and trying to sneak up onto the computer desk like every other morning. I couldn't believe it when the librarian gave me the bad news.

I have no idea what to expect this week. I doubt my mentor teacher will be at school this week, and I have not talked directly with him since Rose's passing. Will there be grief counselors? Will we stick to the WASL schedule later in the week? I hope that we can spend some time creating cards and well wishes for the family.

Freedom to fail?

So, I'm remembering what that guest (the candidate to lead the education dept. at UWB) said about how student teachers should have the freedom to experiment and the freedom to fail.

anyone experiencing either of those? if so... in what ways? i'm curious to know... and envy your experiences...

-hux

Compassion in the classroom

Last a week a couple of my cohortateers and I were talking about how we and our MT's seem to differ on our responses to our students in the classroom when the tears start flowing, or a bad mood is in the air or there is general disobedience.

I think we all had a general sense of - are our MT's hardened to the emotional needs of our kids? or are we just so green at what we are doing that our own responses and sensitivities need to be toned down?

personally, i always want to take the compassionate stance in the classroom. but 25 kids, one teacher, and a crunch for time seems to amputate this part of teaching. from what i see, there is no room for social and emotional enrichment, guidance, coaching... whatever you want to call it. i mean, it just seems the kids are out to fend for themselves in a major way (this doesn't include issues like bullying), especially when they are disappointed or hurt by a friend, or frustrated with a teacher. there is no space to adequately deal with those issues... aren't they just as important?

-hux