My wonderful day at Natcher Elementary

So, this semester I am in Block 2 (the second portion of the teaching program), and I am completing 75 hours at Natcher Elementary in a 5th grade class.  At first I wasn't sure if I would like 5th grade or not because I particularly like the younger kids a little better, but my time with the 5th graders has been pretty great.  I still LOVE the younger kids and still probably want to teach either 2nd or 3rd grade one day, but I really do enjoy going to my 5th grade class.  My teacher is Mrs. Butler and she is AMAZING! She has been teaching for 26 years and is still so energized and young at heart.  She makes everything that the students do so fun and is a great positive role model in each of their lives.  You can really tell that the students enjoy class time because of her.  Anyways...today I was able to teach a Snapshot Problem Solving Math Lesson.  I was a little worried about it prior to giving the lesson, but it turned out GREAT! Once the students understood how to do the problem, they did so great and really enjoyed doing it.  They even asked me for another problem once they were done with the first.  Luckily, I came prepared and had an extension problem ready for them to complete.  They did so great and it thrilled me to see how into the lesson they were.  It made me feel very confident in myself as a future educator.  I feel like things like this really make teaching worth the long hours and awful pay.  There's nothing like seeing a child work and work at something and then finally get it and you realize that it's because of you.  I can not wait to make an even bigger impact in my future students' lives.  See if you can figure out the problem....

It's OFFICIAL!!!!

Some more great news!!!! I received an email from Dr. Carter (the dean of education @ WKU) and I am officially selected to complete the International Student Teaching Program! I feel so overwhelmed with joy and I am so grateful to have this opportunity.  This is probably going to be the greatest experience of my life and I can't wait to be surrounded with more of our world's culture! I have always wanted to travel over the Atlantic and now it is finally going to happen....WOW!  It's truly amazing what you can accomplish when you set your mind to something.  Now all I have to do is save 2,000 dollars...yeahhhh.  That's the tough part, but I know myself and when I'm set on something it is going to get done.  I WILL have this money for my trip so that I can explore the rest of Europe during my time abroad. Ehhhhhh!!!!  I'm doing my happy dance :) Dream big and good things will come of it!

 

My lovely weekend

Today is my last day of Spring Break before I return back to class tomorrow at 8am. :( However, I had a great spring break with family and some great friends! First I went to Paducah, KY last weekend with my boyfriend to visit my to grandmothers. I love visiting/spending time with them.  I have always been pretty close with my grandparents even though I've always been about 2 to 2 and a half hours away.  I try to see them as much as I can because I know how much it means to them, but it always means a great deal to me as well.  I spent this past week hanging out with friends and working during the days.  I work at a local flower shop here in town called Mackenzie's Floral.  I love working there! My boss, Roiann Ridley is a great designer and has a unique look to all of her arrangements and wedding decor.  I just got back to Bowling Green this afternoon from visiting my family and a friend in Nashville, TN.  I'm so thankful to be in school close enough to go visit my family whenever I want.  Yesterday my boyfriend and I explored Nashville at it's finest.  We walked around Centennial Park and looked at the beautiful Parthenon replica.  We then continued our way through downtown Nashville and went down to the riverfront.  We were lucky to have such great weather to be able to do so because today is rainy as ever.  Although I am not ready for classes to start back tomorrow I am happy to be finally completing my last year of college.  All that stands in my way is this semester, two summer classes, and student teaching (part of which will be done in Barcelona!)  I am so thrilled with my life right now and where it is headed.  I can not believe how lucky I am to have all the things and opportunities that I do.  I will forever be grateful for the life and air that I breathe.  Until next time...peace.

  

First Post!

So I thought that I might as well start my blog now since I'll be having to keep up with it during my trip to Europe.  Yep that's right, I am going to Europe for a whole 4 weeks in November! I will be living with a host family in Barcelona, Spain and will also be student teaching at a local school in town. I am super duper excited! Ever since I was little, I have always dreamed of traveling all over the world. I am finally graduating college in December and my dream is coming true. When I return to the states, I will graduate from WKU 2 days later. I still am in shock that I get to have this opportunity of a lifetime. I will always be so thankful for my school and parents for allowing this to happen. I can not wait to see what my life holds in the future but for now....please continue to follow my blog for more updates!!

Cheers to my future home!