Middle School=Kindergarten

Well it's 2 days into my middle school placement and I have realized, already, that my previous teacher was correct in saying that middle schoolers behave much like kindergarteners. They are amused by the same things (jokes, videos, teachers, snacks, etc.) and they don't listen very well, they run around the room, they throw tantrums, and never work when you want them to. Despite all of this, I am enjoying every minute in the middle school ESL classroom. There are only about 20 students that are in ESL in all of the 6th-9th graders. But they all need A LOT of support and help in every subject!

During the school day, students come to ESL class, just like a normal period. We have block scheduling so we have students for 90 minutes a day and they have 4 classes a day. They alternate which 4 classes they have every other day, so I only see students 2-3 times a week for ESL class. Some students are in the room for academic support class (study hall and homework time). It is a great environment because the students and the teacher have a very close relationship. They joke around but can also have serious conversations.

All of the students can speak, read, and write in English, some better than others. There are students from Somalia, Ethiopia, Togo, France, Spain, China, India, Tibet, Yemen, Mexico, and Guatemala. I love the diversity and the students are not shy about sharing stories from when they lived in another country. It will be fun to get to know the students and they are NOT shy at all so there will always be plenty of talking!

I'm enjoying middle school so far and will update you later when I have more to tell you!

Thanks for all of your support and encouragement!

Dana

Only 4 more weeks!!!!

I have finished my placement in the first grade! I am happy that it is finally done. Some of you already know, but it was a rough 7 weeks for me. The whole time I was there I didn't feel welcome or like part of the first grade team. There didn't seem to be much respect for me as a teacher. On my second day of full time teaching I had a HUGE breakdown. I balled in front of my supervisor and my teacher. That day, it seemed like I could do nothing correctly according to my teacher. I was yelled at when I gave students half an hour to read independently. They enjoy this time to read their choice of books and I wanted to listen to them read and ask questions to see if they are independently comprehending what they are reading. My teacher put the kabosh on this right away. It was awful. She made me find something else for them to do. She just kept saying that they are only 6 and can't pay attention that whole time. I believe they can if you make them. If they are used to it, they will do it. The worst part for me was that when my supervisor came that same day, my teacher told her that it was 'obvious' that I didn't prepare at all over spring break. This is the biggest lie ever. I spent a lot of time over spring break planning every lesson of every day that I was teaching. She had no right to say anything like that, especially to my supervisor. I was glad that my supervisor was there that day because she listens to me and gives me advice. She also sees that I am doing well and gives me encouragement. Since this day, it was very hard to go back to the classroom and even see my teacher. The relationship was done after that day for me. I behaved civilly and politely but didn't go out of my way to be nice. I just couldn't be that fake.

Needless to say, I am glad to be done working with that teacher. The only thing that made me want to go back to school every day were the students. They say the funniest things and make me smile. Students complimented me on my new haircut and the clothes or shoes I wore. It always makes me laugh when they compliment things like this. The other day it was very cold and windy out at recess and none of us were really prepared for it. The students could tell I was cold and one in particular spent almost the whole recess trying to find a spot where I could stay warm. It was so funny. Students also always ask me to walk laps around the playground with them. (They get a little charm to put on their shoelaces after they walk 20 laps, or 5 miles!) They love walking laps and fight over who gets to hold my hand. It is a definite way to make a teacher's day! On my last day I had a few students come over and whisper to me, "Ms. Sonnicksen, I will never forget you." I just smiled and said "thank you", but inside I was laughing. They are just so funny! Also, the students asked where I was going since I was leaving. I explained to them that I'm going to teach older kids in ESL, which some of their friends go to to help them learn English better, since they don't speak it at home. One student turned to me and said,"Well Ms. Sonnicksen, you're in luck! You found the right man! I know Spanish! Hola!" I couldn't help but let out a little laugh. What a charmer!

The last thing that topped off my last day was a compliment from an Sign Language translator. She appreciated that I used sign language with the 5 deaf students in the class. She liked seeing me trying to pick up new signs and words by watching her. It made her job easier since she didn't have to translate for 5 students at once. I was very happy to hear this since it was basically the only compliment I received while at this school, from anyone on the staff.

While at this school I learned a lot, unfortunately things I don't want to do in my classroom. Here are a few things I have learned:
- my students will learn independence no matter what age they are
- sign language, and I also discovered a desire to learn more sign language so I can use it with all
of my students some day
- Working with your colleagues and your team are very important
- trying new strategies and resources could be the ticket to students learning better and more
- kids love art projects but not all the time!
I'm sure there are more things I learned but I can't think of them right now.

Tomorrow I start a new placement at a Middle School in Edina teaching English as a second language. I am really looking forward to this since it is a completely different change of pace! Hopefully it goes well and I can learn a lot in the last month I have left before graduation!
Thank you all for your support! It means the world to me!
Dana