I'm a genius

The toughest part about student teaching is organizing my ideas. So, every night before I go to bed, I make sure I have a plan written out. I prioritize my objectives (decide what are the most important things I believe the students should learn) I break large concepts into smaller ones, and create fun-filled activities that will provide opportunities for students to learn these concepts.

Then I review my outline in the morning, and take off for school.

The funny thing is, the important concepts change as I begin to teach the lessons, and I learn great and wonderful things myself, as a result of the input of the students, and their individual learning styles.

Today, was a particularly exciting day for my own learning. So exciting, in fact, my cooperating teacher pulled me aside, and said, "You know most people would not take the time to do these preparatory activities, and they do take a lot of time, but I was hoping you could write down your justification (the learning benefits) for including these things in the curriculum, as a part of the illustration project."

Really, I thought he was upset I had not handed him my typed lesson plans, but really, he wanted to join forces to create an illustration curriculum, cause I'm a genius! (Or something like that). Honestly, I get it from my dad. He's one of those teachers, who knows how to break everything down and make everything worthwhile AND interesting.

You didn't think it was possible?