These two pictures are just a small sampling of the awesome art my sweet little 6th graders did last week. This teaching experience is going better than I ever imagined it could. The art project was based around a cultural experience where the children learned how some people celebrate day of the dead. It was a fantastic opportunity to see how art bridges cultures and binds people together. Nikki and I have been blessed to be with an amazing cooperating teacher. She is a golden apple award winner and will often spend her "free time" teaching us about teaching. The biggest thing I have learned this week is that teaching is about 80% management skills and 20% lesson preparation. The hardest part about teaching is that I too easily wrap my heart around these little guys and I feel so sad when things in their lives are hard. I have found myself a few times having to wipe my tears away as I have seen those sweet little puppy dog eyes of these sixth graders struggling with even the tinniest of issues. My heart strings are a little too tender.
I absolutely loved hearing this because I was thinking the same thing the other day while teaching. When these kids are struggling I feel so bad and just want to help them all but that is hard to do and we are unable to control what goes on outside the classroom. Also I like how you said the classroom is about 80% management. Our classroom is very well managed and I can see how much more they are learning simply by being quiet and listening to instructions. This is a very important skill we all need to make sure to develop in order to be good teachers.
ReplyDeleteLove the images. 6th graders are doing great with the art work.
ReplyDeleteWay to go. Your students seem to have really taken to that lesson. Very impressive.
ReplyDeleteHow cool is that? Did you teach this lesson? How was this project done, I would absolutely LOVE to have the instructions to it. 6th graders are amazing! I had the opportunity to do a long-term subbing for a 6th grade classroom for 2 months and I fell in love with them almost immediately, so I can see why you would be loving it!
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