I'm Surviving!

So, after the third day, and getting used to everything a little bit more, I am starting to feel more confident. I ran two (TWO!) class periods yesterday! Granted, the teacher got the class all settled and everything before I took the reins, but for the most part, I was in control! We read a story out loud in class, which went well. Except 2nd hour was quite rowdy! I don't understand how kids can be that excited at 9 in the morning! I think, or hope at least, that the students are starting to like and respect me, which is a big plus.

Today, I arrived at school around 7:20am, before my cooperating teacher, to find my very own desk! And computer! I am going to bring things tomorrow to put on it... fun office supplies and such :) The kids reacted when they walked in today, saying things like "Woah there's another desk in here!" and "Ooo Ms. Rostad got her own desk!" Haha the only reason they probably noticed was because some of their desks were out of place. But still, it made me feel so good to have my own desk!

I taught one class period today, where we discussed the study guide for the short story we read. Leading this discussion was a little hard for me. I knew the information, but I found it hard for the students to continue participating without me prodding them. The first two classes, my cooperating teacher got through only 14 of the study guide questions, where as I got through all of them. I feel like she has an easier time carrying on conversations and expanding on topics with the students. I do understand, however, that she knows the students and has taught the lesson for about 6 years, so she's got her bearings on the topic. BUT! I feel very good about the conversation I had with my students and that they got the general gist of the lesson :)

I am excited to keep teaching lessons! I feel like my confidence will keep going up with each day I get to go up there and take control of the class. I can't believe tomorrow's already Thursday! :)

first day of school!

Today, I began the much anticipated (maybe feared?) endeavor of... dun dun dunnn... STUDENT TEACHING! And, honestly, it was great! Although... all the students did today (because their winter break was SO exhausting) was watch a movie. Actually, it was "To Kill a Mockingbird." So, I had some time to read over my schedule, talk to the teacher, and get acclimated with the basics.
My cooperating teacher is great! I was definitely glad I went in mid-December to meet her and get the books I'll need to teach. And get this, I'm already teaching a lesson tomorrow! Woah! She wasn't kidding when she said she was going to just "throw me into it." (A tad intimidating, huh?) But really, I'm super excited!
All the other teachers I met were so nice, and welcoming, offering their help whenever I needed it, which shows a lot about the school as a whole!
The kids seem great so far. Also, I love that the school runs on a block-schedule. There are four 90-minute periods, and my teacher and I have three of four of those periods occupied with students. SO, we get a prep period, which is awesome! :)
And something else that completely makes me excited is that i get my own DESK! To fill with office supplies! And! My own computer!! I was completely surprised to hear this, but am extremely excited about it!
I can't believe how FUNNY kids are... I remember back when I was in 10th grade and how I didn't think me or my classmates were funny whatsoever... just catty and hormonal. But now, being a great deal more mature than I was in 10th grade, I realize how truly funny teenagers are!

Well, seeing as how I had a wonderful first day, I am hoping that they will only get better as I go! :)
Hopefully I'll do well with my lesson tomorrow!