What Do You Expect?!

This week in second grade I learned a very important quality for a teacher. Expectation.
As my nature is, when a student needs help with something or has mistakingly lost a pencil or forgotten a library book, my attitude is "don't worry about it, here use my pencil." Well, apparently niceness doesn't really work in a classroom. Well, it can if you want to raise up a generation of adults that think everyone is going to pat them on the head when they shirk on their responsiblities. Hello. I think we have a generation like that already.
So my supervising teacher shows no mercy. If the kids have not done what she expects of them, they hear about it. "My parents didn't sign my reading log." "Well, who is responsible for that? You or your parents?" Sulk. "I forgot my library book in the car." "Well you can't just expect your mom to leave work to bring you your book that you forgot." Sulk.
The expectations are set. I will teach you and you will do what I've asked you to do so that you can learn. Life lessons.
Now I apply that to my life and my parenting. Expectations. I have expectations for my children, but have I made them clear? Perhaps not.
Now, I apply it to my marriage. I have expectations for my marriage, but have I made them clear to my spouse? Perhaps not.
Now, I apply it to myself. I have expectations for myself, but have I made them clear to myself? Not really. We don't talk much lately.
Am I the only one learning anything from this? Heavenly Father spells out His expectations for us in the scriptures. It is a fantastic model for life. The consequences come when we don't attempt to meet those expectations. Lofty goals? Maybe. But the rewards are fantastic: Self reliance, eternal life, knowledge and spiritual strength.
So now I must set myself to task and ask myself what I expect from myself and others in life and then proceed to expect nothing less. Show no mercy? Not quite. Just make the rules clear and the consequences sure.

Make Some Noise!!

For some reason, I always think that a classroom should be working quietly. I know that's not true, nor is it possible. And in my student teaching classroom it is not always necessary. These little kids somehow manage to stay on task with just a little prodding from their teacher. Even with the sounds of chatter and chairs moving, the learning keeps on.

I had such a great week even though it was a short one. This week I was able to teach a lesson on citizenship and community. The kids learned that their classroom is a community and they are all citizens. We discussed that we all had to try to get along if our community was going to work. From the mouths of babes......

And wish me luck. Tomorrow my first observation happens. A nice man from Prescott College will be coming to observe my 45 minute lesson on Presidents. Should be fun and I'm not really worried.
Looking forward to another fantastic and fun week.

Good morning, Mrs. Nye!

My student teaching has begun and week one was a complete joy!
Remember how you used to feel when you would get to school with your new crayons and pencils excited for a new year? That's how I feel everyday when I walk into the classroom. Yes, I'm a freak. But after all, the most exciting thing for my daughter Stephanie and I to do is to go to Office Max together. WooHoo!!
I have the honor of shadowing a fantastic teacher, Mrs. Lugo, at Marshall Elementary School. She is so organized and has fantastic classroom management. The class practically runs itself. I can't think of a better person to learn from. She has 28 students and she has created a system that allows the students the freedom to grow while learning.
This week I was able to teach two lessons on Martin Luther King, Jr. The kids were awesome and they learned that he promoted love. "Use your words, not your fists!" as one student told me. There is hope for the future! Mrs. Lugo told me that one of the students said, " I can tell she's gonna be good." as I began my lesson.
And no school week would be complete without a trip to the library and a fire drill.
So, I am on my way. Finally realizing the capstone of my education degree. It's been exhausting and I'm excited for everyday. What a great reward! 11 weeks to go, but who is counting? One day at a time, because I love it!!! Stay tuned for more exciting 2nd grade adventures!

And we're off!!

And so the week is almost over. The first week of 2010. It has been absolutely full of stuff.
Doctor's appointments, clerical work, turbo tax purchasing, among other things that mysteriously made it into the cart at Target: shoes, storage boxes, hangers, baby clothes, hair spray...you know. It wasn't on the list, but I needed it. Also grocery shopping, babysitting, school registrations and church meetings. Most importantly, family prayer and some scripture study.
All of this craziness is in preparation for the next 12 weeks of my life which will probably prove even nuttier! I will begin my 12 week student teaching practicum! The capstone to my teaching degree. Whoo!Hoo! I've only been working on this for 25 years or so, but better late than never. I'm even figuring out what I need to do to become middle school certified and maybe get a reading endorsement. All very intriguing. But on to the student teaching. A wonderful class is waiting for me with an equally terrific teacher who has lots of experience to share with me. I hope to update you on every fantastic experience, that is if I can still see straight after juggling family, school, appointments....well, you know.

Yipee, it's a do-over!!

Please excuse the bold, larger font. I'm going blind. Until I get to the eye doctor this will have to do!
Anyway, so excited for the New Year. Has anyone felt any different? As I watched the ball drop in Times Square ( I know it was a recording) I saw a young girl standing with her hands on her cheeks in anticipation as if something marvelous was going to happen when that thing hit the bottom. I think she was right. Something wonderful is happening. The New Year is a fantastic do-over. It brings a bit of relief and comfort to know that we can try again.
This is the same feeling we can have when we ask our Heavenly Father for forgiveness for our short-comings. This is why I love Sunday. Every Sunday when I take the sacrament I am reminded of my Saviors sacrifice that has enabled me to be forgiven of my mess ups and that, my friends, is the best do-over ever.
So as we approach the New Year, remember to keep trying and pull out that do-over card whenever you need it!