The last week of my internship made me step back and realize how lucky I was to be apart of this classroom. Since I observed and assisted this week, I had a lot of time to watch my students be engaged in their work. I did not realize how much my students grew over the sixteen weeks I had been there. I noticed such a change from the initial time we met that I could not believe how far they had come. I realize that this is what teaching is all about. This is the part that is so incredibly rewarding. Even when students struggle, it is rewarding to see them try so hard.
This internship has certainly been one of the most rewarding times of my life. Watching the students grow was wonderful, but I also enjoyed watching myself grow as a teacher. I have verified how I want to teach. I love to watch the students figure many things out for themselves. I have gained more of an effective wait time and allowed the students to take the necessary steps to "connect the dots" and figure out exactly what is causing misconceptions. I enjoyed seeing the students retrace their steps to see how they might approach something differently.
Using practical life activities and lessons is something I thoroughly enjoyed in this classroom, as well. Having students tell time, count money, check thermometers, and add and subtract daily showed the importance of what they will encounter in the real world. In this setting, I was able to have one on one time with each student to see where they needed strengthening to succeed in life, as well as find their strengths and encourage them.
I am so proud of my class and could not think of a better way to spend 16 weeks. They have showed me the importance of school. They have showed me how to make learning fun. They have brought me to be the teacher I want to be.
Proud of you!!!!
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