This week I was at Hoover. They had off school on Monday and
a half day on Friday, followed by teacher institute. On Tuesday, we had math
RTI, which was the first time I have been there for that, even though they are
supposed to do it three times a week. I learned that this is for the students
to be broken up into ability levels so the teachers can cover more things. I
think it is cool that they incorporate this into their school day because it
not only helps those who are struggling, but also gives the opportunity for
those who want to know more to learn more. This is the whole point of RTI, but
it is good to see it in action.
We have meetings with the principal each week. We meet with
all the fifth grade teachers and talk about what is going on in the school and
with the grades. I think this is a great idea, but it is right in the middle of
the day when the kids go to special. This is a good way to make sure everyone
attends, but it is also interesting that they don’t do it before school. It
took about 45 minutes, and was very informative.
One more thing that was interesting this week was that one
of our students got lice. Mrs. Wiora saw this on Tuesday morning and sent her
right to the nurse. It is the fifth time she has had it this year, and it seems
to only affect her and none of the other 7 children she is living with. This
really just reminds me to wash my hands all the time. I got a little sick the
first week, and that is just miserable. Being a teacher is a hard job, and I
can see how it would be nearly impossible to do if you’re not feeling well.
When I left to go on my trip, the students wrote me a little
card and signed it. They gave me a little bag of goodies to take on the plane
and all gave me hugs goodbye. It’s moments like this that make me sure I want
to be a teacher and put in all this hard work. I want to help these kids and I
want to help them learn. I am thankful for moments like this God puts in my
life to remind me what his purpose is for me.
I am currently writing this from the airport in Istanbul,
Turkey. I am en route to my school in Kenya and I am so incredible excited. I
have met four new friends from Cornerstone and two more from Calvin are on
their way. We made it through the 12 hour flight here with short naps and cool
TV screens in the back of our chairs. When we got here we walked around, bought
a 7 dollar cup of coffee from Starbucks, sampled some Turkish Delight, and now
are waiting at our gate for the next seven hour flight and new adventure.
Even if I am a little bit unsure of what I’m walking into, I
am confident this is where I am supposed to be for this part of my journey. I
can’t say enough how blessed and grateful I am that I have this opportunity to
teach students who live such a different life than I do. I pray that each
person here will have a great experience and learn more about themselves and
about God.
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** Sorry for the late post! It has been a challenge finding reliable wifi, and I have been quite busy but it should be good from now on!
I really like the idea of the RTI math. It is a great idea to set aside time for individualized instruction for all students. This makes sure that all the students are getting what they need whether that is some extra help in math or a little boost to challenge them to acquire new skills.
ReplyDeleteI also think its a very cool think that the 5th grade teachers meet together as a team. It is very beneficial for teachers to talk to one another to make sure that they are planning together and all their kids will be on the same page. I am a little shocked that it is during school, but if thats how it works to make sure that every one attends then I think it isn't a bad idea.
You are the 3rd person I have heard from this week about students in their class getting lice. I am afraid that its going around. That is a reminder that when working with children you can never be too careful to watch your hand too many times. We as teachers need to take the right preventative measures to stay healthy so we can teach our students at our best!
I am so excited that you have started your new journey! I think you are going to be so amazed at teaching students from another culture. It will be a very rewarding and educational experience. I can't wait to hear more about it once you are settled in!
Hope your settling well!
Hannah,
ReplyDeleteI just saw this post. It is great that you can be involved in RtI. It is a state mandated program and I know that Hoover has had this program for a few years.
It was good that you could attend the 5th grade meeting with the principal. Attending these meetings will be very informative.
I'm sure head lice isn't fun. I know that those who get it have a very hard time getting rid of them. So sorry for this student.
It was precious that your students gave you gifts for your journey. You have a good connection with them and it will make coming back quite a bit better and easier.
Take care,
Dr. Meyer