Looking back on my project, I'd have to say that I was proud of my lesson. The second segment however, was lacking in group participation, because I replaced that with trying to reward the good kids and nobody ended up paying attention. I should have replicated the formula of my first segment, while changing the subject and material. Allowing entire groups to focus on one thing wrangles in the stragglers, and makes for a more fulfilling experience.
As advice for future interns; don't procrastinate, and be determined. The most vital thing to passing internship for me was my willpower, and a burning desire to do well. Time-management and determination came easily to me after I considered the cost of failure, and I would suggest that upcoming interns think of the same subject.
Throughout internship I have recognized more and more the validity of education. Grown new respects for the system as well as new distastes; but neither of these things have heavily impacted my college choices or thoughts. I currently have my eyes set on the University of St. Andrews, Scotland. But also have begun to consider less prestigious, but still quite beautiful and effective colleges (Such as Monterey University.) I would still like to pursue my Biology-Chemistry dual major, but have been solidified in my determinations to learn another language prior to that achievement (or during.)
I'm most thankful for the opportunity to do this in the first place, appreciative of High Tech High for the chance to get some real world experience instead of staring at textbooks for seven hours a day. I'm appreciative of Mrs. Williams for trying to make my mornings a little easier, Jennifer Perry for being supportive since I had a bit of a rough patch (emotionally) during internships, and my mother for being willing to drive me in the mornings when it was pouring rain... I appreciate the children (most of them) for being nice to me, and treating me like an adult. Throughout internship I learned to appreciate the commute some people make to work/school each day, as well as those who are able to keep on a happy face throughout long days. The latter was impressed on me by Kelly, who works as a lunch lady there, as well as a janitor at our school. (Shoutout to Kelly, slaaaay quueeeeen!!!)
Throughout internship I've had a constant admiration for Mrs. Williams due to her ability to be where she needs to be in a timely manner. Although this is just one of many things, I would love to adopt this trait into myself because anyone who knows me on a personal level knows that I'm terrible at time-management. I also recognize that in the future; procrastination will be lead to nothing but failure. I've already begun to avert that path, and I recognize that the obstacles to success are many and not well spread. I hope to use this experience as a proof to show myself that I can change, and be better than I thought I was as I improve constantly throughout my life voyage.
I'm planning on using "Prezi" for my presentation, utilizing the pictures and prompts I have picked, I will give an honest and direct description of my experiences at internships. When asked questions, if able to answer, I will in the most truthful way possible because I feel that I should be straightforward about my internship experiences. As an example, the children were "tedious" at best, but I did learn to appreciate teachers on a entirely new level. I now understand that I feel entitled to my education, when the teachers who provide it are under constant strain and duress because of it... I feel happy that I was able to take some of that strain off of Mrs. Williams. Reading with the students, doing crowd control for her, watching the classroom, and running things around when she wouldn't have been able to until the end of the day, all helped her get out the parking lot a little earlier, and even throughout that I still feel indebted to her, and all my teachers beside.
In the workplace and the outside world, communication is crucial. Having a plan would be impossible without it, as all parties involved must be on board, and any anomalies must be spotted and outed by one of the members. From when you're going to arrive, to when you're sleeping, you should always be ready to contact your peers with any issues. But even if there aren't issues, critique is crucial to improvement. In a work environment, being able to talk to your peers on an equal standpoint is also quite important, because without direct feedback, improvement wouldn't happen. I know understand that this is even more important in the future than it is in the now.
My original project was a single lesson, I taught it about the seasons and what the trees will look like during each of them. It came to fruition quite well and Mrs. Williams agreed that it was well done! I thought of the idea when we were teaching about the seasons, I remembered Steve teaching lessons in Joanne's, and decided to do something like that. I wrote a lesson plan, looked on Pintrest if I got stuck, cut out a tree and lots of little pieces so each kid would have something to add to it, and looked for songs and books to accompany it... And in culmination it became something that would last; being as the tree is going to be laminated and put up in the classroom for the children to see every day. Throughout it, I learned that everybody's learning style is very different, but with collaboration and communication, it can be organized into something everyone can enjoy.
At work; I wake up at 5, have very limited contact with the others, and am almost constantly required for some reason or another. While at school however; I end up waking up around 7, talking and socializing all day, and having the ability to in all essence sit and mope through the day. I have to direct instead of being directed, maintain my voice and temper, and be patient with 24 different small children... I defiantly realize that I can be patient with people, and I can wait and direct large unruly groups, but I don't think I'd ever want to do it permanently. This experience teaches me that every day I need to be more respectful to not only my teachers, but myself, and must maintain myself in order to be a useful force in the classroom. I also understand now how teaching requires reinforcement, and I believe will be much more willing to assist students in the classroom post-internship. This internship has indeed helped me shape myself, and show another side of me more vibrantly than I've ever seen it before.
I am to an extent, limited by mobility and time. I've brought my previously all-consuming hobby to a almost complete stop, and am trying to get as much sleep as possible, but still, my commute is crushing my available hours. I think that while I've improved in astronomical proportions, I'm still lazy to an extent. I set two alarms (granted, at 5AM and 5:05,) and have some trouble when talking to the kids if they continually ask the same questions... But I've progressed, and believe I will continue to as internship continues.
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AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. Archives
February 2017
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