Arts & Crafts Time

So, I know I mentioned this before, but it's weird living near the school I teach at. The other day I was driving to my friends house and saw one of my students at the bus stop. I was awkward and waved to him. The next day I was like, "I saw you at the bus stop!" He's a quiet guy, so I'm pretty sure he thinks I'm totally weird. Today as I was walking home I was walking behind 3 of my students and they saw me and were shocked to see me outside of school.

Today in advisory they had to make Family Banners where they draw something to represent their family. It could be pictures, symbols, words, etc. Sounds like a craft right? My teacher told me that I should make one to share with them on the day they get to share. I told him I was already planning on it! I love crafts. At the end he said that he thinks that having the students do stuff like that on a Monday is a really good idea. He told me that he knew I loved making crafts and asked if I could come up with some ideas of art activities. Don't mind if I do! I will take suggestions though! Do you have any ideas?

I should have them make this for me, with my name of course, to make myself feel better and pretend they actually do like me! Hahaha.

During advisory I was walking around, like usual, watching the students make their banners. I would stop and talk to them. You know, normal teacher stuff. My MT comes up to me at the end and told me that he has seen such a drastic change in the way I interact with the students. He's like "It's so nice to see you interacting with them, cracking jokes, sipping on your coffee. You look so comfortable in the room now." I mean, I do feel more comfortable and stuff. But it's really funny how noticeable he is. He also said he's is so glad I'm his intern. Seriously, I am so lucky to have suck an awesome mentor. And to think I was losing sleep over the fact that I was terrified to be working with him.

So, we have to do these stupid CAL's (Collaborative Assessment Log's) for our internship. They are meant for the interns to reflect on their teaching - the good and bad. Pretty much it is a waste of time especially since I keep this blog and my MT is awesome at giving me feedback right away. Anyways, you might not realize how much body language and movement affects the way you teach. Last year my supervisor told me not to stand with my arms crossed because it makes me look intimidating (yes, I'm intimidating). One thing I've noticed that I do is that I'll walk around the room, but I'll have my back to the students a lot of the time. It might not be a big deal, but when I'm walking from one end to the other the kids in the back or vice versa could do things while I have my back turned. I've been trying to make an effort not to have my back turned so often. Any advice for how I can better move about the room?

Today one of the girls came in with rainbow hair. It was really outlandish, but in a weird way it was kind of cute. The colors were really pretty. I can't really describe them, but I'm never seen hair colored so colorfully before, if that makes any sense. She said it was done because she was in a hair show yesterday. I felt bad because so many people were hating on it. But, it like went down in a cascade. I wish I had a picture to show you all. I mean, I'd never ever in a million years die my hair like that, and I don't think many people would be able to pull it off, but I really think she could.

I have so much to do now, so I better get off and started!