I am so excited that we have FINALLY received our practicum placements! I found out that I will be working with grade 2 students at Janet Johnstone Elementary School in Calgary, AB. This means I get to go back home too, and I could not be happier!
I had the chance to create a webcast to introduce myself to the class and my mentor teacher. I love the idea of webcasts because I think it creates a better connection between the author and the viewer. It also allows the students and teacher to see me before I actually go into the classroom!
In my webcast I identified some things that I am interested in. Sports like soccer and hockey, hiking and reading are a few of the things I mentioned that I really enjoy. I told students that I can't wait to find out what they're interested in! I hope that they find a connection in some of these things and we can start building positive relationships in the classroom!
I then directed my webcast to my mentor teacher giving her a little background information about my post secondary schooling. I let her know about my previous practicum placements and that i've worked with kindergarten, grade 1 and grade 2 students. I told her I'm looking forward to identifying my strengths and weaknesses in the classroom, I am excited to learn new teaching strategies and techniques and I'm curious to know about her own personal and professional development that has helped her own teaching career.
I feel like I have learned so much over the past 7 weeks in class and I can't wait to apply my new knowledge, strategies and techniques in the classroom! I just hope I don't forget anything!
I am so excited (and nervous!) for practicum but I can't wait to get into the classroom, meet everyone!