The Power of Play

I am such a terrible blogger! It's so hard to find the time and energy! Excuses, excuses...

I wanted to write a quick entry addressing "The Power of Play." Thursday and Saturday I had the opportunity to babysit a 4 (almost 5) year old boy. His mom is a play therapist but currently working as an elementary school counselor. I say this because I think her profession had a great deal of influence in her parenting. I. Was. Amazed. This child had no desire to play video games or watch TV (he asked once). He had an imagination greater than any kid I think I've ever seen. (We literally played with bouncy balls for 20 minutes- roll, throw, catch, chase, repeat.) He was active, social, fun to be around, smart... I think this goes to show as future educators and parents how important it is to turn off the TV and the video games. Allow our children time to make up their own games, encourage them to ask questions, and let their creativity flourish! (This is not to say all technology is bad. There has to be a balance. It's easy for kids to watch TV or play video games. Encourage them to do what they may not necessarily choose on their own- read a book, paint a picture, invent something, make their own game, etc.)

Student teaching! Things couldn't be going better. I can officially say, the students have warmed up to me, I know the routine, and I feel very in my element. I'm probably way behind on my portfolio, but as for now, I'm enjoying every minute of my experience. That counts for something, right? :)

Conferences went great! It was such an incredible learning experience. I didn't say much and just took it all in. It was so great to watch my cooperating teacher in action. She always had something positive to say about the students, was good at making data (such as running records) easy to understand, and was quick to supply solutions or interventions for struggling students. I must say conducting conferences is probably what I'm most terrified for when I become a teacher.

Tomorrow is Valentine's Day AND early dismissal. Can you say CrAzY kIdDoS?! It should be a fun day though. I made my Valentine's for the students. Super cheap. Super cute. Here's the link if you want to make them: http://theteacherwife.blogspot.com/2011/12/you-make-my-glow-v-day-freebie.html I wrote the students' names (in cursive of course because they're OBSESSED now that they've started learning it) and signed my name. Tape the glow sticks on the back. So easy!

I wish I could remember what has happened the past couple weeks, but it's all a blur. I'll check my old lesson plans and repost next time...

Well friends, dinner time.
Happy Valentine's Day!
Squeezes and smooches, Miss Lathrop