I have survived my first weeks of Intern year and spending time in a Kindergarten setting has really shown me that I am meant to be in an early childhood setting. In fourth grade last semester, I felt unsure, overwhelmed, and terrified for a large majority of the year. I also didn't like that my students were taller than me! Even though I seem to be always tying shoes, opening milk cartons, and reminding kids to wash their hands, it makes me feel happy. The little ones are so eager to learn and develop so much over the course of the year. I also had my first experience with home visits and I realized that they are so important for both the teacher and student. I saw so many different family structures, living conditions, and levels of parent involvement. Stepping into the home lives of these children helps you better understand the way that they react to situations and how they are treated once they step out of the classroom.
I am excited to have a bigger role in the classroom and work with the children on a daily basis. Ms. Lattanzi and Ms. Elyse really took me under their wings and showed me all that needs to be accomplished before the students step into the classroom on the first day. Who knew that riding the bus was such a complicated and time consuming method of transportation?
The nuclear family structure is no longer the norm and I can see that this change in family relationships definitely makes the job of a teacher more complicated!
I really thought that the parents would take a more active role in their child's education because they are so young and new to school, but I was sadly mistaken. I am excited to see what next week has in store for me!!!
