Month 1 in Pictures

I realized I have not added any pictures yet, so here are some of my favorites from my first month of adventures here in Sarasota.

 

Siesta Key Public Beach.  Amazing cool, soft, white sand.

Cincinnati, courtesy of Ryan. I miss home.

I'm finally official!  No more dealing with The Landing.

One of the many reasons why I love my host.

Siesta Key at the Cabanas.

Siesta Key at the Cabanas at sunset (picture doesn't do it justice).

What keeps me going through it all.

Hanging right above my bed.  I am blessed in so many ways.

26 Documents later and still not done with lesson plans.  Welcome to teaching...

My drive to school every morning at sunrise.  Beautiful (again, picture doesn't do it justice).

Remembering all that had happened in my hometown.

I found a white crab at Siesta!!

Coolest bridge ever.  Amazing view of the ocean/bay and downtown Sarasota coming to/from Lido Beach.

Yoga on the beach! (Siesta Key Public Beach)

Clown car at the Ringling Brother's and Barnum and Bailey Circus Museum.

Outside the museum, really interesting trees.

Ringling Mansion.  Wouldn't it be rough to live there?

Back patio of the Ringling Mansion. Absolutely gorgeous view of the bay on a perfect, sunny day.  No wonder there are so many weddings and events held back there.

In the kitchen of my host's house.  Means something along the lines of:  "Move with the music of life, it is a beautiful dance."

Rubio!! Aka "fat cat" according to Julia.  He has the loudest meows and tries to bite, but he is so much fun to play with.  Definitely makes the house more interesting.  And as you can see, he likes to steal my bed!

Picture perfect.  Sunset at the cabanas (Siesta Key).  I love being able to see this after a long day at school.

Another beautiful view of the sunset (the cabanas I believe).

Ms. Buhr, why is your voice so calm?

I have been getting so homesick lately.  In a weird way I think I'm missing home now more than I ever did in Costa Rica, and I'm not even in a different country.  I always thought this trip would seem so much shorter than my 6 weeks in CR, but it seems so much harder to be away this time.  I never thought I would be willing to trade a day at the #1 beach in the country for a day at home.  But, after talking to my mom for a while, I'm coming home in a month! :) She said all I had to do was say I wanted to come home and she would book the flight...well she wasn't kidding.  It worked out perfectly with what weekend I could come back for and when things were happening at home.  I feel so blessed that God has given me such a loving mom.  Even though I can only come home for a few days, it's still worth the pricetag on the ticket.  I am so incredibly blessed and cannot wait to get home!

That doesn't mean I'm having a bad time here though.  I've been stressed, things haven't gone the way I would have liked, and I'm getting sick to top it all off, but I know I'm learning a lot.  I'm learning so much about teaching and becoming a teacher.  Every day I find myself evaluating the teachers and situations around me (good/poor collaboration, strategies to remember and strategies to remember to stay away from, etc.).  My mentor teacher leaves the room, typically at least once or twice a day, while I'm teaching, so I must be doing something right if she already trusts me with the kids enough. 

As for the lessons, they've been going well.  I'm focusing on what my supervisor and mentor teacher have suggested, but I'm still trying to find that balance of finding my teaching style and trying out the teaching styles they have seen be successful in the past.  I brought up the idea of Spelling Hopscotch to my mentor teacher, who loved the idea and had me on the floor making it the very next day so we could start using it right away.  The other 1st grade teachers liked the idea as well and the principal even walked in while we were setting it up.  It's crazy how something so unplanned can turn out so amazing.  All but 3 of them got a 100% on their spelling test last week (which has never happened!).  Also, I started working on a (modified) Reader's Theater with the students this week as part of my 2 week instructional unit on reading comprehension.  I'm hoping that it will help my ESL students understand the story better, as well as helping the class as a whole really get involved with it and start thinking deeper about each page.  Tomorrow is our "show" and Friday is the written assessment so we'll see how it goes!  I've also been doing an Apple/Johnny Appleseed theme this week in Science/Social Studies and the kids have done really well with it!  Every student I asked could tell me the life cycle of an apple and they've been doing really well with all of the Johnny Appleseed activities.  Today we did a trading activity using 2 halves of an apple cutout and they loved it.  They were working together, trading as they were supposed to, and truly seemed to understand the idea of how Johnny Appleseed and other people in history traded to get what they needed.  These kids are starting to become a handful sometimes, but they have not stopped impressing me yet!  I am truly blessed to work with them.

So you know I've had a rougher time lately being so far away, but the random things these kids say makes me realize how much I love being here with them.  Here's a few of my favorites lately:

One little girl walked in with a fleece jacket and told me she had on her "winter coat" (which, by the way, it was in the 90's that day).  The fact that a fleece jacket is the warmest coat these kids need is still shocker to me.

One morning, another girl kept looking at me with a confused look on her face after whispering to her friend.  She then asked, "Are you an M-R-S?"  Haha no, no I'm not.  She then went back to the confused look on her face and got back to work.

The next day, one boy (who had ONLY been playing with his twin at recess every day) and the little boy from Colombia were playing together and laughing harder than I had ever seen them.  (The previous day I had talked to the twin about playing with someone other than his brother, and when he tried asking someone to play, she turned him down :( so this was a major victory).  I think it was great for both of them!

Another girl has been cracking me up every day.  She is constantly singing and beat-boxing that I can't help but laugh.  She is the most adorable thing ever and SO polite.  She always says "excuse me," "please," "thank you," and gives more sincere compliments than any 1st grader I have ever met.

Then we have the day of the lizard...I walked in and grabbed the sign in binder like I had every morning.  I started opening up and a lizard scurried out!  I was so shocked I didn't know what to do.  I didn't want to touch it (it was 7 in the morning, too early to find lizards fun), but I didn't want it to get in all of the secretary's stuff either.  So another teacher saw me freaking out trying to figure out what to do and she goes, "you're not from around here are you?".  Nope, I'm from Ohio thank you.  We don't have lizards in school sign-in binders there.  Eventually it fell to the floor and she walked away like it was no big deal...it was still in the office!!

Then we have the hoes on the farm.  For morning journal one day the students were writing about what they might see on the farm.  One response was, "I see hoes on the farm".  After all of those pictures of similar quotes from kids I've seen, it doesn't give it justice until you're the teacher reading it who has to keep a straight face and make sure she changes the spelling, especially when she asks you what it says.  Morning journals always seem to bring up some interesting situations.

Finally, the same girl, as we were walking in from recess looks up at me and asks, "Ms. Buhr, why is your voice always so calm?"  I can't help but smile, and I reply that it is because this class is so well-behaved.  She says, "No but it's always so calm.  You never yell at us like other teachers do.  I like it."  Heart touched--check!  It made me so happy to know that I've been able to keep a class full of 6 and 7 year olds well-behaved without ever having to raise my voice.  They know that we won't continue until "the voices are off" as one student reminded me today.  It feels good knowing they are learning from me already and are starting to learn my phrases to the point where they remind each other of them before I even have to say anything.  Classroom management has been one of my biggest struggles, and I think I am finally getting the hang of it (much thanks to Stepping Stones I am sure).  It's starting to feel like I could actually handle my own classroom.

But for now, it's back to lesson plans.  Hopefully everything will go well the rest of the week!

I Am Blessed

It's crazy how sometimes the not so good days remind you of how blessed you are.  After some mix-ups with my supervisor and not the greatest first observation, I was struggling to keep a positive attitude.  But after going back for the Open House and seeing the excitement in those kids, and the love their parents had for them, I couldn't help but smile and know that I am still right where I need to be.  It was awesome seeing the kids open up and really be kids again (I don't get to see that much in a classroom so full of structure and keeping the students quiet--not that that's a bad thing).  I enjoyed talking to the parents and learning more about them through their parents, and how their parents interacted with them.  And I especially liked knowing I could understand 3 of the Hispanic families when they came in.  That's such a different environment than I'm used to, and I love every minute of it.

What really hit me pretty hard today was what I found out after leaving school.  One of my classmates from high school died in a car accident this morning.  We weren't close, but it was still sad to learn of someone my age, who I had known for years, losing his life.  It makes you realize how precious every single day and every moment is.  I'm not sure why God has given me another day and given me the opportunity to work with these kids, but I'm not going to let one not so good observation (and by not so good I just mean frustrating with the mix-ups about the observation, the lesson itself went well) deter me from doing what I love and sharing that love with kids who need it.  I am so blessed to have another day, and I hope I can make a positive difference in some way with it.

Learning the Ropes

2 weeks down, it's kind of hard to believe.  I'm starting to know my way around not only the school, but around the city.  It's becoming habit already to drive from one place to the next.  I feel like I've been here so much longer than 2 weeks in the sense that I'm becoming comfortable in my host's house, in the classroom, and around town.  But yet I can't believe I've already been here 2 weeks.  It feels like just yesterday I was leaving Ashland and yet that was 2 1/2 weeks ago. 

I'm starting to realize how much is going to change in Ohio without me being there.  I never realized how much I'd miss not being able to see the leaves change in the fall.  Hearing about how my students here have never experienced that, have never experienced playing in the snow, or the joys of a snow day makes me feel so far away from home.  Even when talking about swimming the other day, I realized that they were talking about swimming at the beach, not in a pool.  It hadn't even crossed my mind.  In a weird way I guess it's a little bit of culture shock.  With everyone at home starting to bundle up and it being just as hot as ever here, I'm starting to realize that this is going to be much more of a cultural experience than I had imagined. 

As far as the classroom goes, I'm still loving it so far.  I've taken over most of the morning routines, and other than the last 45 minutes, I'm teaching the whole day now in some form or another.  It's crazy to think the semester just started and yet I start teaching almost the whole day this week.  Starting Tuesday I will have the first 45 minutes, be in charge of one of the reading centers, and teach Math and Science/Social Studies.  And my little Hispanic friend is doing quite well, at least socially.  I've noticed him really start to open up more to his peers and he raises his hand a lot in Math :).  He's said a few things to me in Spanish now, and it's an amazing feeling knowing that even though I can't reply back to him in Spanish, I know what he's saying and I can help him say what he wants to say.  I've even geared my 2 week Unit around helping the ELL students and some of the other students that struggle with various things.  I really hope I can make a difference for them.

Outside of the classroom, I found an amazing park about 5 minutes away that has a fitness trail, which is perfect for what I was hoping to do while down here.  I went to dinner with my Mentor Teacher, and a few others and realized how much educators really think and talk about school and everything that goes along with it.  We can't get away from it.  I went to yoga on the beach Saturday morning which was really nice and a farmer's market downtown.  And probably the best part of my week was finding a church that I really enjoy going to.  I went to The Shore this morning and loved it from the very beginning.  I even talked to a few people about joining a small group.  I was starting to stress about not finding somewhere I could truly enjoy being at and getting involved in but those fears all went away today.  I feel so much better about being here and I can't wait to go back again.  But for now, it's off to prepare for another week learning, teaching, and loving these kids.

Missing vs. Missing Out

While discussing Ashland over the weekend, I stated that I hadn't realized how much I was going to miss by being here.  I decided to student teach in the fall rather than the spring to avoid missing those unforgettable senior moments, but what I hadn't thought about was the events and experiences that only occur during the fall, of which I won't be able to go to this year, and likely ever again.  The soccer, football, and volleyball games I've always gone to, Homecoming weekend, team bonding, and so many more. 

But while I was thinking about all of this, a friend questioned whether I was missing these things, or missing out on these things.  In other words, was I actually upset about not being there for those events and experiences, or was I just thinking about all of the things I can't go to, even if they really don't mean that much to me.  This was a complete eye-opener.  Sure I am missing out on going to those games or having those experiences, but the only things I seem to truly be missing are the people back in Ohio and the experiences that those events allow me to create with those people. 

This morning I was struggling a lot with this, but throughout the day, it became obvious how miniscule those events are compared to the opportunities I have here.  I have met so many amazing people here and have already learned things I probably never would have had I stayed in Ohio.  I still miss my family and friends in Ohio, but I would never trade those events that I'm missing out on for the experiences I have had, can have, and will have here.

The Seagull Encounter

First week down!  It's crazy to think I've already been here a week and how accustomed I've already gotten to everything.  My host has been awesome and even trying to keep me up with my Spanish (although it never seems to last very long).  We've been talking about faith, food, daily activities, and so many other things.  I've already started to open up to her more than I ever did with my host in Costa Rica.  I think this will turn out to be an amazing experience.  So let's go through week one!

Throughout the week I helped out my friend from Colombia even more.  I was sitting next to him and a few other struggling students at his table because a student was absent, helping them with their work.  It became quite obvious that he was losing focus, but I credit a large part of that to him not understanding what was going on.  I ended up taking him to a separate table to work on the word scramble while the rest of the class reviewed the answers.  He didn't have a clue.  When I re-explained how the worksheet was set up, spelling words on top, incorrect spelled-spelling words on the side, it suddenly clicked.  He got through the rest of the worksheet (correctly) before the rest of the class had finished reviewing it.  He seemed so proud and almost shocked that he was getting the right answers.  Also that day, I helped him with his morning journal.  The students were to complete the sentence "I ___ like a ____." to show how animals and humans are alike.  He came up with "I walk like a turtle" (most likely because another student had just said it).  I worked with him on creating the sentence correctly which in the end he had just what he was supposed to.  He even drew a picture of a turtle (completely on his own!) so I knew he actually understood what he was writing.  When everyone was sharing, he looked up at me smiling with such excitement in his eyes.  I just can't get over that face. 

The rest of the week continued really well, and I slowly helped out more and took over more responsibilities like grading, extra help for students, attendance, grade book, etc.  My mentor teacher had said that Fridays are always very busy, but we got everything done in plenty of time and she was still able to leave early. 

The kids seem to be taking to me very well, they are constantly trying to hold my hands as we walk from one place to another and are even starting to call out my name when they need help on their work.  I'm slowly getting more hugs and cute little kid compliments which I can't help but smile about--it's one of the many perks of being in Early Childhood Education :). 

I've talked to and learned so much already through the ESOL teacher, the guidance counselor, and the various Special needs therapists who have come through the room.  I've even been learning about before/after school procedures and safety and witnessed what may become their completely new driveway/after school procedure.  I've seen some differences in positive and somewhat negative teacher lunch room collaborations can look like, something I was warned about by my beloved senior block professor.  I've even been able to see what a real cumulative folder looks like...I can't believe how big some of them are for only the First Grade!! 

Outside of school, we had the privilege of visiting our supervisor's house to meet other mentor teachers, hosts and interns, as well as some of the others in charge of our placements.  It was great to have the opportunity to meet with everyone in such a relaxed environment.  I also got to go to Siesta Key Beach for the first time, which of course I fell in love with the incredibly soft white sand (which I couldn't keep myself from turning into a little kid again and playing in it).  It was absolutely breath-taking--the ocean has a crazy way of making you feel so small yet putting you at peace.  We saw a bunch of dead jellyfish washed up on shore, so hopefully I don't get stung by one again this semester!

And finally, what the title was referring to...the seagull encounter.  I was sitting on the beach at Siesta Key eating a granola bar and thinking about the monkeys in Costa Rica that would come up and snatch your food if you weren't careful.  Then I started thinking about how the birds at Siesta were constantly flying down to catch fish or finding food on the beach.  I turned my head to the side and a couple seconds later I feel something on my hand.  I turn just in time to see the hind side of a sneaky seagull snatching the granola bar from my hand!  Of course I immediately let go...I'm not trying to pick a fight with a seagull my first day there!  I couldn't believe it had really done that--I was in shock.  So then a swarm of seagulls started fighting over the granola bar right in front of us (which I don't think they ever actually managed to get much out of the wrapper).  A bit later, one was hovering over my friend who was eating something as well.  She had to hide it long enough for the seagull to fly away.  I now understand why the locals at beaches never seem to find seagulls so awesome as I always did. 

So that was my week in a nutshell (okay a rather large nutshell).  I'm still having a great time and learning so many things about teaching, culture, lifestyle, and everything else.  It's amazing how different a place can be in the same country.  But for now I need to get back to preparing lessons, I'll start teaching math this week!  Adios!

I Survived.

I have survived all of the packing.  I have survived all of the planning.  I have survived the 2 weeks of classes, seminars, and final meetings before leaving.  I survived being practically cut out of all independence and relying on dear friends to support me while living on campus without access to any buildings or even the cafeteria.  I survived finishing an entire semester-long class on Bio-Medical Issues in just a week and a half.  I survived the goodbyes of friends and loved ones.  I survived the 16+ hour drive down to Sarasota, Florida where I will be completing my student teaching in a first grade classroom at Ashton Elementary.  I survived meeting my host and moving in to a new place.  I survived taking Ryan to the airport and having to leave without him.  I survived making dinner without a microwave (very difficult if you know my cooking skills).  And I survived my first day of school, including meeting many new people.

But through all of that, I have realized I wasn't surviving at all.  I was learning, growing, and preparing myself for the future.  I learned how to completely rely on others in all aspects of my life.  I learned how to better trust in God and know that every struggle and joy is part of His ultimate plan for me.  I learned that I need to make the most of the time I have with people because time goes by a lot faster than you realize.  And I learned that there is always another perspective on a situation, sometimes you just have to look a little deeper.

But most importantly, I learned that no matter where I am, I always seem to feel at home when I walk in to a classroom full of smiling little faces.  Knowing I have the opportunity to impact these children's lives in a way that most will never have the chance to is an amazing feeling.  One little boy in this class is from Colombia and knows little English.  He struggles to communicate with my Mentor Teacher and seems to be lost on tasks that many of us seem to not think twice about.  When my teacher found out I could speak Spanish, she took me over to introduce me to him personally, and explained to him that when he needed help he could ask me, and I would translate for him so they could finally communicate better.  Oh the feeling!  Everyone seems to wonder why I've taken so many Spanish classes and took the time to study in Costa Rica if I wasn't going to teach Spanish.  That's why.  My goal has always been to help students like that little boy who would otherwise be forced to try to make due with what he could figure out on his own.  Same reason for working at Stepping Stones.  I don't plan on getting certified as an Intervention Specialist, but I want to be able to help ALL of my students, including those who have greater needs than the typical teacher is able to provide.  I don't want to be a typical teacher.  I want to be the teacher that changes kids' lives for the better and makes a lasting, positive impact on them. 

Needless to say I had an amazing first day.  I love my Mentor Teacher, the kids, the school, and my host.  I am incredibly blessed to have this opportunity and I can't wait to make the most of it.  (And yes the beaches right down the road are a nice bonus :) )