Well, we are at the end of the final week, and we have all that we’re going to have for now as we head in to our practicum placements.

Do you ever feel fully prepared for anything? Can’t say that I have, but I can say this: Everything I have learned so far has gone into this planning phase, but when the rubber hits the road (the theory meets the practical) will the wheels stay on? I like a bit of anarchy (controlled anarchy that is), especially in a classroom full of eager young minds, but I have the same doubts and reservations that I’m sure everyone has:

Are they going to pay attention when I’m trying to speak?

Are they going to put pen to paper when I ask them to visualize, draw, imagine, ideate, or design?

Will they sense my passion for teaching them and feel inclined to release their inquiring minds?

What if they find me boring??

 

I have to constantly remind myself to be myself, because kids seem to see through just about anything that is not authentic, even before they have the ability to articulate why. I am going to leave my door open to these students, and I hope they all choose to come in as I have a lot to offer…and its all free for the taking.

I’m starting off the first week with 2 different food blocks for 6/7’s and 8/9’s, general foods and cooking with fire respectively.I know they’re both going to be fun, but its that rough start out of the gate that I’m always worried about, getting the kids to talk, laugh and engage on day 1.

I think one of the adaptations I’ll be forced to make is just that – adaptability. As my SA says, you aren’t going to plan for 10 weeks, unless you like a lot of re-writing when you have to toss half the plan out on the end of week 1. Im trying to think more big picture, like how will I prompt something out of these kids when they often seem uncomfortable talking, or are just uncomfortable in their own skin period. All I can do is be myself, and maybe talk about my own uncomfortability to put their minds at ease – I’ll just have to adapt on the fly and see how it goes.

The next post will be at the end of day 1 as I’m not sure what else to comment on or think about at the present time. Everybody always says don’t worry about, and I try not too, but I’ve heard that before and it’s not really a switch I’ve ever had the ability to click off when the time had come. But my girlfriend always says – “If you are a little worried, you’re probably better prepared and more thoughtful than the person who is not worried at all.” Hope she is right.