The first day of practicum was somewhat overwhelming – meeting the teacher and the students who will both have such an impact on the teacher I will become was daunting.

I was placed in a grade 1 classroom and I could not be more thrilled about it. I love the little ones and I can already see how much fun it will be to watch their progress over the school year. The entire school was so welcoming and friendly, which helped me to feel at ease quite quickly. The classroom set up is open with children grouped into fours at tables, which is great to see considering how much collaboration/groupwork is emphasized to be an important part of learning.

I saw a very heartwarming interaction between two children which made me think of all I have learned so far about ELL students. One student very recently moved to Canada and has very limited English, but a good grasp on her L1. The student is seated with others who also know her L1, as well as a strong L2. I went over to ask this student what she was drawing, but she did not have the word in English to tell me. Her peers then asked her in her L1 what I had just asked, and I got my answer. I thought it was an amazing example of how we can set up our ELL students for success and get them to utilize their L1 while making connections to their L2.

Overall, it was a great (and very tiring!) first day, and I am looking forward to everything else that is to come!