This fourth week of practicum went by in a blur! We had some fun classes (mostly successful!), and I am excited to say that Burnaby South’s badminton season is starting out, with junior and senior tryouts that have been held this past week. Rebel Nations (the school’s talent show) was also on Thursday evening. This was my first time attending extra-curricular school events at Burnaby South, and I am amazed at how much talent and dedication for the arts and athletics students have to offer, despite their busy school schedules. Badminton practices start next week, and I can’t wait to help the athletes improve their skills, grow as a team, and find their passions in sports.
Stress! What are you finding the most stressful or is causing you the most stress over the practicum? How are you coping and what strategies are you finding most helpful?
The most stressful part for myself, so far, is the never-ending and always growing list of thing to-do. As 80% load approaches, there is so much more to do and things to keep track of. On top of it all, I put stress on myself by always wanting to strive for perfection. One habit I realized was that I try to cater my lessons to every single student and please everyone, whereas the reality is that not each student will be fully engaged in every single lesson. Trying to find that balance and wanting to impress everyone, yet often failing to do so, I become discouraged. However, this becomes a good reminder to myself that there is a lot of room to reflect and grow as a teacher, and I am headed in that direction. Furthermore, coaching badminton and being in an environment that I find comforting and familiar, I instantly feel less stressed; it serves as a reminder of why I love to teach and inspire students, even though it may not be in the home economics setting.
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