How's my job searching going?
I've been checking the TDSB's vacancies on the Eligible To Hire list every Tuesday and Thursday, and I've been e-mailing principals to apply for some of the posts. But I haven't heard anything yet.
The vacancy list is getting short now, and most of the jobs that are not filled are French posts. But I've applied for the occasional teaching list for the North West Quadrant, so I'll keep waiting for news.
I sense that I should be feeling nervous, but I'm actually not. =P It'll be great if I can find a job soon, but I'm not worrying about it too much right now. =P
Keep waiting, there's always hope. =)
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Last day of school at Randall P.S. 2008
I came back to Randall to visit Ms.Lamba and the Gr.4/5s today, 'cause it's the last day of school. Yay~~~~ They were all so excited! ^^"
When I arrived, they were sitting in a circle, sharing their memories of the year from the memory book that they have made. One boy decided to share his page of "My teachers". He mentioned the names of all the teachers that he has this year, and then he said, "I like Ms.Chung because she's nice, but the rest of them are evil." I was sooooooo surprised. Well first of all, I'm sure that he's saying the "evil" part for dramatic effect. I was surprised because I never knew he bonded with me. I never knew he understood the care and love that I've given him, because he never showed it. And for a boy to say that in front of the whole class isn't really a cool thing (well the "evil" part was cool I guess =P), but he said it anyway. I felt so touched. ^^" Thank you. =)
I wrote a little note for everyone who gave me their memory book for an autograph (yeah, there's an autograph page haha). I wrote something to encourage those who I feel they need it. When I write something to somebody, I always think, "Hm...if I am this person, what would I like to read/hear?" If I am this student, what do I need most from this teacher standing before me?
Today's only a half day, so it went by really quickly. And...I miss the kids! They kept asking me if I'm coming back next year. I remember a girl saying that she'll ask the principal to hire me haha, and that she can interview me. Who knows? Maybe I'll be back, if not next year, maybe some years after. But even if I don't get a job at Randall, I'll still go back to visit them next year. ^-^
When I arrived, they were sitting in a circle, sharing their memories of the year from the memory book that they have made. One boy decided to share his page of "My teachers". He mentioned the names of all the teachers that he has this year, and then he said, "I like Ms.Chung because she's nice, but the rest of them are evil." I was sooooooo surprised. Well first of all, I'm sure that he's saying the "evil" part for dramatic effect. I was surprised because I never knew he bonded with me. I never knew he understood the care and love that I've given him, because he never showed it. And for a boy to say that in front of the whole class isn't really a cool thing (well the "evil" part was cool I guess =P), but he said it anyway. I felt so touched. ^^" Thank you. =)
I wrote a little note for everyone who gave me their memory book for an autograph (yeah, there's an autograph page haha). I wrote something to encourage those who I feel they need it. When I write something to somebody, I always think, "Hm...if I am this person, what would I like to read/hear?" If I am this student, what do I need most from this teacher standing before me?
Today's only a half day, so it went by really quickly. And...I miss the kids! They kept asking me if I'm coming back next year. I remember a girl saying that she'll ask the principal to hire me haha, and that she can interview me. Who knows? Maybe I'll be back, if not next year, maybe some years after. But even if I don't get a job at Randall, I'll still go back to visit them next year. ^-^
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Field Trip to Milliken Mills Community Centre
Last Friday, I went back to Randall P.S. to visit the students and went on a field trip with them~ They were meeting their penpals from Aldergrove P.S. at Millien Mills. When I went into the classroom, all the students turned to me and said "Ms.Chung is here!!! We missed you!!!" Awwwwww....that's so sweet! And I saw some girls using the bookmarks that I made them too! I'm glad that they like them and find them useful. ^^"
So, we walked to Milliken Mills!! I think it took us about 30 mins. The weather was really nice though, not too cold, not too hot. On our way, something funny happened. One of the students was complimenting on other people's houses. She said, "Oh I love this balcony!!!" And then the owner happened to be in the yard, and he came out and said, "Thank you!" That scared us hahahha~
We bumped into the penpals on our way there~ When we finally got there, we paired up the penpals and asked them to play together. The boys got along sooner than the girls~ I guess it's because they were playing soccer, and sports is a good way of playing with each other. ^^" We went to MacDonald's for lunch, which was probably the highlight of the trip for the kids. =P Imagine 60 kids lining up to order!! That's amazing hahaha~
After that, we slowly walked back to school. The walk seemed much longer, 'cause we were all exhausted, and the afternoon sun was burning down on us! We had to sit down and rest on the grass in the middle of the walk haha~ But we finally got there. =P And I had to leave soon after we got back to school. But I'm going to visit them again on the last day of school! I'll miss them until then! ^-^
So, we walked to Milliken Mills!! I think it took us about 30 mins. The weather was really nice though, not too cold, not too hot. On our way, something funny happened. One of the students was complimenting on other people's houses. She said, "Oh I love this balcony!!!" And then the owner happened to be in the yard, and he came out and said, "Thank you!" That scared us hahahha~
We bumped into the penpals on our way there~ When we finally got there, we paired up the penpals and asked them to play together. The boys got along sooner than the girls~ I guess it's because they were playing soccer, and sports is a good way of playing with each other. ^^" We went to MacDonald's for lunch, which was probably the highlight of the trip for the kids. =P Imagine 60 kids lining up to order!! That's amazing hahaha~
After that, we slowly walked back to school. The walk seemed much longer, 'cause we were all exhausted, and the afternoon sun was burning down on us! We had to sit down and rest on the grass in the middle of the walk haha~ But we finally got there. =P And I had to leave soon after we got back to school. But I'm going to visit them again on the last day of school! I'll miss them until then! ^-^
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Last day of student teaching
I found that a couple of students in my class has come here to read my blog, so I decided that I'll keep this up!
Yesterday was my last day of student teaching, and I'm missing my students already. They're just so sweet (aren't you all? =P)! Thank you for all the little gifts and cards, I'll remember everything that you've said to me, and I promise that I'll become a great teacher.
Later, I'll post up some pictures of the work that my students have done (but I won't post pictures of the kids due to security reasons), and things that they've made for me.
Everyday, after they've written down their homework in their agenda, they'll come up to me so that I can sign their agenda. Yesterday, they didn't have any homework, but some of them came and asked for my last signature. One of them even wrote "Keep missing Ms.Chung" as their homework! I'm so, so, so touched!
Next friday, I'll go visit them because they're having a field trip, and I promised to join them. I hope we'll have fun!
Yesterday was my last day of student teaching, and I'm missing my students already. They're just so sweet (aren't you all? =P)! Thank you for all the little gifts and cards, I'll remember everything that you've said to me, and I promise that I'll become a great teacher.
Later, I'll post up some pictures of the work that my students have done (but I won't post pictures of the kids due to security reasons), and things that they've made for me.
Everyday, after they've written down their homework in their agenda, they'll come up to me so that I can sign their agenda. Yesterday, they didn't have any homework, but some of them came and asked for my last signature. One of them even wrote "Keep missing Ms.Chung" as their homework! I'm so, so, so touched!
Next friday, I'll go visit them because they're having a field trip, and I promised to join them. I hope we'll have fun!
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Jan.10, 08
Today is my first day of school at Randall after a long winter break. I prepared a Poetry lesson & a Math lesson, and I'm excited about seeing the students~
In the morning, I asked both the Gr.4s & 5s to sit around the carpet to make a circle. I've never tried this before because there's so many of them and so little space. But I took Tribes a few weeks ago, and I found that sitting in a circle is more effective than just having them sit in the centre of the carpet. So I tried, and it works~ Although we're a little bit squishy.
Before I began my Poetry lesson, I introduced the rainstick to them. I used to do clapping to get their attention, but I thought having a new way to do it would spark some interests. I told them that from now on, whenever they see me hold up the rainstick, or whenever they hear the sound of the rainstick, they'd stop talking & stop everything that they're doing, and start snapping their fingers or rubbing their palms together. If they see other people doing it, they'll follow, until the whole class is quiet. I let them practice. I told hem to talk amongst themselves. When I held up the rainstick, a lot of students noticed and started snapping their fingers. I was really impressed! We practiced for a couple of times, and they are really good at it now!
I introduced the lesson by asking them to think of 2 things: 1) Something that they did during the holiday. 2) Begin a sentence with "When I think of poetry, I think of...". We went around the circle, and only a few students passed. I was surprised that some quieter students were willing to participate!
I read them a few poems and discussed about them briefly. Then I asked them, before we write anything, what do we need? Ideas. A poetry journal is a great way to save our ideas! We can record our thoughts & feelings through writing (in any language), pictures, dooodles, anything. I let them know that they'll be having their own poetry journal, but it's their private property, so they can keep it as personal as they want. If they want to share something from their journal, they are welcome to. But if they don't want to, that's OK.
We started our first guided journal writing with a song by Bach. I told them to close their eyes and listen to the song. After 5 minutes, they can use words or pictures to record their feelings, or the images that came up to their mind. To their surprise, I also opened my journal and started writing. I'm going to do exactly what they are told to do, because I want to be a good example for them. After that, we sat in the circle and shared. It's amazing how different students think of different things when listening to the same music!
After that, I asked them to decorate the cover of their journal. Some of them wrote things like "Private Personnel Only", which I think is very cute, and I'm actually glad, because they're showing me that they'll treat the journal as their private space, which makes it very personal, and I believe that they'll use it a lot. Some wrote their names in their own language. A Chinese girl asked if I know how to pronounce her Chinese name, and I do. =)
My host teacher Ms.Lamba saw the difference in my teaching style too, and she asked me what happened. I told her that I took Tribes and I love it. I love the way that I'm implementing it, and I'm just excited to see that the students are so engaged and excited about Poetry now!
In the morning, I asked both the Gr.4s & 5s to sit around the carpet to make a circle. I've never tried this before because there's so many of them and so little space. But I took Tribes a few weeks ago, and I found that sitting in a circle is more effective than just having them sit in the centre of the carpet. So I tried, and it works~ Although we're a little bit squishy.
Before I began my Poetry lesson, I introduced the rainstick to them. I used to do clapping to get their attention, but I thought having a new way to do it would spark some interests. I told them that from now on, whenever they see me hold up the rainstick, or whenever they hear the sound of the rainstick, they'd stop talking & stop everything that they're doing, and start snapping their fingers or rubbing their palms together. If they see other people doing it, they'll follow, until the whole class is quiet. I let them practice. I told hem to talk amongst themselves. When I held up the rainstick, a lot of students noticed and started snapping their fingers. I was really impressed! We practiced for a couple of times, and they are really good at it now!
I introduced the lesson by asking them to think of 2 things: 1) Something that they did during the holiday. 2) Begin a sentence with "When I think of poetry, I think of...". We went around the circle, and only a few students passed. I was surprised that some quieter students were willing to participate!
I read them a few poems and discussed about them briefly. Then I asked them, before we write anything, what do we need? Ideas. A poetry journal is a great way to save our ideas! We can record our thoughts & feelings through writing (in any language), pictures, dooodles, anything. I let them know that they'll be having their own poetry journal, but it's their private property, so they can keep it as personal as they want. If they want to share something from their journal, they are welcome to. But if they don't want to, that's OK.
We started our first guided journal writing with a song by Bach. I told them to close their eyes and listen to the song. After 5 minutes, they can use words or pictures to record their feelings, or the images that came up to their mind. To their surprise, I also opened my journal and started writing. I'm going to do exactly what they are told to do, because I want to be a good example for them. After that, we sat in the circle and shared. It's amazing how different students think of different things when listening to the same music!
After that, I asked them to decorate the cover of their journal. Some of them wrote things like "Private Personnel Only", which I think is very cute, and I'm actually glad, because they're showing me that they'll treat the journal as their private space, which makes it very personal, and I believe that they'll use it a lot. Some wrote their names in their own language. A Chinese girl asked if I know how to pronounce her Chinese name, and I do. =)
My host teacher Ms.Lamba saw the difference in my teaching style too, and she asked me what happened. I told her that I took Tribes and I love it. I love the way that I'm implementing it, and I'm just excited to see that the students are so engaged and excited about Poetry now!
Thursday, October 04, 2007
Oct.4, 07
I went to school really early today because I had to photocopy the autobiography/biography packages that I prepared for the Language unit. After I finished photocopying, I felt so relieved, because I'm prepared for this 8-week unit. I really appreciate Ms.Lamba's suggestion for putting together a package for the students, otherwise I'll be making worksheets and organizers on a weekly basis. This gets me ready for the unit, and although it was a lot of work, I'll be thankful later on, 'cause I'm all set to go.
I showed Ms.Lamba the packages, and she really likes it. The only problem is that my writing checklists should have more simplied language, because what I did right now might be too abstract for the students. But she said that I can explain it to them, but next time I'll be aware of it.
I find that the bells are very distracting for the students and for me as well. The bell would ring inbetween lessons, because older students are switching to other classes. One solution of this would be to have an alarm clock in each classroom, and the teachers can set it on their own, so it won't disturb other classes.
After lunch, I taught my first lesson at Randall P.S.! I was really nervous two nights before. I dreamed that I did a really boring lesson, and the students started standing up and walking around. It was horrible!! ><" But that's not what happened, of course. ^^" I read an excerpt from "Three Weeks with my Brother", and they loved it~ It seems like they really enjoy read-alouds. I'll make sure that I do some of it every week! We talked and we laughed, so I think it was a pretty good lesson. The only thing is that I think I should prepare for different activities for each lesson, because they would get distracted if I give them too much time to work on one thing. It's different from teaching Gr.1s, because I can assign unfinished work as homework to the Gr.4/5s.
It is difficult to handle all 29 students, but I think I'm doing OK, not so bad. I used my strategies that I tested out last year, such as putting my index finger to my lips and waiting for everyone to be quiet. I even moved one student because they kept on talking and distracting the class. But I believe that they all know my style now. I won't yell, I smile and laugh a lot, but I want them to be aware of their actions and be respectful.
I noticed that Gr.5s are really good at stimulating class discussions, because they have learned some of the things that I'm teaching the Gr.4s. That's a good thing about split class. The students really learn from each other.
When I asked the students to think of a person who they want to know about, and think of some questions that they want to ask him/her, they chose me as the person. They asked questions like "Did you ever get married?", "What colour do you want to dye your hair?", "Did you like someone when you were in school?" They are so different from Gr.1s hahaha~
While they were working, I went around to take pictures of them, so they can use them in their autobiography/biography later on. Most of them enjoyed it, but one girl wouldn't let me take her picture. I told her that it's ok, I'll ask her again next week, but it's fine if she really didn't feel comfortable with it.
Before school ends, two girls came up and asked me do I want to be a teacher. I said yes, and asked them if I did an OK job today or not, and they said yes. ^^" I could feel that some of them have already developed a liking towards me~
I showed Ms.Lamba the packages, and she really likes it. The only problem is that my writing checklists should have more simplied language, because what I did right now might be too abstract for the students. But she said that I can explain it to them, but next time I'll be aware of it.
I find that the bells are very distracting for the students and for me as well. The bell would ring inbetween lessons, because older students are switching to other classes. One solution of this would be to have an alarm clock in each classroom, and the teachers can set it on their own, so it won't disturb other classes.
After lunch, I taught my first lesson at Randall P.S.! I was really nervous two nights before. I dreamed that I did a really boring lesson, and the students started standing up and walking around. It was horrible!! ><" But that's not what happened, of course. ^^" I read an excerpt from "Three Weeks with my Brother", and they loved it~ It seems like they really enjoy read-alouds. I'll make sure that I do some of it every week! We talked and we laughed, so I think it was a pretty good lesson. The only thing is that I think I should prepare for different activities for each lesson, because they would get distracted if I give them too much time to work on one thing. It's different from teaching Gr.1s, because I can assign unfinished work as homework to the Gr.4/5s.
It is difficult to handle all 29 students, but I think I'm doing OK, not so bad. I used my strategies that I tested out last year, such as putting my index finger to my lips and waiting for everyone to be quiet. I even moved one student because they kept on talking and distracting the class. But I believe that they all know my style now. I won't yell, I smile and laugh a lot, but I want them to be aware of their actions and be respectful.
I noticed that Gr.5s are really good at stimulating class discussions, because they have learned some of the things that I'm teaching the Gr.4s. That's a good thing about split class. The students really learn from each other.
When I asked the students to think of a person who they want to know about, and think of some questions that they want to ask him/her, they chose me as the person. They asked questions like "Did you ever get married?", "What colour do you want to dye your hair?", "Did you like someone when you were in school?" They are so different from Gr.1s hahaha~
While they were working, I went around to take pictures of them, so they can use them in their autobiography/biography later on. Most of them enjoyed it, but one girl wouldn't let me take her picture. I told her that it's ok, I'll ask her again next week, but it's fine if she really didn't feel comfortable with it.
Before school ends, two girls came up and asked me do I want to be a teacher. I said yes, and asked them if I did an OK job today or not, and they said yes. ^^" I could feel that some of them have already developed a liking towards me~
Sept.27, 07
I went to school early because I had to drop my mom off at work by 8am. When I was in the staff room reading an article and highlighting key points, Mr.Levy came up to me and said, "Hey, I don't know who you are, but you're not supposed to use yellow highlighter in this school. You're supposed to use green." I laughed, and another teacher came to him and said, "Hey, I remember this girl, I remember her laugh, you bugged her already last time!" Then I said, "Yeah, remember? You asked me 'It's not funny, why are you laughing?'" Then Mr.Levy said, "Oh yeah, I bugged you already, sorry." Hahhahah, he's hilarious~
In the morning, Ms.Lamba did Health with the students. They talked about behaviours and feelings. They talked about teamwork, and that it is very important for you to get a job. Ms.Lamba said that if there's two smart people, one is a loner and the other one is great at teamworking, then the latter will be hired. One student raised his hand and asked, "What if you're not smart but you're nice?" I think that is a very honest question, and I am amazed by how students are really thinking about it. Ms.Lamba told him that if you're nice, then you're willing to learn with others, so people will give you opportunities too. What a nice way to phrase it. ^^"
After recess, we had Math. The Gr.4s read about their lesson first, while the Gr.5s learned their lesson on the carpet. I went around to help the students while they worked, and I'm building a relationship with some of the students already, because they know that I can help them and can be trusted. It's a nice feeling!
After lunch, Ms.Agrawal and Ms.Wong came into the classroom to talk to Ms.Lamba. Some of the kids were pretty loud. When Ms.Lamba finally had a chance to talk to them, she asked, "How any of you were talking when you're supposed to be reading silently?" When they raised their hands, she said, "Thanks for being honest. I appreciate that." I think that it is very important that students are comfortable to open up and be honest with their teacher, even when they are doing something wrong. It means that they trust the teacher, because the teacher trusts them as well.
Today, I did a lot of photocopying, I helped the students in Math, and I marked their Math reviews. I like it that Ms.Lamba is trusting me in marking and letting me get involved with things in the classroom, because it makes me feel that I belong. =)
In the morning, Ms.Lamba did Health with the students. They talked about behaviours and feelings. They talked about teamwork, and that it is very important for you to get a job. Ms.Lamba said that if there's two smart people, one is a loner and the other one is great at teamworking, then the latter will be hired. One student raised his hand and asked, "What if you're not smart but you're nice?" I think that is a very honest question, and I am amazed by how students are really thinking about it. Ms.Lamba told him that if you're nice, then you're willing to learn with others, so people will give you opportunities too. What a nice way to phrase it. ^^"
After recess, we had Math. The Gr.4s read about their lesson first, while the Gr.5s learned their lesson on the carpet. I went around to help the students while they worked, and I'm building a relationship with some of the students already, because they know that I can help them and can be trusted. It's a nice feeling!
After lunch, Ms.Agrawal and Ms.Wong came into the classroom to talk to Ms.Lamba. Some of the kids were pretty loud. When Ms.Lamba finally had a chance to talk to them, she asked, "How any of you were talking when you're supposed to be reading silently?" When they raised their hands, she said, "Thanks for being honest. I appreciate that." I think that it is very important that students are comfortable to open up and be honest with their teacher, even when they are doing something wrong. It means that they trust the teacher, because the teacher trusts them as well.
Today, I did a lot of photocopying, I helped the students in Math, and I marked their Math reviews. I like it that Ms.Lamba is trusting me in marking and letting me get involved with things in the classroom, because it makes me feel that I belong. =)
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