Group work

I played Jeopardy with my Gr.1s again today. They like the game a lot! When I told them we're going to play, some kids were so excited, and they came up and screamed, "Yes! Yes! Yes! I love that game!!" So cute~~

There's only 5 students in my second class. The 2 boys are in a group, and last week they had trouble agreeing on what questions to pick and their answers, so I asked them to use Rock Paper Scissors to decide who gives me the answers. This week, they actually worked together! I said to them, "Wow! You're finally agreeing with each other. Good job!" And I find that in both classes, the groups worked better together this week~ I think that students need time to learn to work with and cooperate with each other, especially when they are young and still at their self-centered stage. I really believe that working in groups give them a chance to learn with and learn from each other, to respect each other, and to have fun at the same time. I'll give them more chances to work together for the next couple of weeks! =)

Agape Learning Center

I've been supplying for Gr.1 Math on Saturdays for a couple of weeks now, I like it so far! Getting to know my 2 classes of Gr.1s is very rewarding. They can be pretty loud at times, especially when we're playing Math-related games. Their excitement is understandable, and afterall, they're just kids who want to express their feelings as they feel it! But I let them know that there are other classes having their lessons, so we can't be too noisy. Last week, I took away points from the Boys' group when we played Jeopardy because they were screaming and some of them couldn't stay in their seats 'cause they were too excited. And then I started talking to them in whispers, and it worked~ If I yelled over them, they're just going to be louder and louder. But when I whispered, they actually did calm down a little, and we were able to go on with the game without disturbing other classes. =)

Today, I went to another location to supply for a Gr.3 class. When I took the attendance, I told them that although I'm only here for today, I might bump into them again later, so I want to get to know them. I told them a little about myself, and then asked each student to tell me one thing about themselves. I think I'm feeling more and more comfortable around children now, and it feels so natural to get to know them and make connections with them. After I reviewed a few questions with them, I handed out the test. While they were working on it, I marked their homework. After everybody was done, I took up a few more difficult questions with them. At the end, we still had 10 minutes left, so we played "2 Truths and a Lie"~ I'm glad that they enjoyed the game! Before I left, one student asked me if I'm going to be here next week. Awwww......^^

Occasiontal Teacher

Yesterday, I went to the TDSB occasional teacher sign-up session in the morning. So once I got my employee number in 2 weeks, I'm officially on the occasional teacher list~ That means I'll start getting calls from schools in September when their teachers are away or sick, and they need supply teachers. But for now, we could only work for Zone 1 schools, which simply means...they're very very far away from where I live. So if I get a call in 6am, I might not even make it on time without rushing. But it's still good news, 'cause at least I can start calling myself a non-unemployed teacher. =P And I'm not too disappointed in not getting a full time job yet either, 'cause so far nobody who graduated with me has gotten a full time teaching post. So I guess that's how the industry & system works for now, and it's no harm starting off as a supply teacher, since we get to go to different schools & different classes, without the responsibilities of planning & assessing yet. ^^

Job Searching

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. =)

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. ^-^

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! ^-^

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!