Chapters 2 and 3

Generosity of the Heart

I loved that this was the reading for tonight, considering this was one of the topics I spoke with my group about today. I feel that it is a constant struggle for teachers to keep up with the times and to keep their lessons fresh. Countless times I have been told by those whom are not teachers that once I finish my first year of teaching it will be easy because I can re-use my material over and over again. I always just smile and say wouldn't that be nice. Although I am not fully teaching yet I do see the amount of work that teachers around me put in on a daily basis. If only it was an easy job wouldn't everyone do it? I loved that chapter 2 brought up that each new group of students is unique. This is so true. The three years that I have been in the classroom not one group of students was the same and I know that my class this year will be just as unique. I always say the thing that I love most about my job is that it changes everyday. Each day when you walk into the classroom you don't know what kind of moods you may be interacting with and that is exciting!

Another aspect of Chapter 2 that I enjoyed was the section on passion. Passion is such a key element for teachers. Without a passion for what we do, we essentially have nothing. Teaching is all about trying something new and experimenting. How boring would it be to have the same lessons over and over again. The amazing thing about teaching is that you are not only teaching to the student you as the teacher are learning as well. With each new lesson you find what works and what doesn't. Each lesson can change year to year depending on the day and mood of the class. I loved that they compared teaching to an adventure, it is such a invigorating way to look at your job. How many people can say that each day they go to work has the potential of being a new adventure?

Chapter 3 was so important for teachers to read, especially those who teach younger ages. Imagination is one of the most amazing things that you have as a child. To watch the imagination of a child work is truly a gift. Something that I find sad in today's society is that kids are losing their imaginations. They are losing their outlet to be creative and think on their own. It is so important that we nurture and encourage the imagination. Creativity is such a healing outlet. There seems to be more pressure now to learn what is in the book and to pass the test then their is to build your creativity. Kids are more stuck behind the screen then running around outside and playing make-believe. Without creativity we wouldn't have so many of the wonderful things that we use today. I completely agreed with the quote "imagination can bring several parts together to create wholes", without imagination we really aren't whole. Towards the end of the chapter Durka said that imagination does not resolve or improve simply it awakens and that is so true. After reading this chapter I hope that when I am teaching one day that I remember to not only teach the basics but to nurture a child's creativity.

Being a Teacher's Aide at a Catholic School

I have always had a special place in my heart for working with children. Even when I was a child myself I loved "taking care" of those whom were younger than me. My first job was when I was 10 years old as a babysitter. I thought I was very "grown-up." I always knew that one day I would have a career working with children. I was born and raised in a large Irish-Catholic family and attended Catholic school up until my sophomore year in high school. It was a major culture shock for me to attend a public school and I learned many lessons in what was right and wrong. Sometimes I had to learn those lessons the hard way. After high school I started working in the Catholic elementary school I had attended for nine years. I then realized working and being part of a Catholic school was definitely the place for me. Everything about working at the school felt right, I had no doubt in my mind that this was the career for me.

I have been working in the third grade classroom for 3 years now and I absolutely love it. I love that moment when you are teaching a child something and you can see when it clicks for them. It is the most rewarding feeling to know that you have taught a child something and have had a positive affect on their life. It is a feeling that is almost indescribable and the only people who would know that same feeling is another teacher. Although I could have this effect in any classroom, I I choose to be part of a Catholic school for many reasons. One of the main reasons that I believe Catholic school is right for me is the sense of community you have when being there. It is refreshing and comforting to be around people on a daily basis who share the same beliefs as you. I also enjoy teaching and sharing my faith with those around me. Their is a constant presence of religion in a classroom at a Catholic school.

My faith in my religion has been restored since working at Our Lady of Angels. It has brought me back to my strong faith in God that I had as a child. During my teen years I lost touch with my religion as many teenagers do and being back in an environment where religion is embraced has been the most positive and rewarding thing for me. I want to share my passion for religion and God with the children I teach. I hope to be able to provide them with the strong sense of community and faith that the Catholic church has to offer. I feel very lucky to be part of the Catholic family and to be able to educate others on Catholicism.

First blog!

I am excited to do my first blog and to be able to share thoughts and ideas with my classmates!