My final day in my field experience was a very memorable one as I got the opportunity to prepare and teach a lesson. Since I don’t have the knowledge yet of making a lesson plan, my teacher suggested I find a craft that I can do with the class. I selected a mittens craft so the kids could use their creativity and have fun with. I really think they enjoyed it! It was such a great experience and really reminded me of why I want to be a teacher. I loved helping the students and answering any questions they had. I was a little nervous to be in front of the class but I think that confidence only really comes with practice so I’m grateful for the experience.
An ‘AHA’ moment that I had during my placement was when I was helping a boy in the class with his alphabet and French grammar booklet. He was the only one in the class who hadn’t completed it and he seemed to find it quite challenging. I enjoyed sitting with him and helping him with the questions. When he got an answer right I would remind him that he was smart and congratulate him. I did it in a subtle way but I wanted him to feel capable and happy with his work. He seemed to really enjoy this as well and it encouraged him and gave him the confidence to ask me more questions. This was my ‘AHA’ moment because I realized how important it is to focus on the students who need a bit of extra help and to remind them that they are smart! Sometimes students forget this, especially if they are behind the rest of the class. I wanted to remind him what he was capable of.