My field placement came to an abrupt end. It is incredibly saddening that I was not able to finish the field placement since the schools closed. I am also upset that I never got a chance to say goodbye to the students that I was so used to seeing every Wednesday. However, even though my time at the school was brief, I still had an incredible experience. Throughout the weeks at McLurg Elementary school, I experienced so much from Mr. Lorenz and his grade 6/7 students.

As I reflect on my experience, I remember my first day stepping into the school. I was so nervous and I had no idea what to expect. The classroom was so different from anything I had ever experienced before because it only had three walls and was open to the hall. I was so nervous about meeting the students and the staff for the first time, but as soon as I arrived I was greeted with open arms. Everyone I met was so friendly and the students were so excited to have my partner and me in their classroom.

As the weeks went on I grew extremely comfortable with the kids and my partner and I even got the opportunity to teach our own lesson together. The focus questions every week were really helpful because they got me to focus on the little things in the classroom and take my time getting to know the students. They got me to question and reflect on the way my cooperating teacher honoured diversity and different ways of knowing. I wish I could’ve gotten the opportunity to answer them all.

I was so worried about being placed in a middle years classroom. I am focusing on middle years and I was scared that the experience would turn me away from teaching that age. But it actually did the opposite. It reminded me of why I chose to go into middle years. The kids are were all so enthusiastic and open-minded. They put so much passion into everything they did. They made each lesson so much fun. One thing that I really enjoyed about the experience was all the games Mr. Lorenz would play with the students. He did this to give them opportunities to work together as a team. He had such creative games and challenges for the kids and they always had so much fun doing them.

It was such an amazing experience. For our last week, we had planned to have a little party to say goodbye. I am disappointed that we never got to do this but I am glad that I still got to learn so much. I looked forward to every day and those few hours in the classroom every Wednesday quickly became the highlight of my week. I am sad to have to say goodbye but I am so grateful that I got to be apart of their classroom, even for a little while.