Today felt like a whirlwind. The day started off by having a meeting with the school’s principal to review expectations and professionalism within the school. This was a great opportunity to meet the other pre-interns within the school and make a connection with the principal. She was welcoming and supportive, reminding us that we’re not ‘just interns’ but educators within the school community. We were encouraged to explore the school and all it has to offer. She also suggested we reach out to teachers of other grades to take the opportunity to experience as many grade levels and teaching philosophies as we can. I left this meeting feeling pumped up and ready to take on the day.

After the students came inside from recess it was time for my partner and I to co-teach our health lesson. We read a story about ways to be kind and brainstormed about how to be a good friend. Then we talked about how it feels when our others aren’t kind to us. The kids were very excited and engaged for most of the lesson, however even our cooperating teacher agreed that the kids tend to get a little “squirrely” after about 20 minutes. A consideration I had before starting that lesson was to have the students move from their desks to the mats midway through, but from what I learned last week, I thought it might take too long. In hindsight, it might be worth trying out for next week! And just like that, it was lunch followed by the hustle and bustle of the highly anticipated field trip to the art gallery.

Let me tell you, anyone that suggests a field trip is an easy day for teachers, has never been on a bus with 50 six year olds! On the way to the art gallery, 20 minutes away by bus, we had a student crying because they missed their mom, one crying because they missed their brother and one sleeping. We were bound to have an unpredictable afternoon.

In all honesty, the art gallery was a fantastic field trip. I would highly recommend it to other educators. They do a really good job of engaging the students and relating the content to their lives. There were many hands on activities planned throughout the gallery tour which the students loved. The leaders were enthusiastic and engaging, and open to a millions questions. That being said, we have to remember that in Grade 1, there are more important things than art, and those things include, missing recess, snack time, and going outside.

I’ve learned that everything in Grade 1 is over the top and it shouldn’t be any other way. I think we covered all of the emotions and had a fun-filled, exhausting day. I can’t wait to see what adventures next week brings.