Monday, February 13
On Monday morning, bright and early, my teacher asked that I teach the Year 9's English Lesson. This lesson required reading two chapters of the book they are currently reading, summarize what it was about, and identify tough vocabulary. Piece of cake, right? Well I thought so. For the most part, the lesson went pretty well. I am learning though that we put our own meanings to words and definitely say them much differently. So explaining their meanings can sometimes be a bit of an issue. Most of the kids grasped the concept and I was proud of myself. Let's just hope Melody thought I did just as well ;)
After school, I ran over to the post office (for the fifth time) to file my Working With Children background check. This has been quite the headache, so when I walked in and saw the line wrapped halfway around the building, I was praying the Lord would have some mercy on me and not make me wait in this long line for nothing! Fortunately, the lady was finally able to FINALLY accept it! Hooray! Chelsea's host dad, Len, told me the other day out on our wine tasting that this opportunity would "change me as a person." I am definitely starting to see that change, and the change is for the better! For example, if I had been in the states and saw that line I would have been grouchy and probably not stood there the entire time. Instead, I patiently waited and browsed the room of different stationary and office supplies, and of course did a little people watching! I hope my easy going outlook on life comes back with me to the states!
Oh, and I must share these with you. I unfortunately see these hideous little cars everywhere. Apparently they are quite the rave here in Australia! Chelsea and I over the weekend even tried to count the amount we saw, but eventually gave up because they were so many. Every day I walk home or to catch the bus, there these ugly little creatures are! Everyone meet- "The Thunder!" Yikes...
Any who, back to my marvelous Monday. Janette, my host "mum" is still in the hospital. I was able to talk to her on the phone and she sounds like she is slowly getting better. Turns out she had a terrible infection and it was taking the doctors a while to determine how to treat her. Hopefully she will be out soon! I have been spending a lot of time with the men of the house. Steve, my host dad, has been preparing wonderful meals every night while Janette has been away. Ryan and I always offer to help but he seems to have it all under control. Speaking of Ryan, he is currently looking into moving into a group home for adults with disabilities. He seems really excited about this transition and even was going to look at a place today! He told me the only way he would move in was if there is enough space for all of his caps and as long as the bathroom wasn't pink, haha!
After dinner, it was off to finish some school work and call it an early night. I was able to skype with my parents and Will which is always wonderful. My Dad even told me he ate at Outback over the weekend in honor of muah. I wouldn't dare tell a soul that here because they would be greatly offended, haha! They say the restaurant is a disgrace to their country! Oh well... Oh and another fun fact, turns out one of Chelsea's friends who goes to Kentucky is friends with Angelina Gomez! Isn't it crazy all of the funny connections we have all around the world!?
Tuesday, February 14
Oh Valentine's Day... and my oh my were my kids excited. All I heard all day was "mate, who's your squeeze for the day!?" Luckily, by mid morning the excitement began to wear off! Just a teeny bit...
Later in the morning, I had the Year 8's for a Science Lesson on "What's Inside A Seed." The group is small, five students, so I get to be much more hands on with them. Which is obviously a plus! I think the lesson went really well because after teaching I did a quick review and they could all recall the material, except for my deaf student. This particular student is having a very difficult time in school. His inability to communicate with an interpreter due to his lack of knowledge in AUSLAN signing makes him very difficult to reach. It really becomes hard when you are trying to move forward with a lesson, and this one is behind. I tried my very best to keep him focused and engaged in the lesson. It was definitely one of my more challenging teaching experiences, but one I will keep with me as I continue on. Another area of concern for me, is my lack of content knowledge with this age group. As you all know, I am working towards completing my degree working with children ages 4-12. These children are 12, going on 13 so technically a grade above what I am going to be teaching, so the content is more for me to learn. Also, in our courses at UA for special education, we focus more on how to differentiate instruction and how to modify things to suit our student's needs. So basically, I am having to relearn everything I am teaching my students which may sound silly, but can be quite time consuming!
As for the rest of the day, I am spending it doing school work of course. I keep telling myself that May 5th is right around the corner and for a couple of months I won't have to worry about anything other than finding a job. Keep your ears open for jobs in special education back in the states, because before you know it, I will be a coming home!
You are doing an amazing job. We are so proud of you.
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