I had intended to post weekly to my blog. Reality had different plans. I am in full lesson-planning mode, and spending most of my spare time figuring out what I will be teaching in my classes this year, and how to implement the cool techniques I have in my toolbox! Already many of my tricks have come in handy. Thank-you to all my awesome instructors and core teachers, as well as my colleagues in HU105 - working with you has helped me become a better teacher, and I am endeavoring to make you proud by providing a top-notch and fully engaging learning experience for my students!
Our first week of school went by so fast! It started on Tuesday, September 3rd. We had a school wide assembly and my friend and flatmate Alicia sang a beautiful song for everyone. She teaches Drama, Social Studies, and English, as well as being an amazing singer!
Our second week of school is now almost over, and I adore my students. I am teaching Science and Math to five 6th graders, five 5th graders, and 14 2nd graders. The 2nd graders also learn English from me, and the 5th/6th graders have me for homeroom. I share subjects with several other teachers; and consequently am able to co-teach! My 2nd graders learn math in English and German; their homeroom teacher is also one of the German teachers and we teach together. I am picking up some German in this class - I can now count to 100! However, my general German language studies have stalled in deference to my lesson planning. As I get more organized and pick up steam, though, I will be able to work on it again! There is a bit of a language barrier, but the students are pretty great about helping each other figure out the correct English word. I have such smart and resourceful students!
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I spend most of my week working, but try to relax and have fun when and where I can. I have amazing flatmates who enjoy playing boardgames (what luck!), and I try to explore new places on the weekends.
This past weekend I experienced a Saturday Fruit & Vegetable Market, an awesome underground humidor, the swing festival in Kaiserslautern, and a Ramstein cover band in Landsthul. Good times! I fully expect to lesson plan this weekend, but if I am able to take some time out for fun, rest assured I'll share it with you! I miss you very much, but am grateful for the opportunity to be here in Germany. Tschuss!
Good on ya Maureen, but I'm still trying to figure out if Germany has anything on Toppenish... I'm excited for you.
ReplyDeleteClem,
ReplyDeleteWell, this is a private school, but I certainly do miss consistent internet and a copier/printer... I miss my colleagues from HU105, too! But I am thrilled to be here! If you're looking for a change of scenery, they're opening up a location in Manheim this summer. I know how much you enjoy teaching Kindergarten! ;-)
Clem,
ReplyDeleteWell, this is a private school, but I certainly do miss consistent internet and a copier/printer... I miss my colleagues from HU105, too! But I am thrilled to be here! If you're looking for a change of scenery, they're opening up a location in Manheim this summer. I know how much you enjoy teaching Kindergarten! ;-)