My How Time Flies!

 It is absolutely crazy to think that it is already April (and how horrible I have been at keeping this actually updated)!!

 From the last post, I've put up Seussical with my mentor teacher, Carrie Helm! It was a smashing success.  The cast was so talented, and we were so blessed to have them.  We had to reschedule a couple of days due to crazy Oklahoma weather, but all in all, it was fabulous and everyone had a blast!

 I am now teaching Drama for the spring semester, and it's been a lot of fun.  I have A LOT of students. I have 35 students in one of my 7th grade classes, and it is pure contained chaos. They work and I can surprisingly manage them pretty well, but with that many students it's difficult to do some things because of space and time.

 One of my strengths I've come to realize this year is my rapport with my students.  I have a lot of fun with them and I'm pretty sarcastic and laidback, but they respect me and still work. They push a lot of boundaries  and share a little too much as a result, but I'm okay with that.  I really do enjoy them sharing stories with me, you gain a lot of insight into their hidden personality and worries that you'd otherwise never know about. It also shows that they trust me, which is always nice.  =D

 I've had some really challenging students this year as well.  It's difficult figuring out how to help unmotivated students.  It is probably the most aggravating feeling as a teacher.  You know that you, as a teacher, cannot motivate students because it is intrinsic.  They have to motivate themselves, which is hard for teachers to grasp.  We tend to think, "What am I doing wrong? How can I motivate them?" The most difficult thing is to not beat yourself up for it.

 The other thing I've learned this year, is that I am a teacher. I absolutely love my job, challenges and all. I am extremely lucky and blessed.