Snow Day #6

So tired of ice storms canceling school, but thankful for the time to catch up on work and get ahead on making some math centers. Here's what's been going on here:

I finished my first half marathon in just under 3 hours! I officially accomplished my goal, and can't believe I did it! Sadly, Tom had some medical issues and couldn't run with me, but he was officially the best supporter/encourager ever. Loved getting to see family, but bummed that we didn't have a lot of free time there to do more. We wanted to stop by the place we got our wedding cake and get something, but it didn't work out. I'm still not sure I'd ever run another half marathon, but I am thinking about running the OKC memorial marathon relay. I still don't love running, but I do enjoy feeling like I'm getting stronger and faster.

We're just two weeks away from the end of my first short course swim team season! I had some kids make age group time cuts, and quite a few move up to the more intense level group. I've officially gotten back into the pool too. I'm trying to go to a few more master's swim practices and get back into competition shape, but it is seriously hard.

I was thinking about this last year. I was not a fan of moving to Norman to live, especially after having a great job in Houston, and I spent most of last year hoping Tom would get transferred somewhere new. I love being married, and I love Tom, but I just wasn't happy with my professional life. It was even worse after one of my close friends moved to Austin. This year, I feel like I've started to make a life for myself here beyond my marriage to Tom. I'm working jobs I love, I'm starting to make more friends, and I feel like I'm somewhere I can keep growing. (But if Tom got an offer to move to Europe, I'd be over there in a heartbeat.)

Life is finally starting to come together, which means that it's going to change somehow....

Why do I never remember to blog?

Probably because between both jobs, attempting to train for the half marathon and life at home, I have no free time!

I've been looking for teacher style blogs and can't seem to find very many. I'd love to see what other elementary teachers are wearing to school and use that for some much needed inspiration for my look.

Maybe I'll just start posting what I wear when I feel like I've pulled a really cute outfit together. Today is definitely not that day though. We have a day off, so I've been lesson-planning in sweatpants and a t-shirt all day.

My swim team kids have a meet next weekend and it's going to be the first meet for quite a few of them! Cross your fingers we don't have too many DQ's and that no one cries! I'm so excited to see how my Dolphins do in the water, because they are a great group and really love swimming. I surprisingly love my 11 year old boys more than I thought I would. It helps that they're sweet kids who want to succeed and know that I'm helping them get there. I also have some awesome girls ranging from 8 to 13 in my group. I don't love that I can shock them when I leave practice in "nice" clothes, but I do love that most of them want to talk to me about their lives.

Let's hope I remember to post more!

Oh hey....I forgot I exist.

Dear blog,

Apparently I forgot you exist. The more likely scenario is that I knew you existed but couldn't find the energy to update you on things that have happened since July.

So, I survived job searching. I am currently teaching 2 half-day PreK classes in a school that is the polar opposite of the preschool I taught in in Texas. We have homeless kids, kids from broken homes, kids who've dealt with more bad things happening in their lives by age 10 than I have ever. It's both heartbreaking and inspiring. Which means I am totally exhausted. First year teaching is hard anyway, but I accepted this job a week before teachers reported back to work, and in that time I moved to Oklahoma, so my prep time for it was pretty much nonexistent  It's March and I'm just starting to get into the swing of things, which speaks volumes about how this year is going. BUT, I will survive, and I will send my 35 kids into the world familiar with school, routines, and how to get along with others and hopefully with recognition of all their letters, colors, and shapes. So hopefully they'll all be a little further ahead in Kindergarten than they would otherwise.

 Boyfriend and I are FINALLY married.

And married life in our apartment is pretty much exactly what I hoped for. We (I mean Boyfriend) cook, and I try to bake, and we watch way too many seasons of TV shows the whole way through. Eureka and Warehouse 13, I'm looking at you! And we've developed a love of board games and game nights. I'm so proud of our Tabletop inspired collection, and we've made both of our families play at least 1 game from the show. Also, GO WATCH TABLETOP. I heart it so much.

The wedding was beyond awesome. From the beginning, I wanted it to feel like a family reunion, and it totally did. Everything, and everyone, came together so well and we had the most fun we've ever had. I ripped my wedding dress multiple times, ended up barefoot and covered in sweat from head to toe and loved it all. Seriously, I highly recommend getting an awesome DJ and amazing photographers to capture what happens. I've never been to a wedding with SO MANY PEOPLE dancing all night.

I owe you a post about how everything came together, but all you need to know is how happy I am to have ended up with this life. And how incredibly lucky it feels.

It's the final countdown..

...until I go home! I've made it through all my classes without losing it, and gotten some pretty awesome goodbye cards and presents from my classes. I even got my first "teacher pen" from Ana so that I can remember her, but there's no way I can forget her, or this year. I've had some amazing teachers, and some not-so-amazing teachers, one of whom told me that I wouldn't be able to give kids the same grade if I was an actual teacher. (That's a whole other post, but I am so frustrated with how she ignored my explanation of why and tried to tell me I couldn't do that if I was a teacher. I've tried, and succeeded with never saying things like that to teachers here because I understand there's a difference in how we teach, and she apparently doesn't get that.)

6th grade bilingual science

I've gotten to know some really awesome teachers and staff who care about my life outside of school and Spain, so I can't wait to keep in touch with them and keep updated on what's going on in Las Marinas. Hopefully I'll be able to send them some good job news, and they're all excited about seeing wedding pictures.

First grade art class. How precious are they?

I finally got my very own Indalo today! It's a symbol that was found in a prehistoric cave, and is now the symbol of the Almeria region. He brings you luck, prosperity and happiness if he's given as a gift, and I got one from my teachers!! So excited, and I hope he brings me lots of luck with everything I've got going on. I also got a sweet card from them, a memory book of the classes/school, and a card from the secretary, Elli, for her daughter's class. I love it!!

Second grade science

Goodbye Las Marinas!!

Going on a bear hunt....

I taught my first grade English the words and motions to We're Going on a Bear Hunt, and it took them a while to get used to it, but they like it. I think they mostly like watching me make a fool out of myself, but I'm fine with that if they love it. This would be such a fun unit to do in preschool, especially if you start off with the book like we did!

To go along with it, their teacher found some awesome activities, including a time line that they can use as we tell the story! I definitely want to do this in my classroom- now I just need a learning skill to match with it!

The beautiful example I made. I love my bear- he's so cute and not scary!

Maestra Ana, my first grade teacher, y yo at my goodbye lunch.

Goodbyes are harder when it really does mean goodbye.

Today was my last day with my 6th grade science class. When I started here, I wasn't really thrilled about having lots of classes with the sixth graders since I have no experience with them, but I am so glad that I got the chance to get to know all of them. I've been to the Sierra Nevadas with them, toured their instituto (high school) with them, and practiced pronunciation of so many new vocabulary words that I'm sure they're tired of hearing me talk. But they have been so much fun. They're definitely not afraid to say what they think, which can be hilarious, especially with the questions they have for me.

Love these kids, and their teacher. I've learned so much from them, and I'm pretty sure they've learned something from me...even if it is just how to pronounce vocabulary.

My second grade science class had their last class with me, and I think they've been the class that's taken it the hardest. I'm not sure what it is about this class, but they really do not want me to leave. I've been getting mobbed for the past few weeks with group hugs, which is both awesome and terrifying since I'm worried someone will get hurt. But they blew me away with the cards they made me. They wrote and drew whatever they wanted, and the cards are the best ego boost I could ever get.

"Becca you are the best in the world and I am going to miss you. With hugs."

"You are my best teacher in the world."

"Thank you for teaching us so many things. We are going to miss you. With love, Blanca"

"Becca is a star." I should frame this somewhere I'll always see it so I can't have a bad day.

"Calendar: I love you a lot. You are my best teacher in the world."

 I have quite a few cards of swans with hearts for my future wedding (I think) and they're all from my boys in the class. I love them. New wedding decorations?

School's in Session

I've had quite a bit of classroom and teaching experience, but I feel like this job is giving me a whole new way to look at things. Different culture means a different approach to learning and education, which is cool, but also throws me off since it's so different than what I learned. I've been pushing myself to get over my "cultural bias" and take away as many new tips and techniques as possible, which has been interesting.

The postcards we sent to AK.

The one "bad" thing I've noticed myself doing is raising my voice more with students. Teachers in Spain raise their voices, and bang on the desks or blackboards, to get attention or to settle a class down. They also have no problem raising their voice to a student if that student isn't behaving. I've been fairly successful at not banging on things to get attention, but I've noticed that my voice gets raised more than I'd prefer and that I have a little less patience with students sometimes. I'm aware of the problem, and I'm really trying to fix it. I love using a countdown to bring them back under control for quite a few reasons: fairly each to teach, even for students who don't completely understand English; they start counting with me, and as I lower my voice, they do too; it gives me 5 seconds to refocus myself on what's going on- not on the frustration I have when they're talking over me. (I've been reading lots of teaching blogs and websites, especially ones focusing on classroom management, and apparently it's been helping me get better with it.)

One of my teachers gave control of the classroom to me for the whole time I was there yesterday. It's 30 minutes right before the recreo (break) and they're 3rd graders, so it's always a little crazy and hectic. She explained what she wanted them to do, and then let me do everything. We're making a "crazy solar system" so the kids had to write a description of their made-up planet. I explained it in English, slowly and with actions, and no one got it. I did it again, supplementing with Spanish, and no one really got it. And then I did an example on the board, in English, with Spanish and we finally got there. Once it clicked, they LOVED the project, and I loved getting to see them so excited about it. That class really likes me, so they love showing me their work, so it's fun to see what they do.

Today, I got the chance to deal more with the emotional needs of students. I normally try to avoid being the teacher kids come to with a problem at recreo, because I can't understand them, but today it kept happening. I got to hear about whose birthday it was from the other kids, say congrats to them, listen to tattling, and even talk to one of my first grade kiddos who was upset because someone didn't want to play with her. I didn't have any great words of advice, but sitting and listening is sometimes all they need.

How cute are the "signatures" over their names? Love those boys!

All of the 2nd graders heard a presentation from the doctor about being healthy, and my teacher was planning with another teacher in the hall while I sat and listened with them. (I was practicing my listening skills, and learning about lice. Gross.) One of my girls came up to me sobbing, and almost hyperventilating, and couldn't even tell me what was wrong. I got her calmed down and apparently she was scared of the doctor because last year she got vaccinated. Oh L., I feel your pain. I cried like you did when I was 21. I let her sit next to me and hold my hand, and told my teacher about it. It happened again though, and my teacher asked me to take her outside and rinse her face and let her calm down. Then another teacher started talking to her, and wouldn't let me take her out, and then took her out and lectured her about how she shouldn't cry.

What should I have done? Disrespected a teacher, who is both older and more experienced, and a REAL teacher, and followed my teacher's directions? I'm still upset about it. I hate the language barrier. I hate that I didn't know how to handle it because it wasn't my student. And I hate that my sweet girl was lectured about not being afraid. It doesn't always work- I was lectured until I turned 23 about how shots weren't bad and I needed to grow up and it didn't help. I had to force myself to get over it, and I'm still working on that.

On a positive note, I had a 6th grade class clap and cheer for me when I brought them copies of their textbook since their projector didn't work and I saved class. I also had art with my adorable first graders, who love to show off their English and tell me all about their lives. And one of my second graders held my hand all the way to the meeting, told me I'm the best teacher, and then talked to me about her favorite season- IN ENGLISH! The ones around her joined in too, so we had a nice review of seasons on our walk. Overall, the day was definitely a win. I am going to miss these kids more than they know.

The pen pal wall. I love this!

The pictures have nothing to do with anything recent, but I forgot to post them, and I love that the first graders can write in cursive, and some of the adorable pictures.

Scenes from my week

6th grade English: The entire class groaned when I gave them homework, and proceded to beg for me to not assign it in 2 languages. At least they were practicing English!

1st grade art: (all in Spanish)
Juan: Maestra, you're pretty!
Carlos: Maestra, you're very pretty!
Maria: You're very good!
There's only so many times I can hear this without laughing. They're so earnest about it all. I do say thank you in English every time though :)

3rd grade class:
Student to another: That's the music teacher!!!
I'm telling you- I'm learning what celebrities feel like, and it's hilarious. I had half of the class in gym yelling hello to me as I walked by. I love that they feel like they can talk to me whenever they see me.

1st grade art:
Whole class chanting "Becca, Becca, Becca!" when I walk into the room.
Again with the rockstar feeling. Can this happen at my wedding?

6th grade science:
Maria Carmen: Maestra, where's our project?
Me: Don't worry, we don't have one today.
Maria Carmen: But Maestra, we ALWAYS have a project at the end of a unit.
Me: .....But today we don't.
Apparently, I completely rocked her world by starting a new lesson. And she was VERY concerned that I didn't assign a project.

First Grade:
Maria: Maestra, I have a boyfriend!
Me: Really?
Maria: Yeah, it's Antonio, but he doesn't want to be.
*Antonio is hiding behind his hands*

6th grade English:
Me: Agata, it's your turn to read.
*Agata shakes her head repeatedly*
Me: Yes, you're reading.
*Agata reads perfectly.*
And that is why I asked her to read. I knew she could do it.

6th grade English:
Me: You guys did a great job reading! I'm proud of you and how well you pronounced words!
*blank stares*
Boy: What?
Me: Buen trabajo! *thumbs up* Good job!
Class: Oooooh.
Maybe we should work on comprehension now....

It was a good week. I led 6th grade science and English classes for a teacher who was out all week, so that was a good learning experience. I like my 6th graders, but I do NOT have a desire to teach them all the time. I'd like them in small doses, and in small groups. I could spend all day with my first and second graders though. They're so much fun, especially my first graders. I love talking to them and getting to know them. I really just like getting to know all my kids. I think it's fun to make them smile just by waving or saying hi to them in the hallways.

Brave

That's one of the words that people keep telling me when they hear about me going to Spain, or staying here for a year. I appreciate hearing it, but I honestly don't feel brave sometimes. I guess I tend to only talk about the positive things, and I gloss over the stuff I'm nervous, worried, or terrified of.

So, in the spirit of being honest, here's what I used to worry about and still do. Since most of my fears were completely ridiculous, I'll make sure you know that too. Don't worry, I'll end on a positive note! (It's hard not to when your job is to work with adorable kids.)

I was absolutely terrified I wouldn't make real friends. I knew I'd be friends with people, but I was worried that I wouldn't find people who really got me. How crazy is that? Especially now that I have mi familia, and some amazing soul mates.

Cass Cass. Texas girls stick together.

Jess. Who else will sing show tunes with me?

Lauren and Leah. They make me smile and always good to talk to.

I need to get pictures of all the Roquetas girls together. We're hilarious when we're all hanging out. I love them all!

I was also terrified that I'd be unwelcome at my school and that I would hate my classes, or wouldn't be able to make a place for myself in the school. Thankfully, I was so, so, SO wrong about that. I feel like I belong here. That I am in the right place, at the right time, doing the right thing. I've had one day where I came home wanting to cry, but after realizing there wasn't really anything I could do to fix that situation, I've had awesome days at work. (And now the situation is resolved, and it makes things so much better!) I love getting to know the kids. I love seeing how excited they are when they wave to me, or say hi, or even just get a smile from me. I also love how excited I get when I hear them trying to speak in English. I try to share that excitement all the time, even though sometimes they don't get it.

I am thankful that I am here, but I am also thankful that I have a plan for when I go back to the States. I love my job, and the teachers, and I know I am being prepared for my future class in the States. Because if you can convince a group of 6th graders that they're going to get homework no matter what, and explain it in 2 languages AND answer questions about it the next day, you must be doing something right.

When I grow up, I want to be a ....

elementary classroom teacher, hopefully with a focus on ESL!

When I came to Spain, my biggest hope was that I'd know what I want to do when I go back to the States. Most of my family and friends who knew about the trip knew that my goal was to become bilingual, and I'm not sure how that will go. (grammar is my downfall, but I'm learning a ton, and getting better, so keep hoping!) What I didn't tell anyone was that I was hoping this year would show me if I could really be a teacher. After graduating with an education degree, I was incredibly frustrated with teaching in traditional classrooms. I absolutely adore my summer camp teaching job, but even then, I worried that I was only good at it because it was summer camp. I loved teaching preschool too, but I knew that it wasn't a option for me to continue at that school since I'll be moving to Oklahoma. Basically, I doubted my ability to teach in a traditional classroom, and the doubt was eating away at my desire to be a teacher.

Thankfully, Spain has basically shown me how much I desire to be a teacher. I want my own classroom of students. I want to get to know them, make connections, help them grow, and learn how to best teach them. I want to help students who don't have the easiest time. I want to teach. Even if I am not bilingual, I want to teach ESL in elementary school. I would love to have kindergarten or first grade, so that I could help them catch up to "normal" students and see them succeed. Having felt the isolation that comes when you can't understand what's being said around you, it gives me new empathy for ESL students. I don't want them to feel alone. I want to be on their side, and be there to help them learn and grow.

I read this article, and it was so exciting for me to see the thoughts that I've had written by someone who is much more informed and much better at writing than I am. I think the idea of TFA is great, and I think most people who do it have the best intentions, but I don't think that it's how we'll "fix" education in the States. But here's the thing- I have thoughts and ideas about how to fix it. My greatest passion is to make science and math fun and interesting for students. I can be part of the solution. I don't need TFA to do that. I've been prepared to change the future, and now I am finally ready to accept that mission.

This is a long way of saying that I want to teach elementary school in low-SES or urban areas and work with the students that are usually written off by society. I don't care if it means I work more hours for less pay. I would rather make a difference in someone's life then make it rich. I know that I'm choosing a hard road, but I think that it will pay off in the end. I was talking to Tom about being the lead teacher for my 6th graders in English and bilingual science today, and in the conversation I said something that is totally powerful for me, since I tend to believe that I need to always be a perfect teacher:

"it may not be perfect, but its the best i can do"


Exactly! It only took me 2 years to come to this realization on my own. I know that I am not by any means done learning about teaching, but I finally feel ready to begin my journey as a teacher. I can't wait to see where I get to go with this. I've got a dream school that I'm hoping for, so if I could get a job there, I'd take any grade level, but I'd love pre-k to first grade. Those kids just make me smile.

And for those of you wondering, I still do have a desire to pursue a Master's degree in Museum Education or Museum Studies. But that's going to take some time, and until then, I want to be the very best teacher I can be. And when I have that degree, I want the same thing, only with a slightly different setting. Can't wait to get started with it all!