So Perfect... Almost

I really can't describe it: my first week of student teaching.

It's been surreal.  Everything went so well.  My students are incredible; my host teacher is "da bomb;" the staff has been super helpful; my lessons have been successful.

There have been some interesting developments, though.

This morning, before even the homeroom bell rang, I had a student run in hysterics!  She hurled herself into the corner of a room and started screaming "I WANT TO GO HOME! I WANT TO GO HOOOMMMEEE!"

This is what was going through my mind:

A. Oh. My. God.
B. Where is Miss Burgess!

There is definitely no schooling that could prepare a person for something like that.  I get to school annoyingly early--I don't know, I just like to be early.  So, I had no idea how to handle this (considering Miss Burgess wasn't in yet).

Of course I walk over to her and try to calm her down initially.  I just wanted to ask her what the problem was.  Between a mouthful of tears and mumbles, I heard something along the lines of "she said she was going to kick my ass because my shoes looked like hers, and her boyfriend's going to kick my ass because I told him to layoff with splashing people with water."

So because I didn't know how to handle this, I decided to use my instincts: change the subject.  Before I could do this, I had to calm her down.  SO, I fabricated this story (yes, completely made up a story) about how something similar happened to me recently.  I told her that people can be "jerks."

I then promptly steered her towards my desk.  I told her there was something I needed to show her.  Then, without a clue what to do, I improvised.  I grabbed one of the many YA lit books on my desk and told her that I thought she would like it.

After about two minutes, I got her talking about other things; the situation was at hand. Phew.

I have no idea if this is a good thing to do or not, but I sure am happy she didn't have to run out of the room or freak out, etc.  Any ideas on what I should have done differently?

One last thing...

Like I said, I brought in all of my YA Lit texts (the ones I had in Cortland; I'm going to get the others tomorrow).  I book-talked a handful of them and put around a sign-out sheet.  By the end of the day, I had kids basically fighting over books.  They were excited, and Miss Burgess was happy!  We even put a list of the ones they were fighting over in the library.  They'll be there next week! 

I can't describe the feeling of seeing those kids so excited... I love this.  Cheers.

Comments

[Meg]

Student teaching! Yay! Update me... grade, school, unit etc. Or do you have it mentioned further down in your blog?? I kinda sorta didn't look because I should be in bed instead of reading. P.S. my teaching experience is going much better now--except the school went on lock down yesterday due to a gun on campus and three major fights at once. fun times. hopefully I'll talk to you soon.
Peace

[rayhedrick]

Meg! Send me an email so I can give you some updates!