The FIRST of anything comes with nerves, yet excitement. As
I approached the Farm Show Complex with a bus load of students, I can say I
felt both.
I was nervous because today was my first day student teaching;
my first time meeting some of the students, and my first real teacher duties.
However, I could not control my excitement. This is because I realized that I
was able to be a part of a 'FIRST time moment' for many of my FFA members.
First time … Attending
Mid-Winter Convention
There is a sense of purpose each student feels while attending
Mid-Winter Convention. Being surrounded by thousands of FFA members can make
students realize they are not alone, and that they can create a strong impact
in agriculture with many others. In addition, students are able to witness
accomplishments of hundreds of members that either received their Freshman Jacket
or Keystone Degree to encourage them to work hard to succeed in agriculture. My chapter and I had the opportunity to cheer on 6 Freshman Jacket recipients, and 3 Keystone Degree recipients.
First time…. Zipping
up a Blue Corduroy Jacket
There is a sense of pride each student has zipping up a Blue
Corduroy Jacket for the first time.As I observed the six recipients from Derry FFA, I could see the anticipation in their
eyes, and their eagerness to put them on. Those jackets will mean something
different to each of them as they continue their FFA journey, but they all have
the opportunity to use their time in FFA to grow and achieve great things.
First time …. Wearing
the Keystone Degree Charm
There is a sense of achievement each student has wearing the
Keystone Degree Charm for the first time. The three recipients from Derry FFA have become equip with many skills and knowledge that is
needed to succeed in the agricultural industry. They put in a lot of
time and effort to achieve the requirements for this degree throughout their
years of involvement in FFA. After the ceremony they were met with hugs and congratulations, that created a smiles and tears for many of them. I am excited to see how I can help them prepare for their future in agriculture.
Being able to see the students’ feelings of pride, achievement and purpose is exciting. It defiantly calmed my first day nerves, and leaves me even more excited to see what my students will achieve. This is just the beginning of my student teaching journey. I realized their are many FIRST to come. However, it all starts with that FIRST moment to lead to many amazing outcomes. I am excited to see the outcomes throughout my student teaching experience.
Halee, it's great that your first day was filled with so many exciting "firsts" for you and your students! What was your favorite "first" that you got to experience? Which "first" was the most challenging for you?
ReplyDeleteMy favorite first, was the first assignment I presented to students. I shared with the students that I wanted them to collect an artifact from the Farm Show to share in their classes. In addition, I asked them to come to Mid-Winter Convention prepared to cheer on their peers that received a jacket or keystone degrees. Although these were simple tasks, I had some students go above and beyond. For example, I had two students who were super excited to show me the cow bells they purchased to help cheer on their peers. Their excitement had me excited!
DeleteThe 'first' that was most challenging to me also took place during Mid-Winter Convention. I had students asking permission to use the bathroom or to get a drink. I was very hesitant with my answers, and kept referring to Mr. Campbell. This was because I was unsure of my place. I kept questioning if I was allowed to give them permission, or if they should report to Mr. Campbell. Therefore, I was challenged to become aware of my place as a teacher.
Halee, I love the assignment you presented! It was a great way to build rapport between the students and yourself, and to get them to support their peers. From the description you provided, you handled your "challenging" first well. It's always tough to find your place at first, but by working with your cooperating teacher and being clear with your expectations and procedures, it will come.
ReplyDelete