NZ Internship Experience
I completed my second internship experience as a Year 6 or fifth grade student teacher at Mellons Bay School in the Manukau District of Auckland, New Zealand during the fall of 2011. MBS is a primary or elementary school that serves students from Years 0 to 6 or grades K-5. I interned at MBS during their 4th term and showed up at a time that was rather chaotic but exciting with New Zealand hosting then winning the Rugby World Cup. This did not stop the 27 diverse students in Room 3 from finishing out their last year of primary school strongly however.
While working under the guidance and leadership of an MBS Senior Teacher named Douglas Choong, I quickly developed a positive rapport with the students in Room 3. I observed, created and implemented lessons that corresponded with the New Zealand curriculum. In a country whose education system is known for literacy I worked with students in small groups to help them write their own short fictional stories. After a few weeks I began to take on full control of the classroom as I taught mathematics, poetry, social studies and even physical education.
Douglas and I met regularly before and/or after class to discuss and reflect on my teaching practices. As the head of the ICT department at MBS, he also taught me how to effectively use instructional technology in and out of the classroom. Douglas quickly became a great friend and colleague of mine whom I continually seek advice from. My experience teaching a variety of students and collaborating with many capable teachers in the wonderful country of New Zealand was life changing. I am confident that it has shaped my outlook on education and my classroom will appropriately reflect some of the country’s positive educational practices.
While working under the guidance and leadership of an MBS Senior Teacher named Douglas Choong, I quickly developed a positive rapport with the students in Room 3. I observed, created and implemented lessons that corresponded with the New Zealand curriculum. In a country whose education system is known for literacy I worked with students in small groups to help them write their own short fictional stories. After a few weeks I began to take on full control of the classroom as I taught mathematics, poetry, social studies and even physical education.
Douglas and I met regularly before and/or after class to discuss and reflect on my teaching practices. As the head of the ICT department at MBS, he also taught me how to effectively use instructional technology in and out of the classroom. Douglas quickly became a great friend and colleague of mine whom I continually seek advice from. My experience teaching a variety of students and collaborating with many capable teachers in the wonderful country of New Zealand was life changing. I am confident that it has shaped my outlook on education and my classroom will appropriately reflect some of the country’s positive educational practices.
Love for the Outdoors!
Ahh yes the great outdoors. To me nothing feels better then stepping outside with my dog, a Nalgene of cold water and some sturdy shoes in my feet. Well of course in the summer those shoes stay at home. Nothing feels better than that first deep breath of air. Cold, hot, humid... Whatever, weather shmeather. As long as I'm outside I am smiling from ear to ear.
It is a beautiful Saturday afternoon and I just got back from hitting the yellow trail up on Gambrill state park. This trail is for anybody but beginners. A steep climb right off the bat definitely requires a low gear. The view from the top is worth it though. The rock wall the overlooks all of Frederick provides for a perfect place to rest my bike. Below me is a city full of hustling people checking emails, running late for appointments and beeping their horns. Up here all I hear is the sound of birds chirping and my gears turning. I hop back on the bike to continue on the trail. The sun is beaming through the trees wherever it can find a hole but I don't mind. I know in a few weeks I'll be wishing the weather was this warm still. Plus the sweat on my hands makes it even harder to hold onto the handlebars and that just adds to the challenge, and I love a challenge.
I step back into my house and Cooper greats me at the door drooling over the smell of my fat steak and cheese sub from LDS. Of course a morning of fitness wouldn't be complete if I didn't contradict it with some greasy goodness afterward. Three minutes later the sub is housed, "sorry buddy!" Cooper growls back in sorrow….
It is a beautiful Saturday afternoon and I just got back from hitting the yellow trail up on Gambrill state park. This trail is for anybody but beginners. A steep climb right off the bat definitely requires a low gear. The view from the top is worth it though. The rock wall the overlooks all of Frederick provides for a perfect place to rest my bike. Below me is a city full of hustling people checking emails, running late for appointments and beeping their horns. Up here all I hear is the sound of birds chirping and my gears turning. I hop back on the bike to continue on the trail. The sun is beaming through the trees wherever it can find a hole but I don't mind. I know in a few weeks I'll be wishing the weather was this warm still. Plus the sweat on my hands makes it even harder to hold onto the handlebars and that just adds to the challenge, and I love a challenge.
I step back into my house and Cooper greats me at the door drooling over the smell of my fat steak and cheese sub from LDS. Of course a morning of fitness wouldn't be complete if I didn't contradict it with some greasy goodness afterward. Three minutes later the sub is housed, "sorry buddy!" Cooper growls back in sorrow….
