Lessons Learned

Describe 3 "lessons learned" to date by being in a classroom this semester. In particular, discuss what you learned about - or from - your PDS students.
In the few months that I've been at East Dale Elementary I have learned more than I thought I would in an entire year. I've realized what my education teachers have said about teaching is true, and in fact, educating a student is not an easy task at all. I'm stationed in a Kindergarten classroom now and I have learned that classroom management and structure is a must at all times. The students seem to really enjoy learning, but can get off track very easily. It is important, as a teacher, to maintain control and the student's interest to have productive classroom time. Also, these students have taught me how fun and rewarding teaching can be. I honestly had the best time when I was teaching the whole class the letter "M." I was very nervous, but standing in front of the class and having them interact with me was so much fun. When they told me they were having fun and I could see how smart they were and how eager they were to learn, I just knew this was the career for me. Finally another lesson these students taught me, was that no matter how organized you are as a teacher anything can happen and sometimes you just have to go with it. I was in this classroom when there was a fire drill, when there was a gas leak and the students had to be dismissed early, and also when a young girl vomitted on the floor and had to leave early. Each time I noticed that my host teacher had to accomodate what she was doing, but handled the situation in probably the best way possible. I learned that sometimes other things need to be taken care of or are more important and I need to just go with it and accomplish what needs to be done. These are probably the three most important lessons that I have learned so far and can't wait to see what I learn in the future.