My cooperating teacher unfortunately is still sick, but we were able to arrange a second-grade observation today! It was such a fun day! Classes tend to have their own personalities. I think this comes out even more in Germany because the classes stay together for all four years. Along with class personalities, you can see class differences in behavior management because they stay with their teacher for four years. The teacher chooses their own behavior management system from the beginning, and this usually sticks with the class throughout the students' elementary school years. Often times in America students get a new teacher and new behavior management system each year. This particular second-grade class was a little quieter than the third-grade class... until they were given the opportunity to ask me questions - haha! They were so eager to ask me questions about America, my class in North Carolina, the plane ride, and my host family. All in all, this was a super sweet group, and I hope I get more opportunities to work with this class again! I think observing different classes across grade levels will be a wonderful opportunity for me to look at teaching from multiple perspectives and better myself as a teacher.
Some highlights of the day:
1. Cake and tea during the morning break!
2. I got to do a class read aloud of a book about dinosaurs - so fun! I was SO impressed with the students' ability to answer my questions in English!
3. I was able to work with small groups while they read books in English... and they helped me with my German as well!
4. I learned that "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" and "Dork Diaries" are popular in Germany as well! These were my 4th graders FAVORITE books at New Hope, so it was so cool to learn that German students like the same books.
5. We gave the students a chance to ask me questions about America and schools in America during circle time. Some of my favorites - Does your land have money? Do you know Obama? Are your students good to you? Do you live in a hotel?
6. So. Many. Hugs. :)
1. Cake and tea during the morning break!
2. I got to do a class read aloud of a book about dinosaurs - so fun! I was SO impressed with the students' ability to answer my questions in English!
3. I was able to work with small groups while they read books in English... and they helped me with my German as well!
4. I learned that "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" and "Dork Diaries" are popular in Germany as well! These were my 4th graders FAVORITE books at New Hope, so it was so cool to learn that German students like the same books.
5. We gave the students a chance to ask me questions about America and schools in America during circle time. Some of my favorites - Does your land have money? Do you know Obama? Are your students good to you? Do you live in a hotel?
6. So. Many. Hugs. :)
We are sitting in the teacher's lounge after school now with other teachers; many teachers relax here on Friday afternoons, simply talking and laughing with one another. The teachers have been so welcoming and helpful! I am so thankful that they are giving us so many opportunities to learn and experience Schule Max-Eichholz-Ring. :) I am off to catch the bus. It will be a fun Friday evening, as we are going to the HSV futbol (soccer) game tonight!