Week one: Complete!

I cannot believe how quick (and painless) week one turned out. I must admit, I was a bundle of stress, nerves, and apprehension. But alas, I am relieved! I am working with an extraordinary teacher who is one of the most honest and open-minded individuals I have met in a long time. His classroom management revolves around "Non-Violent Communication" (aka NVC aka compassionate communication) and it is based upon feelings, thoughts and individuals meeting one anothers' needs. I spent the week observing two different classes (Theory of Knowledge and Senior English) with a total of four periods (roughly 30 kids in each class). I will be "aiding" in ToK and teaching Senior English beginning next week.

Starting on Monday, we will be beginning the novel, The Girl Who Fell From The Sky, by Heidi Murrow (Jefferson grad and Portland Native). We will be reading the novel in class and doing a variety of activities in conjunction with the text that will allow the students to make meaningful connections with the book. Then on March 8, Murrow will be speaking at Cleveland HS as part of their "Cleveland Reads" Program. We also may be taking a field trip to OHS and Powell's Books so that should be a blast!

As far as the students go, they are pretty awesome---very intelligent and thoughtful and mature (for the most part). I am getting to know them a little more day by day and I know that the weeks to come will bring forth great relationships and memories as well as learning for everyone!

I LOVE reading everyone's posts so keep it up! Much love, peeps!
Aika

PS. I am taking my ORELA tomorrow... FML. wish me luck.