There is something rather priceless about riding a bike along the beach on my way to teach. Interestingly, last night my handle bars got stolen while we were out to dinner. This left be frustrated because I had the coolest bike- seriously though, it was bright pink and I had the only bell out of them all. I probably abused the bell, in a showoff manner, but it was so fun! Anyways, I got another bike and was able to cruise along the beach with a freshly made mango/banana/pineapple smoothie.
The best part about teaching here will be the cell phone policy. The kids don't use their cell phones at ALL in class because the the policy is simple: no phones. The first time a student is caught with it they lose it for a month. The second time the phone is gone forever. I mean cell phones can actually be rather helpful when computers fail to serve their purpose, but generally, they hinder learning. I literally did not see a single student the entire day on a phone. Maybe it is because I am slightly biased with my technology beliefs but if feels so amazing to not have to fight for your students attention. I sometimes think of how great my adventures where in high school, and they were all done with out stupid computers and cell phones. It's not ironic that I'm writing a blog either, this is a requirement.
The classroom management is a little different also. The culture is more robust, I think that is a good word to use. They are loud and active, which I am fairly used to because of my students at NHHS. It was funny to hear some of the students complain about this element, when it's probably one of the things I am missing the most about teaching. I might have an opportunity to travel to the mainland with the senior classes I am teaching. We would be doing a science trip checking out some of the environmental hotspots. I must admit there is an alternative motive to my adventure. There is a girl who is a track star at the school, and she just won the regional competition. Next week she goes to nationals and that is the last day of the science trip. She is favored to win in her areas, which would be crazy for the school because there are only about 500 students total!! This would also be huge because it would put her in a position to possibly be on the Olympic team in two years!
The hardest part about today was trying not to compare my new students to my old ones. I feel so spoiled, but I know this is a new and amazing experience so I will try and keep an open mind.
The best part about teaching here will be the cell phone policy. The kids don't use their cell phones at ALL in class because the the policy is simple: no phones. The first time a student is caught with it they lose it for a month. The second time the phone is gone forever. I mean cell phones can actually be rather helpful when computers fail to serve their purpose, but generally, they hinder learning. I literally did not see a single student the entire day on a phone. Maybe it is because I am slightly biased with my technology beliefs but if feels so amazing to not have to fight for your students attention. I sometimes think of how great my adventures where in high school, and they were all done with out stupid computers and cell phones. It's not ironic that I'm writing a blog either, this is a requirement.
The classroom management is a little different also. The culture is more robust, I think that is a good word to use. They are loud and active, which I am fairly used to because of my students at NHHS. It was funny to hear some of the students complain about this element, when it's probably one of the things I am missing the most about teaching. I might have an opportunity to travel to the mainland with the senior classes I am teaching. We would be doing a science trip checking out some of the environmental hotspots. I must admit there is an alternative motive to my adventure. There is a girl who is a track star at the school, and she just won the regional competition. Next week she goes to nationals and that is the last day of the science trip. She is favored to win in her areas, which would be crazy for the school because there are only about 500 students total!! This would also be huge because it would put her in a position to possibly be on the Olympic team in two years!
The hardest part about today was trying not to compare my new students to my old ones. I feel so spoiled, but I know this is a new and amazing experience so I will try and keep an open mind.