Day 75 - July 28, 2010 - Room Number 9

"The three great essentials to achieve anything worth while are, first, hard work; second, stick-to-itiveness; third, common sense." -Thomas Edison

Ah, Room 9. I've been working with kids in this room and on the playground all summer. Really, I have had an extremely enjoyable summer. I feel like I have learned SO much working with the kids. All of it is invaluable to my future. There is nothing like hands-on experience with kids to teach you how to be a teacher. I am discovering a side of myself I didn't know I had. I'm confident, but I know I still have a lot to learn.

This week has been exceedingly interesting. It has tested my growing skills and taught me even more about teaching! Unexpectedly, the administration dropped 25 Korean exchange students into our laps. I think it is great that they are visiting the United States, but MAN! There's just not enough of us (the workers) to go around. 50 kids is insanity when you are trying to organize large group games and crafts. My boss was also forced to take the week off (administration again...), so Casey and I were left with absolutely no plans and no direction.

We hung in there, though... and worked together! Monday was simply a mess. Rather than allowing the same situation to occur again, we went out for sushi after work and planned out games and crafts for the week. We also went by the dollar store and picked up several useful items: tennis balls, a baseball bat (plastic), some bubbles, and a beach ball. These have proved to be extremely helpful thus far.

Although it has been frustrating at times, I'm thankful for the challenge. I know it only gets harder in the professional work force. So, why not learn and try out new ideas while there's less pressure?