Week 1:Student Teaching

What a week. It all began with a snow storm and a 2.5 hour commute that should have taken only 40 minutes. Not the best way to begin the new semester, but it was unavoidable. I am slowly adjusting to the early 5am wake up and the 40 minute drive, but so far I have enjoyed my placement. The teacher that I work with is all ready for me to take over her classes whenever I want. I have learned how cute and yet how incredible naughty students can be, but I am quickly learning the importance of classroom management. Today I worked with one of the most difficult classes I have ever seen. Students that were sitting on tables and making rude and loud comments throughout the class. I have also had many adorable moments with my new students as well. They are always asking the silliest questions like, "what color is your bed?" or "what color is your window? Some students are taking to me quickly and sitting right at my feet at circle time. I have learned a lot already in this first week, and I can't wait to learn more. I know that the learning curve is high with student teaching and I can't wait to figure out what it will be like to teach in the classroom full-time. The school I am in has 1000 students and I will see 500+ students every 6 school days. That is a lot of names to remember and I only have 9 weeks to learn them. I now have a new found respect for teachers who actually know their students' names. 

Tyler has been in classes and adjusting his schedule so that he can commute 3 days a week to Chippewa for his internship which they have extended again until he graduates. For the first month he will be commuting 3 days a week and then he will being working from home most of the week and commuting on Wednesdays. Needless to say, it will be a busy first month of the semester with a ton of driving, so we decided that we will be staying in River Falls most weekends until the end of February. If you are driving by, stop in and see us or if you are bored on the weekends we love company. We just keep telling ourselves, push through this and we will be home in Chippewa Falls again soon.

A Great Man Lost

Today, I had to experience the loss of a grandparent. My Grandpa died today at 86 years old. I have so many fond memories of him. From camping in the RV to fishing on the Lake. He was always such a good sport playing restaurant and pretending to be interested in dress up and our games with the barbies in the barbie house Grandma built. He was a veteran from WWII who I was incredibly proud to have known. Although this time has been rough for all of us, we have some comfort in knowing that he has gone to heaven where there is no more pain or suffering and we will see him again someday. He was fighting a battle with dementia and was slowly forgetting who we were, but even at the end he still smiled and said in his signature raspy voice, "Hey peanut." He didn't know our names, but he knew that we were someone special to him. This man has given me so much happiness in my childhood and into my adulthood with his quirky saying and funny anecdotes. He will greatly missed. Grandpa, you are loved and you will be missed. Thank you for fishing and fun, for wisdom and history. I am only sad that he will not be meeting my little one too. This child's grandparents have some big shoes to fill. Love you, Grandpa. Can't wait to see you again someday!