I have never thought of being a teacher.
I dreaded the idea of standing up in front of people and teach them knowledge that I, myself did not think I knew. I knew that I would not be prepared I didn’t think I would be ready for even an observation of a classroom. Even with all the readings and lessons about teaching I felt like I would not be prepared to walk into that middle school and observe them learning and discussing with one another.
I have never thought of being a teacher.
I was nervous just about being around these kids, I was nervous about talking to them, I was nervous that I would make a fool of myself and they would laugh at me. I know that last part seems ridiculous but that was a fear of mine. As for the readings and understanding of principles I develop a deep understanding of project base learning which give me some hope to lessen my nerves. With my new found understanding I felt like I knew how they were learning which gave me an edge.
I have never thought of being a teacher.
Once I entered the room and meet the eight or nine students, I felt comfortable and I felt at ease. Once I began talking with them, I began to understand them, I began to know each one of them. I felt like it was easy to know them and speak with them. Every time they broke apart from the main group to discuss idea, I was able to speak with them and help them formulate solutions and come up with grand ideas on how to improve their learning environment.
I have never thought of being a teacher.
I felt a connection to them. Although I was observing I felt like I was one of them and was able to shape their minds and help them learn through projects and help them understand the three main W’s to the environment, water, waste and wildlife. One thing I knew for sure is that these kids were smart and knew things ever I didn’t know. Once I arrived at nest fest my whole understanding of middle schoolers changed in one in a half hour.
I have never thought of being a teacher.
Nest fest changed my outlook on middle schoolers. It was my job to sit in on their presentation and give them pointers on how to improve their delivery. I was excited because I knew a lot about how to deliver a presentation. I was able to help the students out and they even taught me somethings as well. I believe these students are smart and the idea of teaching them is now a possibility of the future.
I have never thought of being a teacher.
-Matthew Jingle
Jingle,
What an insightful and interestingly structured post! Your repetition gives is an almost poetic feel.
One thing I think you could expand on whether or not you’re thinking of being a teacher now that you have had all of the experiences you’ve described here. You’ve never thought of being a teacher, that is clear, but what about now?
Neat post.
Murray
I enjoyed the structure of your blog with the insightful statement of “I have never thought of being a teacher.” To piggyback on Joe’s comment, how are you going to implement what you learned in the future?
I really like the repetition throughout your post! It’s a super neat detail that gives it a really unique feeling. How exactly did Nest Fest change your outlook on the middle schoolers? Overall, awesome post though.
I love your post Jingle Jangle. It was very insightful and thoughtful. Your ideas’s were clear and easily understood. What was so great about Nest Fest though? I love the poetic feel!
The poetic style of your post drives your point home. It emphasizes change and growth of which is interesting to read
much like you i don’t really think of myself as a teacher either especially at the beginning of this class like you i shared some fears about going into the classroom.
it seems like by the end you were able to make the important connection with the students and ended up working more like a teacher than you anticipated.
in summary i thought your comments were insightful for readers .
Matt, I had meant to send you guys the notice that VMI got a Green Award (below), AND that NEST FEST article from the Lexington Paper in case you want to add it or read it for your final page:
VMI Award:
https://www.thenews-gazette.com/content/environmental-symposium-wins-green-travel-award
https://www.thenews-gazette.com/content/coming-together-environment