Student Teaching - Week #9

by Jessica Stob Mills - Daniel Boone Elementary School

Life in the City Student Teaching



Emily Oaks Nature Center

 This week was an exciting week of student teaching. In science the third graders are learning all about water. So, on Monday we went on a field trip to Emily Oaks Nature Center to learn about this key to life. We all got on a bus, which is exciting for the students because for most of them the only time they ride on a school bus is when they are going on field trips, and began our day outside next to a pond. We didn't just learn about water but also three other keys for life: oxygen, sun and soil. The students had a lot of fun and they learned quite a bit as well. Unfotunately, the rest of the afternoon didn't go as well.  When we got back to school, one student had to go home because of bed bugs, another student threw up, and another had an accident in class. These are all things they don't necessarily prepare you for in school. I wasn't glad that they happened and all in one afternoon none-the-less, but I'm glad they happened so that I got experience with how to deal with everything. 

Math bulletin board

On Tuesday we worked hard to catch up after being away for a field trip the day before.  Wednesday my cooperating teacher was sick so I had to take over and change a lot of my plans and Thursday was catch up day. Friday was a professional development day for teachers. It was a very different week, but it was nice to have it short because the students were excited all week in anticipation of Halloween. 

Life in the City outside of Student Teaching

Normally I drive to seminar class every week, since that’s how I get around. But typical Chicago Semester students take public transportation (really I should say smart Chicago Semester students). I decided this past week to take public transportation to seminar because the cost of parking was just a little too much for me every week. So another Chicago Semester student teacher and I walked to the bus and after the bus got on the "L" (that’s what they call the trains in Chicago, it stands for elevated trains). It took a really long time since we student teach so far North, but I’m glad I took public transportation since it didn’t cost me anything!

What I am looking forward to…

I’m looking forward to seeing all my students dressed up in their Halloween costumes because they are allowed to wear them to school on Monday. Also, I’m looking forward to the Hunger Banquet, an event that’s taking place at the Chicago Semester offices. We’re moving in to our new place this week too, so of course I’m looking forward to that!