Where to start…
First of all, thank you to my Coaching Teacher Ian Parkinson, and the entire staff at Nukko Lake. This is one of the best staff I have had the pleasure of collaborating with and being part of. Thank you to my Practicum Evaluator/Support Person, Susan Johnson – you were so supportive and such a source of wisdom for me throughout the 10 weeks. I appreciate you immensely. Thank you to my friends specifically Karlea Simmons, Chelsea Madsen, and Monika Todorovska. Who collaborated with me, supported me, and helped me so much over the last 10 weeks. Lastly, thank you to my family, I could not be here without you.
This practicum experience has included so many laughs, tears, learning, collaborating, and passion. The entire staff at Nukko Lake Elementary has had a major impact on who I am as a person and as an educator. I learned a tremendous amount from my coaching teacher but one of the things that he constantly reminded me of is that he learned from me as well – this made my practicum experience feel very team and collaboration-orientated.
If I had more time, I would go on and on about my experience at Nukko Lake, but we only have so much space and time. Therefore, I will highlight some of my favourite moments. I was to first acknowledge the connections and relationships that I create not only with the students but the staff as well. I truly felt like I got to know every person and was able to connect with them on some level. I am aware this is a major benefit to a small school and I am forever grateful that is what my practicum experience was. I also would like to acknowledge my connection with the students who were not in my class as well. I got to know many of them, their names, their likes and even had good morning routines with them. I had the opportunity to collaborate and take part in professional development days at Nukko Lake and I truly feel like this experience benefited me and enriched my learning. I had the opportunity to work on assessment, classroom management strategies, and so much more. I feel it is important to mention how I planned and conducted my units and lessons. I heavily relied on school and district-wide resources including kits from the DLC, IRA’S from Fontas and Pinnell, Marian Small, Adrienne Gears, etc. I felt that utilizing these resources enriched my and the student’s experience. I would like to also acknowledge that there are some subjects I am more confident in and there are some subjects that I am aware I am a better teacher when I have a guide to follow – specifically math. Therefore, I planned my unit with the help of Jennifer Dionne utilizing Marian Small – Math Focus. At the beginning, I felt quite overwhelmed with literacy so I reached out to Nancy with School District 57 and asked for her expertise in planning my reading comprehension unit. I genuinely learned so much from these two amazing people and highly recommend them to anyone for all numeracy and literacy needs and I look forward to collaborating with them in the future.
The comparison of where I was with my students from the first day to the last day is next to none. Throughout the 10 weeks, I continuously gained a deeper understanding of each of my learners and their needs simply by conducting various assessments throughout the day. This could be through discussion, product, dialogue, observations, etc. I utilized this information when making the next lesson or unit. I found this valuable for not only the students learning but mine as well. I worked only on adaptation skills, and scaffolding skills, and it only furthered my relationship with the students because I ensured that every student felt confident and successful.
I was very aware of the whole child during this time. There are many things that we don’t know are happening so it is important to never assume everything is fine. When students felt comfortable telling me I was there I never made an assumption that they got a good sleep, had a good morning, or didn’t fight with a family member, sibling or friend. I felt this approach made the environment much more welcoming to just come and be who you are in that day, in that moment and you will be accepted and loved. Throughout the 10 weeks, as I focussed on fostering a welcoming and safe environment, my relationships only grew with each student. Now I won’t tell you the things they told me because I promised them it would stay between us, but I can assure you that when/if there is a situation in which it needs to be shared with admin or parents – I did just that.
Good afternoon Zoey,
I just wanted to thank you for being in M’s class for the last several weeks. M has had nothing but great things to say about you and I know that you will be missed. We wish you well in your placement in the district. Happy Holidays :).
S.H.
Above is a quote from an email I received from a parent on my last day of practicum. (She gave written permission for me to share this to my blog). To say my last day was emotional is an understatement. I was given so many cards, presents, hugs, “I will miss you”, “thank you for teaching us” and so much more. One of my favourite moments is when I said to the students we were going to watch a movie in the afternoon and it was my way of thanking them for welcoming me into their learning space, allowing me to teach and also teaching me how to teach. One of the students replied, “Miss B, you taught us we didn’t teach you.” I then explained to them that yes I taught them many things but that they taught me just as much if not more and if it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t be who I am. This created a sentimental dialogue and allowed for the students to see we are learning together and I am simply a lead learner with them.
I leave this practicum feeling so grateful, proud, excited and sad (hard to say bye to such an amazing group of kids and staff). I leave this practicum feeling appreciative of my coaching teacher, my dedicated practicum evaluator, the staff at Nukko Lake, the staff at UNBC who made this happen, School District 57, the families and the students. Thank you to every single person who made this experience what it is and who were there for me every step of the way.
