This week was my first one at Willmar Middle School. I have confirmed my thought about loving middle school students. I enjoy their humor, their faces, their way of looking at things...
This week was not a normal week because if was the last week of Spanish for the first school quarter. All middle schoolers only take one quarter of Spanish per year. My coopearating teacher, Mrs. Valdez, teaches both 6th and 7th grade students. This final week, the 7th graders were doing a pinata (big ballon filled with candy that many Hispanics, especially from Mexico, brake during birthday and holidays). The studentsbuilt their own pinatas, decorated it, and filled it with candy. Today (Friday) the students broke their pinatas and were able to eat the candy. The 6th graders were learning about Mexico throughout the week and today they had a game and candy day because it was also their last day of Spanish.
The school has around 900 students (6th-7th-8th grades) and an average of 300 students per class. On Thursday, all the 7th graders had a retreat called the "Courage Retreat" that started in the morning and finished around 2:00 pm. The students were introduced to various active games, music, and dances. The retreat also included moments for small group interaction where students had to reflect on their fears and way of being courageous in their school. They talked about respecting others and care about other people. I loved being able to be with the 7th graders and share time with them, and just having fun.
This first week was definiteley a great one because I met many teachers and staff and also lots of students. I feel very comfortable working with the students and I am excited to teach them soon!
I realize that middle schoolers are very sensitive to their teachers and are also very energetic! I am eager to meet the new students that will come this second quarter!
No comments:
Post a Comment