Long Time, No See

Because life has been busy and hectic, stressful even, I have not had much of a chance to update lately! I have been working on my senior honors project for what seems like every hour that I am home of every day. I cannot wait until that thing is finished and out of my life. I also took my reading endorsement praxis exam...I am really not sure how I did. I'll find out in about 3 weeks! eep!

Life in Kindergarten is going very well. My cooperating teacher and advisor evaluated me for my midterm, and they both thought I was doing very well...hooray! I am enjoying the relaxed atmosphere and schedule of Kindergarten...but I still think I enjoyed 2nd grade more. I'm really not sure as to exaclty why, but I will wait until I am completely finished to evaluate that, I suppose.

Speaking of finished, graduation is 3 weeks away!!

Anyway, in Kindergarten, I planned and have been implementing a unit on Pilgrims/Native Americans/Thanksgiving. The kids seem to really be enjoying it and I know they are retaining the concepts I have been teaching because they are able to tell me all about them every day. I also did a math unit on solids, and they all did so well! I did a whole week's worth of hands-on activites to help them understand cubes, cones, spheres, and cylinders...and they still remember it all for the most part!! The volunteer grandma in our room assessed them today...mostly all were able to identify each solid in the environment and in print...I was so proud!!:)

There is one little boy in particular who I have seen make HUGE learning gains. When I began, he could barely even write his name or identify letters. Now, he is able to write both his first and last name from memory with no assistance, he does so well with my handwriting lessons, can identify letters and letter sounds, and today he finished two activities we did...he was the first in the whole class to finish. Not to mention all of his work was completely correct!!! I really cannot believe it...but his gains have really made me feel as if I am doing something so worthwhile...and seeing his little smile when he does something right just makes my heart melt!

Ah, alright I am done with the giddy ranting. Time to get back to that senior project. I just have to keep reminding myself- I *can* do this.