Multicultural Moment: National Convention

Everyday things go on around us that we never even notice. During our trip to the 2014 National FFA Convention we had the task of observing the behaviors of people around us. We were asked to watching how people interacted with people around them and find behaviors that were interesting, uplifting and depressing.

I was amazed at both the positive and negative behaviors of people throughout the week. Some of the more depressing behaviors I observed were things such as a young girl shouting at the man working at the cash register in a store when the machine wouldn't read her credit card. The cashier remained
calm and tried to help the girl but she just wasn't having it. I also overheard a couple complaining about the lady in front of them who brought her small child to the convention in a stroller. They were saying things such as "what was she thinking? Who would ever bring a child here with all these other people? She is just causing traffic jams with all these people."

On the other hand, I saw a lot of great things that made me happy. I saw two young FFA members give up their seats so an elderly couple could sit without being asked. I also saw a lady pay extra so the next few people in line didn't have to pay for their coffee.

It was really interesting to sit back and really observe the behaviors around me. I felt bad for the people who were being treated badly by people they didn't even know and it made me happy to see those positive behaviors throughout my trip. This really made me think about my behaviors and what other people would think if they oversaw or overheard me.

"Make sure all of your actions and behaviors live up to and reflect the words, ideas and promises that come out of your mouth"

- Steve Farber 

Lab #2: The First Day of School

I was very nervous to do my first day of school lesson in front of a small group of my peers who I consider my friends. I can only imagine how nervous I will be when I actually have to teach in front of real students, in a real classroom as a real teacher!

For this lab we had to come up with our classroom procedures, expectations and consequences then present them to our students just like it was our first day of school! The one thing we have heard over and over again that really played a part in this lab was making sure you hook the students in right from the beginning. This was the hardest part for me. How can I make sure the students are excited to be here and engaged in what i'm saying?

Those who know me know that I am obsessed with music. I thought that having a nice upbeat song playing while they students come into the classroom and begin their bellwork would make the mood a little lighter and would maybe make them a little bit happier! It would at least keep me sane for a while.

One of my biggest fears about becoming a teacher is classroom management. This was the first lab that our peers role played as typical students. Some were distracted by technology, some were sleeping, some were talking and the list goes on and on. I think this is such a good way to get us ready for what a real classroom is like. Of course its just a tiny sneak peak into what a real classroom would be like but it gives us the chance to try and work out what we would do in a situation like that.

Even though I was very nervous I was also very excited. I feel like these labs are really beneficial to our future careers! There are many things I want to improve on but overall I was pleased with the way my first day of school lab went!

Next weeks lab? Interest approaches!

"Life begins at the end of your comfort zone"

My Cooperating Center: Cashing in with Conneaut Area Senior High

I am stoked to be working with Ellen Aurand at CASH! Check out this video: