reflections from the playground

August 20, 2009

Pedro Bay, AK

My exhaustion has finally set in to the point where I am almost physically and emotionally incapacitated. Language Arts this morning was super awkward. We are doing U.S. History I, so I thought it would be simply delightful if we studied early American Literature (i.e. Native American Folklore and Puritan works). I thoroughly enjoy when I am able to cross-curriculum, and I feel the students grasp concepts better. However, as a giant white girl, I felt awkward telling Native children how Natives are/used to be, and what they valued etc. Also, I think the kids are still getting used to me, my teaching style, and testing me. As a new teacher, I am still figuring out my style. Overall, everything has been going really well. The students get most of the credit, though. They are so great- their patience and tolerance is unlike anything I have ever experienced before in high school/middle school kids age group.

Physical Education seems to be the favorite class. Today, we spent it outside playing dodge ball (the circular kind). All the students in Pedro Bay are athletically inclined…

Today may be the most pleasant day here in Pedro Bay, thus far. Looking out the window first thing, I had the pleasure of viewing the sun shining on the mountain tops, while the fog lingered in the valley. The sight of illuminated treetops and mountaintops rising majestically over the misty fog in the valley was enchanting. The fog never really burnt off today- it only lifted into big fluffy low cumulus clouds that moved swiftly through the valley.

I have my kids outside, on the playground, and we are writing- practicing creative expression. I feel this is something the kids need to exercise. I know they are capable, and it is in them, but for whatever reasons it never really surfaces- I must dig for it. The playground could have more swings. However, they have utilized the best way to recycle tires…There is chopped up tire bits as cushioning turf, for our playground play area.

My favorite part about Alaska is how quiet it is. You can hear every leaf that shudders in the breeze.

My first day with kids

August 19, 2009

Pedro Bay, Alaska

I awoke this morning at 3am, wide-eyed, excited, nervous, reflexive, and overwhelmed. I know I forgot something….After tossing and turning for about 2 ½ hours, I decided to get up, and start my day. By 7am, I was running around completing last minute details in my classroom. The arrival of my students marked the disappearance of my nervousness.

All in all, everything went amazingly well.

The kids are incredible, and I am more excited to teach than I can ever remember. The great majority of the day was spent getting to know the kids. We enjoyed a variety of activities which incorporate team-building, creativity, and fun. We had recess outside, and I played tag. I honestly can not remember the last time I played tag, but I had a blast. I ran and laughed like I was 10 again.

The most remarkable attributes of these kids is their disregard for age and gender. All grades and teachers play together always. The other refreshing quality they possess is their profound respect and consideration for others. While playing kickball, the team captains picked the youngest (second graders) first! Mess-ups were apparent and purposeful, so to make the competition fair. They even did this for us teachers; however, it made me feel old and slightly pathetic, so I just played harder.

I am looking forward to a marvelous year.