ERM journal question 15.

15. Brief reaction of your practicum experience as a whole, including any professional and spiritual insights that you gained.

             Overall I really enjoyed this practicum experience. I was working with a teacher who loved her job and was really great about bringing us into the learning experience and giving us helpful information about teaching. What I really loved is how comfortable the environment of this classroom was. The teacher was relaxed and so were the children. I was encouraged to see a teacher in her classroom and loving what she was doing. This practicum really got me excited and almost anxious about being a teacher. All the work, tests, and late nights are going to be so worth it!!

            Through this practicum I saw all the opportunities to influence the lives of these children. It is so important as their teacher to be professional, consistent and constant, but I also see the importance in being loving, kind, and forming genuine relationships with each student. We have such a great responsibility with what God places in our hands and classrooms. We must go into this with much prayer, humility, and a willingness to sacrifice our time and energy for the well being of our students. I loved this school and the children and teacher and have had a positive experience throughout the whole practicum.

          I have really been stretched during this practicum. Each time I had to teach a lesson, the planning and thinking that went in to each one really prepared me for when I actually had to do it. I was nervous and excited before each lesson, but it made me more comfortable each time. I had fun and learned a lot while in Mrs. Afeld's class.