Anyway, they just basically discussed how David Toze's goals for the school year applied to the Elementary School. They started it by first emphasizing the importance of getting to know your students as best as you possibly can. We were actually given a reading about it. I surprisingly did not find this a drag at all because the nerd in me actually missed getting readings! I read as far as the different perceptions on childhood and I must say, you can really see these varying perceptions manifested in the educational philosophies of different schools. The reading also tackles other important aspects of getting to know our students, like knowing their biological traits, societal influences, socio-economic background, academic achievement and learning preferences. These are all very important in an educational system that seeks to be more individualized, putting emphasis on the unique qualities of every child so that they may better reach out and truly educate them. It seems that ISM is really moving towards a more progressive educational philosophy (which I must say is something the preschool department has always done), and that is definitely something I believe in.
It felt really good to know that I was working for a school that valued the individual just as much as I did and is really taking concrete steps into making their education system more attuned to the child's strengths as a learner.
After that talk, we all had lunch, sponsored by the school! So yes, it's free! It was all quite yummy and, well... foreign? There was humis, or humus, or homace, or basta... something orange and gooey and you put it on pita bread or something. So exotic. Afterwards, we kinda just went to work in the classroom. It was fun! I dont exactly remember what I did... it was mostly sorting out supplies, fixing up the classroom and what not. Since I'm new, I really just followed Karen around and did what she did or told me to do. I'm hoping to learn all of these things soon so I can start moving on my own and be more self-directed. I'm afraid I might get too annoying by asking "what can I do?" all the time! Haha! Of course, at this point, I am also referring to my second day, which wrapped up a few hours ago.
My second day is already done and was equally fun and interesting enough to write about but my writing skills can't seem to catch up with my daily experiences! Of course, as of now, the novelty of it all still astounds me and makes me all giddy with excitement that I feel like giving a detailed play by play of what happened during my first few days, at least. But, like I said, my writing skills can't catch up. I don't want this blog to become one of those "Today, I went shopping..." kinda blogs anyway. So this might be the last play by play entry I'll be writing in a while. Why? Well, in general, it is my blogging rule that there has be something fundamentally significant about everything I write... or at least, I try to make it so. This account of my first day at ISM is quite significant because it is a form of affirmation and reminder of the difficult choices that I made which have lead me to this happy point. I am glad that so far, it seems that I am going down the right path... the right one being the one that I am passionate about. I mean, I've woken up twice at 5 o' clock in the morning, without much effort or difficulty just simply excited about the day ahead. And now, I am gearing up to sleep with much anticipation for a new day at my happy work place.
I hope I never stop sleeping and waking up with that feeling!
After that talk, we all had lunch, sponsored by the school! So yes, it's free! It was all quite yummy and, well... foreign? There was humis, or humus, or homace, or basta... something orange and gooey and you put it on pita bread or something. So exotic. Afterwards, we kinda just went to work in the classroom. It was fun! I dont exactly remember what I did... it was mostly sorting out supplies, fixing up the classroom and what not. Since I'm new, I really just followed Karen around and did what she did or told me to do. I'm hoping to learn all of these things soon so I can start moving on my own and be more self-directed. I'm afraid I might get too annoying by asking "what can I do?" all the time! Haha! Of course, at this point, I am also referring to my second day, which wrapped up a few hours ago.
My second day is already done and was equally fun and interesting enough to write about but my writing skills can't seem to catch up with my daily experiences! Of course, as of now, the novelty of it all still astounds me and makes me all giddy with excitement that I feel like giving a detailed play by play of what happened during my first few days, at least. But, like I said, my writing skills can't catch up. I don't want this blog to become one of those "Today, I went shopping..." kinda blogs anyway. So this might be the last play by play entry I'll be writing in a while. Why? Well, in general, it is my blogging rule that there has be something fundamentally significant about everything I write... or at least, I try to make it so. This account of my first day at ISM is quite significant because it is a form of affirmation and reminder of the difficult choices that I made which have lead me to this happy point. I am glad that so far, it seems that I am going down the right path... the right one being the one that I am passionate about. I mean, I've woken up twice at 5 o' clock in the morning, without much effort or difficulty just simply excited about the day ahead. And now, I am gearing up to sleep with much anticipation for a new day at my happy work place.
I hope I never stop sleeping and waking up with that feeling!
***
To be continued...
You know... since this is only the beginning.
Love, Oli :)
Yay!! Glad to hear you're having fun there... Carol.
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