The Magic Continues

I cannot believe we are already nearing the end of our first week here in New Zealand. It seems like the time has flown by so fast, yet at the same time it feels like we have been here forever. Everyone has been so welcoming, it already feels like a home away from home.

I have been observing a lot at Swanson School this week and will be gearing up to teach quite a bit already next week. First of all, the curriculum in New Zealand is very small compared to what we have back home in the United States. The whole curriculum for New Zealand Schools (all grade levels combined) fits into a booklet less than one inch thick! Therefore, the teaching is much more laid back and detailed rather than trying to squash everything within the timeframe of each school year. In contrast, at Swanson School at least, it seems that there is much more focus on respect, responsibility, and overall classroom management. The children are held to very high expectations and follow through with them. In our classroom to show they are ready to learn, students must be absolutely silent, eyes focused on the teacher, sitting up straight and tall, and have their arms crossed on their chests. They may relax a bit once the teacher begins the lesson but the teacher will not start until he/she is sure that the students will be listening. At first this seemed a little bit harsh because I had never really wittnessed it before but the students end up taking great pride in showing respect to their teachers and in their own learning as well. It has just become expected behavior for them. It is also much easier to focus on teaching when you don't need to talk over any students or keep regaining their attention. Classroom management skills are gained and perfected through experience. It is something that every teacher can and needs to continue improving throughout their career. I am hoping to work hard at it and have a strong foundation of these skills by the time I am finished with my student teaching placements.

We had a bit of a fun and relaxing day today. My teacher was out on release to work on assessment materials so she had me stay with the release/substituting teacher and help out with a day-long art project. The students were working on a picture of a native New Zealand animal of their choice. We created them by using chalk, crayons and dye. It was a long process but they turned out so neat! The kids had a great time with it and they showed true dedication and hard work throughout the whole day. At the end of the day we had whole-school assembly. Every whole school assembly is put on by a different age group - this one happened to be presented by Pohutakawa, which is the littlest bunch (5 year-olds). They performed songs for us and handed out Good Citizen Awards. The part that struck me the most though, was when the entire school of children stood up to sing their national anthem to open the assembly. It was first sung in Maori, followed by English and was one of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard. Watching all of the students standing up straight and tall and singing gave me chills. It reminded me of the pride I feel when I hear my own national anthem and began to realize the obvious point that these kids have grown up knowing New Zealand as their home. It is the center of their own little worlds, one that I am only able to see from the outside. It sounds silly, but I was truly struck with awe as I listened. Below are the lyrics and a link to the song they sang. Take a listen - it will totally be worth your while! :)

Lyrics - New Zealand National Anthem
http://www.mch.govt.nz/anthem/index.html

Video/Song - New Zealand National Anthem - Amazing!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NM8IbtO6vMQ&feature=related

For next week I am planning lessons for Fitness, Science (Sound), and Writing (Wisconsin report writing) - should be fun!

Well I think that is all for now! Laura and I are off to Sydney, Ausrtalia this weekend - should be a great time. I will update you all upon our return! Feel free to comment on my blog or email me!

Missing you all, Cheers! :)