Cute Story from School

Today, I had my big formal observation by my contact in the Student Teaching program in order to ensure ensure that everything is going smoothly. He flew to Spain from Ireland because he is the contact for students placed in Europe (quite a journey just to watch me for one day).

Anyway, I wanted to let the students know yesterday that an observer would be coming to watch me and that it is a very big deal because he helps to determine whether I can become a teacher. My host teacher thought it would not be a good idea to let them know that I am a Student Teacher and to just let them go on thinking that they have two teachers because they would potentially lose respect for me if they didn't think I was fully a teacher. So, she suggested that I leave the room for a bit and then return to say "Oh my goodness, I was just on the phone with a man from Ireland. He asked me all about the school I teach at in Spain and wondered whether there are any amazing and brilliant (In England, the word brilliant is thrown around quite liberally because it means fantastic rather than extremely smart - and of course, all of the staff at my school is of English nationality) students that always sit beautifully (this is a big deal at the school) and listen to to the teacher, and line up perfectly (also a very big deal). I told him 'of course, my class is the most amazing and brilliant class I have ever seen!' And he said that he could not believe it and that he is going to fly to Spain tomorrow just to see such amazing students."

Now, this group of students gets bawled over excited about the smallest of stickers, so when I told them that someone was coming to watch them, they cheered with great contentment! I don't think that they even knew what they were cheering about; like I said, it is not a difficult task to excite them. Plus, they will believe absolutely anything.

So, this morning when I came to school, before my observer came in, they kept asking, "Is today the day? Is he coming?" I said "yes, I am going downstairs to get him right now." So they all sat upright with their backs exaggeratedly straight and they fingers tightly pressed over the lips to signal the quiet sign. This is the expectation which the school has of them, which believe me, is very hard to attain from such boisterous children.

When I brought Mr. O Sullivan to the room, I introduced him and asked whether anyone remembered where he is from. Many of them eagerly raised their hands. I called on Manuel who replied, "uh, yes, Fairyland." A very advanced student corrected him and stated "Ireland." Personally, I prefer Fairyland.

Mr. O Sullivan observed me teach for about two hours, and I feel very relieved now that that is over and done with. He offered great tips and he wants me to think of him as a mentor and a grandfather and to email him everyweek to let him know how things are going and to ask questions and advice.

I will have to make copies of some of the student's work because they write the absolute darnest things, especially because English is their second language. One of the lessons I taught them today was how to write a "book blurb." In England, they call the synopsis on the back a book a book blurb. Writing always presents an extra challenge because, as mentioned, English is their second language, but they often come up with the funniest of translations.

I spent last weekend in Lisbon, Portugal and met great people and had a whirlind trip. I will post pictures soon, but there are many so it is a daunting task.

Happy Mother's Week to all of the Mothers (especially mine) =)