Wait, Why Do You Divide by 3 Again?

If there's one thing that I've learned within my first month of teaching, it's that I can no longer be comfortable thinking from the perspective of an adult within the classroom. Time and time again, I've caught myself assuming that my students know more than they actually do (when doing a math problem, for example), only leaving me frustrated because too many confused 4th graders are running towards me, pleading for my assistance.

Perhaps you're reading this and thinking, "well no kidding, Melissa, you are teaching 4th grade! You have to think like a kid!" The concept, however, is easier to "understand" than to actually follow. Try teaching a lesson on finding an average or dividing with remainders! What's the easiest way to to split 25 into 4 groups? Using manipulative's? A multiplication chart? Using a multiply, subtraction, check method? It's easier said than done!

I've learned that it's important that children, regardless of age, are given explicit, clear directions and are taught detailed steps to solve a problem or to complete a task. I've had to accept that I'm going to spend a lot of time giving directions...over and over. Not only do I have to repeat myself several times without loosing patience, I have to remember to truly think like a 4th grader when creating my directions and steps! I never thought I'd admit that it's difficult to think like a kid again!

A Frustrating Day on the Job

"And when I count down from 5 to 1 you should be in your seats, mouths closed, looking at me. 5...4...3...2...1!"

::Everyone is still talking.::

Today was one of the most frustrating teaching days that I've experienced thus far. It wasn't that anything went terribly wrong or that one of my kids decided to give me attitude, it's just that...my kids are just too darn chatty!

I guess I shouldn't be too surprised: I mean, they do have me as a teacher! I just never imagined how darn frustrating it can be when trying to redirect the students' focus back to me. Regardless, I feel like 60% of what I'm teaching is continuously classroom management.

It's difficult. As a new, young teacher whose ambitions are nowhere short of "saving the world," balancing classroom management with "fun, creative, energetic ideas" is a huge challenge. I want the students to look forward to coming to school. I want them to know that the classroom is a safe place. I want them to experience learning as something fun. But I also want them to view their education as something very serious and meaningful.

Too many kids in the school in which I work have a "why should I care?" or "what difference does school make?" attitude. I want that attitude to change, yet I already fear the stress and burden of "pacing guides" and 4sight testings to keep up with, leaving very little room for creativity, flexibility, and well...fun.

Not only do I find the secret management tactics of whole group teaching tricky, I'm flabbergasted at the little bit of time teachers get to spend one-on-one with students. How can I teach a mini-lesson to a small group of students and have other students on task with completing another task? I find myself struggling to make time just so I can review basic math facts with students who need to review and learn the basic mathematical functions. In fact, I found myself shifting my entire schedule around today just because I recognized a group of students that were really struggling with rounding. (Too bad about pacing guides, these fourth grade students need to know their place value chart!)

It's ironic, though, how teaching can be both so frustrating and so inspirational. As I told my fiance Adam the other night, "each day that I continue to be frustrated, I'm likewise motivated to find new ways to reteach the concept or to retry management ideas. Teaching is such a great challenge, and finding areas that I struggle with motivate me to become better...for the students."

Sometimes I feel like I'm learning more than the students.

My biggest fear, I told my mentor, "is that I hope I'm not postponing the education of my students because of my 'first year goof-ups. The last thing I want is for my kids to enter 5th grade and be clueless."

In hopes of that not happening, it's back to the drawing board for me. How else can I teach place value? Rounding? Prefix? Vocabulary? Writing? Creativity, I need you now!

Keep reading for more classroom experiences!

Life Courses and Childhood Dreams

I'm always extremely discouraged to "start up" blogging again after I'm well aware when I take a hiatus. It reminds me that I'm extremely "human," not perfect by any means, and oh yes, effected by life's course of changes every now and then.

Nonetheless, here I am, blogging, and I am comfortable to now say that after a nine day road trip from the West Coast back to the East, diving into a first year teaching job the weekend after our return, searching and scoping out wedding venues, caterers. and entertainment, and moving back to Reading all within a short month, I feel like I'm "settling in." (And some people thought that making the transition from being a college student to "going into the real world alone was overwhelming!)

"Life" has surely taken its course in my life.

I suppose I can't be surprised, though. Life is always an adventure for my fiance and I. That's how we like it to view it anyway.

As I lay here in my Reading apartment-and yes, lay-I say lay because my roommate and I literally do not have any living room furniture to sit on yet (oh, that needs to happen, too?), I still cannot relish the reality of my now "school teacher" world. Three weeks ago I had my first "day of school." Monday I had my first "faculty meeting." Tomorrow I have my first "Meet the Teacher" night. The experience still seems to be beyond me. I cannot believe that I, Melissa Jaworski, am largely responsible for the academic progress of 19 students. Really, what was I thinking when I thought that I could have that much responsibility hanging on my shoulders?

Believable or not, being a school teacher is a dream that I've held onto ever since I was five years old. In fact, the day before my "first day of school," I told my mom, "I can't believe that tomorrow I'm going to be the person I dreamed to be since I was five years old."

Now, I'm not saying that I'm going to retire a teacher. I still have a very strong passion for vocational ministry, such as working within a church or for a para-church organization. I very well may decide to not teach after this first year experience. On the other hand, I may decide that I'll continue to teach for a number of years. Nevertheless, it's incredible for me to fathom the reality of fulfilling a childhood dream.

In fact, it gives me even more hope and inspiration for the children that I'm teaching. In 4th grade, I wanted more than anything to be a teacher, and now here I am, a 4th grade teacher.

When I reflect back on my journey towards "becoming a teacher," I'm reminded of all of the different stages that I passed through while remaining committed to my dream; teaching my stuffed animals at 5 years old, filing tests and quizzes for my elementary school teachers, deciding "teaching wasn't good enough for me" at 13, continuing to organize people and tasks in every opportunity available throughout middle and high school, struggling to decide a major in college...only to choose elementary education. I've had a lot of "twists and turns," a lot of changes and "I can't decide" moments, yet always, always, have I had the consistency of a small burning flame within me to...teach.

In fact, my journey reminds me of the well-known scripture in Jeremiah 19:11. It reads:

¹¹ For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Plans. Isn't it ironic how we, as humans, try so hard to create the "perfect plans"-1 day or 5 year-so that we can follow the steps that we believe lead towards a goal? And isn't it even more ironic, that during all of that time-being 5 and teaching stuffed animals to being 13 and not wanting to teach, to not deciding on a major in college, to getting a teaching job fresh out of college-that God has not forgotten me nor my childhood dream. "It's strange to believe that I'm actually doing the job that I dreamed to do since I was 5 years old."

Life-adventure- has a powerful way of allowing us to experience the faith of God.

Thanks, God...for life. For faith.






(*Note: I do realize that the last "sentence" is actually not a sentence at all, it's a fragment. I just recently taught my 4th graders about the characteristics of a complete sentence.)

Thank You, Arizona! (Not Good-Bye!)

Adam and I with the most WONDERFUL host family: the Giboneys!

Two and a half months pass quickly when you're pursuing a job you love, conquering "unexplored land", and are surrounding yourself with loving people. Adam and I have thoroughly enjoyed our time here. We can't believe how quickly Thursday, August 6th has approached! Although we'll continue to "road trip," taking pit stops in Texas, New Orleans, Alabama, South Carolina, and Maryland along the way, we'll surely miss the adventures and relationships that we've built here in Peoria, Arizona.

Below are a few quick, fun questions that summarize some key take-away moments from the summer experience.

One of my favorite memories from this summer have been:
I've really enjoyed the moments when my host family (Donna, Mike, Haley, and Hunter), Adam, and I have gathered around the dinner table and have spent hours talking, eating, and sharing life together. I've always been fond of long, family meals and long to have these (at least once a week) with my future family. These moments make wonderful "warm, fuzzy" memories.

One of my greatest challenges that I've experienced while here has been:
...Not having my girlfriends around to hang out with when Adam's playing poker or P90X with the guys! Not having them around though has challenged me to keep in touch with them through phone calls and Facebook messages!

One that I'll really miss about Arizona includes:
HOW BEAUTIFULLY STRAIGHT MY HAIR LOOKS, EVEN IN THE SUMMER! Oh, my hair's at its best out here! I'll definitely miss going on early runs when it's "toasty" outside (86 degrees at 6am). I'll miss the constant sunshine and the ability to wear shorts and a tank at 11pm at night. I'll miss gazing at the mountains on my way to work. Oops, was I only supposed to list one?

One thing that I've learned here about Adam and my relationship is:
...We really do make a great team! Adventuring out here as a couple has allowed us to "lean" on each other and grow in ways we never before found ourselves compatible. We've built memories together while striving to learn more about each other and how we can best serve one another. Never before have we spent more time together and never before have I been more in love. Don't get me wrong, there's been difficult times, for sure! We're much stronger because of this summer though, and we've had a ton of fun along the way.

One thing that I've learned here about myself is:
People really love me for me: crazy, silly, outgoing, loud, hard-working, dedicated, caring, compassionate me. Even in a new environment, I was able to confidently "be who I am" and loved it. Not only did I love it, but others did, too! They loved me for me, so I need to keep loving me for me, too!

One thing that I've learned here regarding my relationship with God includes:
God created me as a human BEing, not a human DOing. My personal relationship with God (aka spending time with God) can never be sacrificed for doing things for God (aka busy schedule), especially if I work in a church! I must be just as comfortable BEING with God as I am DOING for (or with) Him!

One Last Stop: The Grand Canyon

Mission Accomplished!

Adam and I just completed the ONE task that my dad INSISTED we do before we come home: hike and camp out at the Grand Canyon! Although the one day-one night trip was short, we had a wonderful time. We visited the South Rim and hiked the Kaibab Trail (a 6 mile hike) to "Skeleton Point." We were humbled by the view (boy, did we feel small looking at at that canyon), captured by its beauty (God sure is creative), and enjoyed every minute of the hiking-camping experience!

Below are some favorite pictures from the trip. It was a wonderful way to end our time here in the West! We leave for back east on Thursday and expect to arrive in PA around August 13th or 14th.

A GORGEOUS VIEW of the South Rim at the start of our hike!

Stopping for a quick view while hiking! AMAZING!

Adam taking a break inside one of the canyon rocks!

When we reached Skeleton Point, we got a glimpse of the Colorado River. I was so surprised that it wasn't blue! False expectations? Oh well, blue or brown, we saw it!

Stopping for a picture pose on the hike back up!
We definitely took advantage of those camel backs!


Our "hobo" meals! We cooked chicken and veggies in tinfoil over the fire!


Checking out the South Rim right before sunset. A perfect ending to a breath-taking day.

"The Strip," Las Vegas

This past weekend, Adam and I had an opportunity to hit "the strip" in Las Vegas, Nevada. We were graciously hosted by a family friend and her roommate, who took us out to dinner and showed us around to some of the "hot spots."

While Adam was excited to get a chance to play poker at a real poker table (he even won $60), we both enjoyed watching the fountains at the Bellagio, traveling through "Paris," and treating ourselves to the beautiful indoor walkway of the Venetian Casino. Of course, it wouldn't be a trip to Vegas without getting harassed by dozens upon dozens of advertisers for night clubs and "X" rated fun. I couldn't believe the number of cards that littered the ground or the amount of children that were walking around Vegas seeing the giant advertisements of half-naked women! Ah! No wonder the minds of our generation (and younger) are so saturated with sex.

The trip was certainly a taste of a different type of culture. Although "short-lived," I'm not sure we needed too much more time to understand just how different Vegas is from several other US big cities. Fortunately, there's hope, even for "Sin City." Since our trip, Adam and I have researched a church organization, called Strip Church, that's reaching out to people in Vegas in very creative ways. Check out the website if you're curious!

All in all, the trip was certainly a success and so much fun! Some of our pictures from the trip are included below. Stay tuned for an update on our trip to the Grand Canyon from August 2nd-4th!

Our party of four: Adam, myself, and our two wonderful hostesses, Sandy and Amanda. We ate a wonderful "tropical dinner" at Treasure Island. And yes, that's our DESSERT!

The infamous Bellagio! We were so captivated by the light show that we couldn't stop watching after just one song! Truly an amazing sight to see!

EVERYONE's in Vegas! I was so excited to meet Whoopi Golberg! I just loved her in Sister Act. Okay, okay. This is actually a "Wax Whoopi." Close enough though, right?

These tours were given inside the Venetian Casino. Yes, inside. It wasn't surprising considering what the inside of this "mall area" looked like. Talk about stunning and romantic!

On the way to and fro Vegas, we traveled across the Hoover Dam and stopped to take some pictures! I wasn't expecting this sort of beauty!

This picture doesn't even come close to justifying the beauty of this scenery. The water is so blue, and with it surrounded by the mountains, it's just like a postcard. Adam informed me that the water's "blue" is caused by minerals. In fact, the white that is shown on the mountains is calcium build up: the water reaches up to the heights of the white/brown line!

A view of the Hoover Dam. There were so many people parked on the side of the road just to tour and photograph the Dam!

Another view of the Dam. Adam tells me that it's the largest cement structure in the world! I believe it!

How to Talk to Girls

While in our "pastors' meeting" yesterday, I caught sight of an advertisement in a children's ministry magazine for a book that a NINE YEAR OLD BOY wrote. The title: How to Talk to Girls. Fascinated with the reality that a nine year old boy published a book, I continued to read all about Alec Greven. He published his first book at age eight, has also written a book titled How to Talk to Moms, and has a book about Santa Clause coming out in September! I was ecstatic to discover that one of our pastors actually owned a copy of How to Talk to Girls.

Here are some of my favorite excerpts:

• A crush is a love disease. It can drive you mad.
• If you are in elementary school, try to get a girl to like you, not to love you. Wait until middle school to try to get her to love you. Otherwise, you have to hold on to her for a long time and that would be very hard. (Tip: Most boys in elementary school can hold on to a girl for only 30 days.)
• Some girls are talkative. Some girls are shy. Go for a talkative girl if you are shy. Then you only have to say one sentence, and she will do the rest of the talking.
• If she doesn't like you, don't worry, it happens.
• If you do win victory with a girl, don't cheer in front of her.
• Use caution! When you see a pretty girl, don't let her tractor beam pull you in.

What an incredible way to share with children that they matter! Imagine how nine year old boys (and girls) can be inspired by hearing Alec's story! I definitely think I'll be purchasing this book for my personal collection.