Death By Field Trip!

Yesterday was my first Social Studies Methods class and I have to say that it did not go over very well with me. It started out ok, although we learned that the teacher does not like interruptions of talking, sarcasm in comments, or when I personally make choices for other students in the classroom (yes, I was yelled at about this last night). The class itself seems like it will be interesting. However, as soon as our professor mentioned we'd be going on a field trip I knew it was all down hill from there. Don't get me wrong. Taking a class of 3rd graders on a field trip will be a lot of fun and is something I am looking forward to. I think it is going to be awesome to get out of the classroom and be with kids while they explore (for instance) the downtown City Building, but having to do this activity in Grad School tends to make me feel like I am wasting my time (it is a three hour class) and tuition money (it's very expensive at Westminny). The highlight of the trip I must say, was when our professor ran a red light, slamming on the breaks and hurling all 11 students (including myself) forward to the front of the van. She then proceeded to back up out of the intersection so that waiting cars could pass. When the light changed to green and we started pulling forward, to all of our surprises, the van jetted in reverse, again causing all of our hearts to leap into our throats and passionate screams of terror to escape our mouths. One student even shouted "We're all going to die!" The professor forgot to return the van to drive from the previous backing up.

All and all it was an interesting first class, and although we laughed it off (calling it the Final Destination Field Trip), and our professor was able to smile at her embarrassing mistake, it was STILL a tad bit frightening.

The best part of last night though was that at the end of our class we were given our elementary school assignments and our co-teaching partners, and I am completely happy with both. The school I will be teaching at this semester is in my old hood, which is exciting. I also lucked out and got a partner I think will be a lot of fun to get to know and to work with more. It was a lot of information to take in, and a bit overwhelming, but here we go! Game on! Watch out 3rd grade this student teacher is on his way to SCHOOL YOU!

Ohhhhh the horror!

So...school starts on Wednesday and I am beginning my Methods courses. This means I get to go and actually teach in a classroom. I am super excited for the experience, but super nervous at the same time. I know it's horrible to admit this, especially since children can smell fear on a new teacher (they are like bloodhounds that way) but kids are a little intimidating. I am hoping this experience goes well and that I don't come to the realization that children are just plain frightening and I really have no desire to spend my days and nights worrying about how to mold our future leaders of tomorrow. But if that happens, I will be grateful that it is happening sooner rather than later.

Kids are scary! Wish me luck.

Magic Pants!

Has anyone seen a little film by the name of "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants: Part 2?" If so, I'm curious to know your thoughts.

Apparently these pants and the miracles they are capable of creating have extended to spontaneous abortions. Seriously! If you have not seen this amazingly awful film...please rush out and let me know what you think immediately!

We saw this movie last night at the Drive-in theater for a friend's birthday party, and let me just say that I laughed, I cried, I laughed some more, I smell Oscar!

Shout Out!

To the best lil' design assistant anyone could ask for!

Merci Melanie!

Les Grèves de Planificateur du Parti de Nouveau!

Bonjour Amis,

Casey's Birthday is coming up and he decided he wanted a "Paris Themed" party. Now, me being the perfectionist I am, I couldn't just plan something simple with French food and French music, so instead we are going ALL out! This party is going to be a Parisian Wonderland! We are doing it in the backyard of our friends home and we are planning on wrapping his trees in white lights, and setting up an outdoor movie theater using a projector and a white sheet. We will be showing Amelie, Paris, je t'aime, and of course a Madonna concert. There are white and black blankets for dinning and movie watching, and each contains a Framed photo of Paris and candle centerpieces. There will be flowers, and fancy Paris bottles, and black lacquer animals courtesy of the D.I., spray paint, and a very numb index finger. The whole party is very Black and White French Forest! It is going to be awesome and I promise photos as soon as the event is over with!

I just wanted to brag a little because I can't believe how cute everything is turning out. Stay tuned!