"We think you should stay here and teach us in 6th grade"

Today I completed my second classroom observation for my pre-institute work. I got to observe a 5th grade class at TJ and I am completely in love!

I showed up to observe them working on some post standardized test science/math projects. First we got to watch a video about suspension bridges and then I jumped around between teams watching them all trying to build bridges of their own out of spaghetti....it was pretty interesting to say the least. I even got to meet the winner of the 5th grade science fair!

After struggling with bridges for a half an hour we went outside for a more fun science project...making ICE CREAM! I got to help give everyone milk (which i successfully made only a minor mess with) and the kids shook up their bags to make their very own vanilla ice cream. Pretty cool huh?

After returning to the class for a quick game of silent speedball the kids were off to lunch and I said my goodbyes. I got lots of "good lucks" and even one hug. This was all very encouraging for an upper elementary placement in the fall.

Road trip notes-

I'm planning to head out Monday and lets just hope by Thursday I'm not out of my mind from 20+hrs on the road! My itinerary looks like VA>>Athens, GA >> Atlanta, GA >> Baton Rouge, LA >> Houston, TX. Lots of fun to be had along the way I'm sure. Having never been to ATL or Baton Rouge I'm stoked for some new adventures. I'm also hoping my couch surfing works out well and I end up meeting some cool people in BR.

Have I started packing for all this? Psh, not a chance!

Blogging again are we?

As I begin another chapter in my life I figured I'd try this again. It's easier to keep you all in the loop rather than emailing all the time....well as long as I do my part and actually update.

So in short:

- I'm moving to Houston, TX in one week to start my induction.

- I'm going to become certified to teach 4-8th grades but not yet sure what age/subject I'll be teaching come fall.

To do list until I leave:

- Pack everything I own.

- Find a couchsurfer in Baton Rouge who wants to house me for a night

- Observe another teacher for my pre-institute work

- Finish reading all three of the booklets of information and register for the TExES exam.

In closing, I apologize if this isn't full of pictures of me frolicking in front of la tour eiffel or the tower bridge. However, I'm sure I'll learn more about life from these kids than any tour guide in Europe.