My potential future...

When I first started at BYU, I was a human development major planning on focusing on human development. Then, I switched to psychology, planning to focus on cognition and neuropsychology. Then I switched to Elementary Education. I love teaching but it has almost always been my plan to pursue a masters or possibly a doctorate degree. My plan as of right now is to finish this year, teach one more year, and then go to grad school. I have been unsure what I have wanted to study for a long time. But, the thing that stands out the most to me right now is cognitive psychology/development. There are lots of really great programs around the United States. I think it is something that I could really enjoy studying. I guess only time will tell.

I won!

One day during recess I decided to visit uen.org and see if I could find a lesson plan on r-controlled vowels. I wasn't successful but I did notice a banner at the top of the web page saying that the first 300 educators to apply would be sent free tickets to see the Bodies exhibition that opened up in Salt Lake tonight. I've been in a few different cities while the exhibition was going on but have never managed to see it. So, I sent in my information. Today I got a free admission ticket in the mail. So, next Tuesday I'll be fascinated by 200 plasticized bodies....for free.

Update but no pictures

I don't have my camera cord with me today but I do have some time so I will give a quick update of the last 2 months. I was going to move to Provo but a couple of the places fell through and then I decided to move to Salt Lake. I found an adorable house in Sugar House with month to month rent. I really like the house but the 40 minutes one-way commute is getting to me and I don't approve of some of the practices of my roommates so I have contemplated moving basically since the day I moved in. It has been a stressful choice. Everyday I considered something new. But, I got a call from my good friend Havilah this week saying that a spot is opening up in her apartment in Bluffdale. Now, Bluffdale isn't really that exciting but it is a nice place, much closer to work, and I will have a friend living there. Also, my contract will end June 1 allowing me to go wherever I want this summer. So, I am moving in 3 weeks.

Things have been going with school. I start my 5th week tomorrow. Time is flying. My students are great. I enjoy being around them. We are starting to settle into a routine which is incredible helpful for me. I'm learning that being a first year teacher really is as stressful as everyone says it is.

I'll post pictures soon.

I haven't downloaded any pictures onto my computer yet and I am running off to church right now but I promised I'll make a post or maybe two this week. Life has been crazy with finding a house to live, getting my classroom ready, and starting school. But, things are finally starting to feel like they are settling into a routine.

Packing stinks. I have too much stuff. That's all.

You Know You're A First Year Teacher When...

In the last two nights, I've had two nightmares about the first day of school. They were funny when I woke up but not during.

Nightmare #1- I got a call from subfinder and agreed to sub for a Ms. Gilbert on the first day of school. She was really organized. An hour into the day I realized that I had my own class to teach. I got to my school late and my principal was totally unimpressed. I had no idea what I was doing because I hadn't prepared a thing.

Nightmare #2- I think I'm a student teacher but I get to the class on the first day and the teacher turns it all over to me. My 5th graders are sitting stadium style. They don't respect me. I have nothing prepared. Bad news.

I think these dreams are trying to tell me to get prepared. Or maybe they are telling me that I am spending way too much time thinking about the first day of school. (thanks to Ben Crowder for the pretty picture)

Cute Nephew, Not So Cute Zoo

Mom, Keyton, and I went to the Boise Zoo today. It was hot. The zoo was pretty pathetic but there were some interesting animals: komodo dragon, sloth bear, tigers, penguins, tamarin monkeys. Mostly Keyton was cute. These pictures are proof.