A week of 1st's...

First day off of school (President’s Day)...


First Snow day (Tuesday)…ice everywhere!

First inquiry lesson… I taught my first inquiry lesson in my electrical wiring class, and had them create a battery using a electrolyte solution, paper towels, nickels, and pennies, aluminum foil, and multimeters. Two of the four groups came up with the “correct” design, the 3^rd group came up with a totally different design (but it did work – although not quite as well), and my 4^th group behaved themselves very angelically and created a huge mess all over the table and floor which got them special janitorial duties before they could go out and work in the shop…

First FFA Meeting ever... And as an adviser! After spending the first 10 minutes of the Activity period trying to find room for everyone in the Ag classroom, we finally got started. With over 60 6^th-12^th grade students in attendance there was “standing room only” for many members. 

The opening ceremonies were conducted, and then many upcoming events and past, current, and future projects were discussed. FFA week was a highlight of the discussion with each day having a designated “dress-up” theme… Monday – Blue and Gold, Tuesday – Orange and Camo, Wednesday – Ford vs. Chevy vs. Dodge, Thursday – Hat Day w/ a $1 donation, and Friday – Flannel Shirts, Belt buckles, and cowboy boots. I am very excited to see how it will all play out as this will be my first FFA week! Although it was interesting, I saw some room for improvement in how the meeting was conducted. I was somewhat disappointed to see that the officer team did not have their parts memorized, nor were they functioning as a team. It was evident that there is some contention between various members, and that others were unprepared; however, I was very impressed at the huge turn out and the large number of 6^th-8^th grade students who were excited to be there and want to get involved!

Reflecting on this meeting, I am going to try to meet with the officers before their next meeting to make sure that they are better prepared, and emphasize that they are role models and there are many students looking up to them. They have a huge responsibility and opportunity to “hook” the next group of Ag students. Also, I plan to make sure they have an agenda, complete with important upcoming events and dates, to pass out at the next meeting, so that everyone is on “the same page”, and so that they can get more help on projects and implementing school FFA activities.

First student teacher seminar... I really enjoyed the opportunity to talk with my peers, as well as the job prep boot camp and getting to talk with professionals on a one-on-one basis. More time getting to discuss questions and concerns would have been great as well as a mid-way break throughout the rotations; however, all-in-all it was a good first student teacher seminar! :)