This afternoon, as I sat in on a meeting with my master teacher, a fifth grade teacher who had taught several of the kids last year, and a safety net math teacher, I really realized just what a gift the September Experience is. Our job as interns, as I understand it, is to immerse ourselves in the culture and workings of the classroom. We observe and assist, but do so without the stresses sure to be present later in the year. Without the demands of leading the classroom, we have an incredible opportunity to get to know the students in many small ways. We can linger over a math problem with a student on the verge of comprehension. We can chat quietly with the student at the end of the line as the class heads to library. We can observe the interactions of a group engaged in discussion. Without a doubt, we will need to do this and more as classroom teachers; now, however, our minds are free in a way that they will not be when we assume responsibility.
Today I learned that one of our students, a book lover, had to leave behind most of her books when her family left Russia two years ago. Now, she eagerly earns money doing chores so that she can visit the bookstore - any bookstore! she says - and build her collection again. Another book lover is two-thirds of the way through the Tolkien trilogy and can't wait to read The Simarillion, surely a challenging read for a sixth-grader. When I commented on his drawing today, a third student shared that he likes to work his way through drawing books when he has free time at home. During Library today, yet another student eagerly checked out a book from the Warriors series - for the umpteenth time. He says his parents really want him to branch out, but he simply loves these books and can't resist.
And that's just books...
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