Political conversations are never easy. Most people try to avoid them. In fact, it is considered polite (in an unwritten kind of way) to avoid political conversations with strangers so as to avoid conflict. What happens when you're forced into the conversation? Well, sometimes I try to gracefully bow out, other times I state my belief with the caveat "But that's just how I feel." Other times I blow people out of the water so that they have to add the caveat of their own. However, among my school friends, we mostly try to avoid political conversations. We know who's a Democrat and who's the Republican. We know who's been around the block a few times, and who allows their lack of experience to rule their mouth.
Welcome to Social Studies, the elementary study of all things historic and GOVERNMENTAL. Political conversations are unavoidable, since they are requisite fodder for classroom discussion. Add to that the fact that the field of education is predominantly Democratic...well, what's a poor Republican to do? Pray for wisdom, campaign for McCain, and hope November gets here REALLY soon!
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Monday, September 8, 2008
It begins
The semester is in full swing; two weeks down, fourteen to go!
Changes include a couple new instructors, Suzi Figuoroa, a spunky, dynamic BME instructor and Jim White, a committed, passionate educator teaching Assessment and Social Studies methods. Focus is on 5th & 6th grade and most of us are set for practicum in those grades. Student teaching letters are beginning to circulate, although no one expects firm answers until some time in late October/early November.
I'm seeing some stress among my cohort friends, inability to concentrate, lack of interest in the intense amount of reading, more bordem than concern about assigments--the end is in sight and we're all ready for it!
An interesting comment from an instructor...we were doing a group analysis of a chapter. Our group finished up and I was lamenting that I was afraid that I was going to forget EVERYTHING that we'd learned and some poor kid would suffer for my lack of knowledge. The instructor reassured me that we would forget it all, that it wasn't that important, and everthing would be fine. That diploma will be the most expensive piece of paper I've ever owned!
Changes include a couple new instructors, Suzi Figuoroa, a spunky, dynamic BME instructor and Jim White, a committed, passionate educator teaching Assessment and Social Studies methods. Focus is on 5th & 6th grade and most of us are set for practicum in those grades. Student teaching letters are beginning to circulate, although no one expects firm answers until some time in late October/early November.
I'm seeing some stress among my cohort friends, inability to concentrate, lack of interest in the intense amount of reading, more bordem than concern about assigments--the end is in sight and we're all ready for it!
An interesting comment from an instructor...we were doing a group analysis of a chapter. Our group finished up and I was lamenting that I was afraid that I was going to forget EVERYTHING that we'd learned and some poor kid would suffer for my lack of knowledge. The instructor reassured me that we would forget it all, that it wasn't that important, and everthing would be fine. That diploma will be the most expensive piece of paper I've ever owned!
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