Day One at DES

Today was the first day of my Senior Project at Danbury Elementary School (DES) and it was a truly amazing day.  I started off by going in around 9 am during Miss Blessing's planning block where we just talked about the structure of my day and what sort of things i would be achieving during my time at DES.  I started off by watching Art class to kick off my observations for the day and saw the petite yet wonderful 4th grade class absolutely absorbed in creating a cake out of glue lines.  In the following half hour, not only did I experience recess and playground dynamics, but I was fortunate enough to be immersed into the hyper and "anar-chotic" (anarchy and chaotic) enthusiasm of children at play (during which time I became well acquainted with the students and there stories).

At lunch, I attended a meeting for 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade teachers during which they can debrief and talk about ideas etc. I got to know some of the staff this way and I informed them of my motives for being at DES and asked permission to sit in and work with their classes.  It was a really wonderful and interesting experience to be able to sit in and see what really goes on in those meetings when teachers sit in a classroom and "chat" during the lunch hour.  I've always been curious and now I'm in the loop, so to speak. (:

Geometry was the best math experience of my life. I have never been apart of a circle style, student participating, enthusiastic math class that is geared towards the love of learning.  Miss Blessing's style was so creative and nurturing that I truly wish that I had had the opportunity to have been taught that way.

The day concluded with working on reading, writing and research projects and then, finally, share.  I feel completely at home working with these students and I cant wait to begin teaching them French and other topics.  It has been a wonderful first day and a fantastic start to a wonderful three weeks to come. Many, many thanks to Miss Blessing for everything! DES ROCKS!