School is universal, which is why I
feel like I see more similarities than differences between the American public
schools I have observed and Marymount International School.
Marymount International School in Rome
is a private, Catholic, co-educational day school that fosters the development
of each individual student, from early childhood (age 3) through grade 12.
Embarking
on this journey I have found that many of the skills that I have learned from
my education classes at James Madison University apply well in classrooms in
America and in Rome. Each week in my reflections my goal is to reflect on one
skill that has helped me throughout the week or that I can relate to an
experience that occurred.
For
week one that skill would have to be flexibility. Teachers need to be able to
adapt to any situation. Going into a new situation is always nerve wrecking.
You never know what to expect and being in a new place means learning a new
routine. Frankly, I was a bit concern about starting my first day at Marymount.
Matters did not help when I found out my first day of practicum was also the
day my class was going to the Vatican. When I first heard the news I was
concerned about how I was going to control a new group of students I had never
met before through a crowded, public area. I had crazy thoughts running through
my head about children getting lost in the plaza. Truth be told, matters only
got worse when I found out my teacher was absent. I am a big fan of substitutes
but I was afraid about how the children would react to so many new people in
the classroom (as it turned out the substitute was long term and all the
children already knew her).
The field trip was actually a great success! It was a fun
way to meet the students and see more of Rome. From the trip I realized how
perceptive children are and how willing they are to share with you. I really
enjoyed sitting with the children on the bus and talking to them about their
lives. Although, I am envious of their lives (I wish I spoke multiple languages)
I’m excited to teach them and for them to teach me.
From this week I have learned that teaching is one of those
professions when you never know what to expect. I have left my first week
feeling happy and confident that I have started to make a connection with my
students. I'm excited to see how I will feel at the end of this experience.
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