Freshman Initiation!

Another week under my belt! Things are chugging right along! The freshman classes are getting better! We have moved into a topic that I am way more comfortable in, which is making my teaching much more natural, and the student's definitely seem to be enjoying it much more as well. We have moved from Career Prep to Animal Science! I am getting better at managing both the freshman classes. I have noticed that each class has their very own unique dynamic. The first class is more behaved, but not as social. Trying to have group discussions and an interactive class with them is difficult. The second section is almost reversed. They tend to be quite rowdy, but when able to successfully manage and direct the energy, the class discussions are fantastic and they are very willing to participate! I look forward to the more lessons these two classes will teach me.

We all know that each chapter does things there own way. Coming from my own ag program, I already have my own views of how I've seen things done. My home chapter gave out there Greenhand degree's at our Chapter Banquet at the end of the school year. Here in Albion, they give them out now at there own Greenhand Meeting. I was looking forward to this meeting, and it was quite nice! Definitely something to consider in my own future program. It gave me a chance to be social with parents and other local supporters! I also got to say the Adviser part of opening ceremonies, so check that off my list!

Folks, we're not in college anymore (kinda)

I have completed my first week of actually teaching! Besides a few minor kinks working themselves out, it couldn't have gone better! As some of you know, technology and I are working on being friends, and I'm slowly learning the benefits of google classroom. I have two sections of an intro class, and we completed resumes and cover letters with google classroom. I really liked not having to worry about losing student papers and the simple convenience of it. Also it was nice to be able to monitor student progress. Another thing these (mostly) freshman will teach me is classroom management. Let's just say, it's gonna be good. Haha.

Another class I started teaching this week was Landscaping, where we are covering Pesticide Certification. I have been looking forward to this class. It requires covering a lot of content in a short period of time, but that activities that go with it are fantastic! The activities help make difficult topics much easier for students to grasp. This past week we completed a Bio-magnification activity, and it really seemed to benefit the students, the light bulbs went off! This coming week, there is a pheromone activity and I really think the students will get a kick out of it!

One last thing Id like to say. I really enjoy having my own space in our classroom. I decorated and organized my desk to suit my needs and organization style. I have a quote box, where everyday a new inspirational quote is shared. I also have a little easel where I either post a daily riddle or the "holiday of the day." I thought these things were more for my benefit, but I have had many students stop to read the quote or ask me the answer to the riddle. It has created a great opportunity for a fun and open conversation between me and my student's.

Thursday's Riddle: A slender body, a tiny eye, no matter what happens, I never cry. What am I?

A needle

Ready or Not... It's Time to Teach!

Week 1 is already over! Between the flurry of Farm Show and moving to Erie from across the state, it went by so fast! This week gave me the opportunity to get a jump start on my various responsibilities as a student teacher, as I was not yet teaching this week. I got to start building some fantastic bonds with students and fellow teachers and administrators! I had applied for a $500 grant back in October from CHS for Albion's new Sugar Shack, and I won! I met with Business Manager Melanie Floyd and Yvonne Teed, our Director of Curriculum. They were so pleased to receive the check and were grateful to see such enthusiasm in helping to improve the program.

Pictured Left to Right:
Melanie Floyd, Katie Smith, Yvonne Teed

This was a great way to end Week 1. I look forward to the many more weeks to come!

Did someone say Farm Show?!?

It's that time of year! People from all across the state (and some even farther) come to Harrisburg Pennsylvania to view the spectacular event that is Farm Show! My students made the journey from Erie Pennsylvania to be a part of this amazing event. My students had the opportunity to complete a goose chase while visiting Farm Show! With the prize of milkshakes, it wasn't hard to convince them to compete! Goose Chase is a scavenger hunt app where you can create missions for others to complete. The missions could be anything from...

Take a selfie with a state officer

Take a picture of you riding your favorite tractor

Take a selfie with the sow and her piglets

and so many more!

Despite the weather and the long drive, Farm Show was quite an adventure! But alas, it was time to head back home! Till next year!