Heights Poetry Reflections

Today we met at the classroom for about an hour and then went straight to Heights Jr. High. Frances said we were going to get started right away, which I have learned that you really have to just jump right in head first, feet first, or sidways. It doesn't matter how you get in there, just get in there and start working with the kids. As teachers we try to have a plan, but one way or another we are always changing the plan along the way to make it better for our students.

When we arrived at Heights we met the principal and she told us about some of the things they have going on at their school. Something that I thought was very interesting was the all girls class they have. There is nothing but girls in the class and they go to all their classes together. Then we went to Mrs. Evans class and introduced outselves and talked about what would be going on over the next few weeks. THen we went to Mrs. Martins class and introduced ourselves as well. Overall, it was a good first day and its going to be a great experience because I have officially stepped out of my comfort zone and into Jr. High!

Today all the students met Maxime! Their faces were priceless! Some thought Maxime was really funny and participated. Some weren't sure what to think and just gave each other wierd looks and were really shy. In Mrs. Evans class I felt like the majority of the class had fun and played along; however, the students in Mrs. Martin's class were very shy and didn't open up. There was one particular student who was very withdrawn and seemed upset about something. He wouldn't participate at all even when Maxime approached him face to face. I'm feeling like the students in this classroom are going to challenge us, and thats ok because it's all a learning experience.

Today we introduced several poems to the students. Such as The Gernerals, Crocodile's Toothache, When Tillie ate the Chile, and Little Abigail and The Pony. As UNM coaches had to perform these poems in front of Mrs. Evans class so that they could start getting an idea of what peom they wanted to choose to perform at Mesa Verde. I have never been a great performer. Usually I freeze up and forget what I am suppose to be doing, but today I was able to get up in front of Mrs. Evans class and perform The Crocodile's Toothache. I did really well! I was actually really proud of myself for staying calm and remembering my lines! I was also very proud of my fellow UNM coaches! Good Job everyone!! In Mrs. Martin's class, Grandma Bear was inroduced to the students. They didn't really respond very well to Grandma Bear. I think they thought is was something little kids should be performing, and Frances had to explain that it wasn't about them it was about the students at Mesa Verde. I think it was good that we all decided that we should maybe find some poetry they would enjoy performing otherwise I think we will totally lose Mrs. Evans class. I also think its good to give them choices! I have learned alot throughout the UNM program and one thing I always try to include in my lesson plans and practicum work is CHOICES!!

Students in Mrs. Evan's class continued to practice their peoms in their groups. Elda and I worked with three girls on The Crocodile's Toothache. We had them go through the poem about three times and then they seemed to know their lines pretty well so we got the props and had them try them on. Then we had them go through the poem using the props. I thought they did good but they needed to speak up! In Mrs. Martin's class we performed a variety of poems for the students to choose from and they seemed to like these poems better. They got to choose from poems like Captain Hook, Lazy Jane, I'm Gonna Tell, and Always Sprinkle Pepper In Your Hair. Elda and I performed I'm Gonna Tell. It was fun! I thought we did a great job! After our performances the students had to make a decision on which poem they wanted to work on so that they could start working on their lines. They are getting a late start but I think it'll work out. Elda and I worked with two boys and we took a little time to get to know them before we started working on the poem. One student was very open and liked to talk but the other student was very distracted. We might have to find a different location next week for them to practice. However, we were able to decide on roles and start reading through I'm Gonna Tell. One of the students almost had the first section of his part memorized by the end of class so I'm feeling confident! We asked them to take the poem home and start memorizing their parts.

Today was the dress rehersal!! We met in the Choir room with Mrs. Evans Class first. We had all the students practice their poems and use the props. I thought everyone did really well. After Mrs. Evan's class was done we had Mrs. Martin's class come to practice their poems using the props and they did really well. There are a few students I am worried about for different reasons, but I am going to stay positive. All we can do is ask for their best. This is it next Monday is the big day!!

Today was performance day!! We started with our song written about poetry. Then Mrs. Evans class performed first and they all did really good! I was a little dissapointed that one of the girls in my group was gone so they had to replace her. However, it still turned out great. We closed with James and the Giant Peach. Mrs. Martin's class performed next. Once again we started with the song about poetry. Then everyone did their performances. Elda and I ended up having to do I'm Gonna Tell, but I had a lot of fun. We ended up closing with James and the Giant Peach again, and I think that was my favorite part. I loved seeing all their little faces when the candy started flying! Everyone did really great today, and some of them even stepped out of their comfort zone to perform for the elementary students. I know that I definitely stepped out of my comfort zone, because I have never been a great actor. I used to sing in the Choir in High School but that was different because I loved to sing. I was very proud of my performance!