Controlled Chaos

I was beyond nervous to walk into my Field Experience classroom that first day. Last year's experiences weren't all that great (to say the least). As I walked into my mentor teacher's room and stood awkwardly awaiting her arrival, I heard a very loud, but albeit happy voice coming down the hallway. The voice belonged to Mrs.Rush. She swooped in to the classroom telling me that my original mentor teacher was out sick and that she would take me for the day. Little did I know this woman would be the most amazing mentor teacher I could have asked for. She didn't hesitate to give me things to do (besides grading papers). By the end of the first day, I was helping with small groups and leading read alouds. Her classroom was chaotic but perfect for her and her children. The kids had freedom to talk and work independently. I know that some people are completely overwhelmed by the chaos that is her classroom but I was amazed. I had never witnessed a teacher who could control her classroom without constantly yelling. I couldn't believe this was a possibility. Kids don't have to sit quietly and be "the perfect student" to learn. Your classroom can be fun and lively. Most of the kids in my class don't come from the best homes, she has created such an amazing and loving environment. And the children in that class were your typical first graders but they embraced me. When I wasn't there, they wanted to know why so they could scold me. (They couldn't really comprehend that my school and their school were not the same place.) I was absolutely blessed with one of the best classes to be involved with. I feel like I did not have nearly enough time to absorb all of the things that Mrs. Rush and her amazing class had to teach me.