I'll dance on a moonbeam and then I will make a wish on a star and I'll wish I were home once again

I used to be anti loud shoes, for my own wearing, at least. I kind of like them now, though.

Today was kind of amazing. I made it to music on time for the first time in several weeks, and even though it was as useless as it generally is, I kind of enjoyed it. Having a good evening and morning before it makes a big difference, and actually singing something in music was kind of nice.

Practicum was more than just kind of amazing-- it was quite amazing. I forgot that this was my week to take over transitions between activities, and asked some of the kids how the song that they sing to get ready to go in line goes and then which buses need to be dismissed at the end of the day. They're so hilariously helpful. I forgot to dismiss the bunny bus. And was led to the places the buses dismiss from by my kids.

I also taught my first lesson today-- I'd done a pretty shitty job at my first whole group activity last week, but I think that today made up for that. I took the kids out in two large groups to go investigate some trees. Talking to Heidi about it later, I told her that I thought it went well on the whole-- the kids were really excited about the whole thing, and I didn't lose control of them even though my voice isn't at 100% right now. If I could've changed anything, it would've been to have a better system for keeping the kids who didn't need any help and the ones who needed constant supervision closer to the same spot. Or just having something else for the fast workers to do when the other kids were catching up. It was also really nice having two smaller groups, because I could change things between the two trips outside. My transition back into the classroom was really good, too. I'm so self-critical all the time that it's nice to have something that I can feel went really well. :)

Friday morning, I'm observing my second possible cooperating teacher for student teaching next semester. The first observation was really good, and if this teacher seems like someone I wouldn't mind working with, I'll just put the two of them down on my request sheet. The teacher that I observed last week was pretty amazing. The lady for Friday sounded rather short on the phone (not stature-wise, either), but I'm hoping that she was just having a bad day, because I wouldn't want to student teach with the version of herself that I talked to on the phone.

In about 50 minutes, I've got orientation for my volunteering at the UW-Children's Hospital, which starts Monday. I'm kind of excited about starting that, too. I hope that the orientation doesn't last too long tonight, though, as I've got to run to the store and really should clean my rat cage before Zac comes over. Someday I'll clean my apartment again, too.

:)