On January 3rd, 2012, I entered a fourth grade classroom at P.S. 160 Elementary School as their new substitute teacher.  This fourth grade has thirty-two students.  Its a very multi-cultured class with a variety of students from various backgrounds.  I was nervous at first but after having the class for some time now I have learned alot about them. Over the past few weeks, I have been overwhelmed with lesson to plans and papers to grade.  It has been a true learning experience.  I am very lucky to have the opportunity to be in this classroom and I am looking forward to the weeks ahead.  There is alot of preparation needed to be done for these students to be ready to take the ELA and Math exams.  I am up for the challenge and I am excited to see the progress the students make in the weeks to come.  This has been a dream come true and I am looking forward to making a difference in these children's life. 

Vocabulary Words

subtitute teacher- a person who teaches a class when the regular teacher is out

multi-cultured - different cultures and races

variety- a mix of things

backgrounds- where you are from/heritage 

overwhelmed- a lot of different feelings scared/nervous

opportunity- a chance to do something

preparation- to get ready

"I am up for the" - i am ready

making a difference- to have a good effect 

Vocabulary Exercise:

(Put the words in the correct blank space) 

1.  I am so glad that I had the _______________ to meet to so many nice children at school.  

2. I was ________________ when the teacher gave all of us so much homework.  

3. In our community we stride to _____________________.

4. The class loves when a ____________ _____________ comes into their classroom.  

5. The area that we live in has many ________________ families.  

6.  At lunch I like to bring a ______________ of snacks.  

7.  In order to teach a class a teacher needs to make a lot of ________________ in order for class to learn.  

8.  _____________________________ role in the school play.  

9.  In history we learn about the various _________________ of our ancestors.  

Grammer Point  

The main idea of this exercise was learning about new experiences and the challenges that may occur in the beginning. Can you write down where the author describes her feelings.  

Write a short paragraph about a time that you have been nervous and excited in your life.  Challenge yourself and see if you can use any of the words in the  vocabulary list.