An exciting experience with Junior Field

My junior field already took place last year but it was a very exciting 3 weeks. I was placed with a teacher who had mostly fifth grade Language Art students but a few periods here and there with 6-8 grade students. I was extremely nervous to be in the classroom. I couldn't believe that in just a few days I had to stand in front of the class, teach, and oh my goodness--be observed. For the first few nights, I would just go home and cry to my husband and let him know that after so many years of part time college,I was ready to quit.
Thankfully,I didn't give up. I took deep breaths and just tried to focus on one group of students at a time. As I now learn about the stages of learning a 2nd language, I compare it to the stages of learning to face my fears and do what I have always wanted to do-teach and make a difference in the lives of children. I can understand the "silent stage" oh so well because that's all I wanted to do when I entered the classroom for the first day of junior field. I knew in order for me to get through it, I had to change, and I had to change quick. I found the "will" to speak and get involved with the students but the anxiety and the sweaty palms were there. I'd get anxious and frustrated with myself because I knew deep inside I had it in me to do a good job but I was letting my nerves get in the way. I later ran into another teacher who invited me to observe his class and as I observed him, he reminded me of a skill that I often forget about--the talent of having a good sense of humor. With no doubt, he had an excellent setting-organized, neat, and welcoming with posters, colors, and special quotes all over the classroom. But it was his skill of knowing the children and keeping a good sense of humor that hooked the students and made them feel motivated to learn. I even noticed that a "silent" student who was in my daily class was actually smiling and paying more attention than before. I made it through those 3 weeks because I believed in myself as so many ELL students need teachers to believe in them and not give up. Sandra Nahmia from the audio clips within the NJ dept of Ed website for our big assignment certainly does an excellent job with informing us with teaching strategies and tips but she ends with the emphasis on how important it is to understand the difficulties these children are facing and she reminds us that we need to be patient with our students, encourage them, and "help them feel great." I left junior field with a much more positive attitude which I will in turn bring with me as I experience my internship this fall.