(Haunting, cotton like fog is yet to lift...so it sits... on the water, on the house, on my head. With hints of wood stoves and that bit of dewey wet in the air, outside feels crisp and autumnesque. )

In the past I've not been successful at late night homework sessions. But, the last few weeks my capabilities seem to be expanding (thank goodness). School is busy, and overwhelming, but wonderful... typically we all get home from class (better known as the West Kootenay tour) around 8:00pm. A quick bite of cheese on cracker, a lovely cold beer, and hopefully a hilarious episode of Modern Family, then back to the books.  I've been taking the short break when I get home from school and then getting back to work... for an hour or two anyways.  

Our classes are all connected but it's often something we have to synthesize ourselves, in our minds, when we go home.

The big ideas thus far are as follows :

pedagogy (took me a while to understand the meaning of this baby)

place-conscious learning 

self regulation

12 core competencies

formative assessment vs. summative

backward design model

capital (ie. cultural, social)

classroom discourse

etc, etc, etc

Fortunately, our instructors are all well versed in each of the above. We are lucky, because each class is so different but very connected, and each instructor brings something different to the table. For the most part, I hang on every word they say... and often think about their lessons long after they're over.

In general - the vast amount of information & understanding I've been trying to absorb in the last few months is quite ... a lot. And even more, is my trying to realize how I might be able to incorporate all these great, insightful ideas into my classroom practice. Needless to say, I believe it (my practice) will manifest itself gradually and roughly... 

I foresee many "failed" lessons, stuttered words,  and disappointing moments... but among those, I know there will be at least a few gems. Shining moments of learning. 

I go into my two week practicum on Monday in a grade 2 class at Brent Kennedy, a small school in South Slocan.  In the few days I've observed in this classroom I already cannot wait to see the little munchkins again.

Apparently my "stay up and do work" limit has been reached tonight, and I'm going to go to sleep. Will write soon about all the beautiful, diverse friends I've made. My 19 member WKTEP family is already so dear to me... can't imagine how I will feel in 8 months...

night.