The end of Propel is near. As a returnee, my experience has been quite different than last year’s. My independent-work skills have improved, our class is comprised of mostly different students than last year, my project-area is different, and most importantly: my blog titles are now Camp Rock themed rather than last year’s High School Musical theme. This semester has been nothing short of stressful, yet so enjoyable. The fact that we will be heading back to our homeschools in just nine weeks is starting to set in.
My project “idea” from August is the opposite of what my actual project is now. I had originally anticipated doing something music-related, as that’s what everyone told me I should do. I spent the summer planning different ways I could uniquely make my own music. Once the first day hit, I had no idea what to do anymore. After brainstorming with some friends, I resorted to filmmaking. Not exactly sure how I came around to that idea, but I was dead-set on it. You can imagine my dismay when Mr. P and Mr. H said: “instead, you’re going to do a career exploration of teaching…” That came as quite a shock. But the project has developed, and I’ve come to enjoy it. Once a week I go to École Van Belleghem to spend the day in an elementary school classroom. Eventually, I will present a lesson for the students about literary devices in songs. I had a “mid-semester crisis” about two weeks ago where I wanted to drop everything and change my project to creating music, but luckily that feeling has settled down. I still have a bit of regret, but I don’t think that feeling will hold. I’m very grateful to visit the elementary school classroom, it’s something that most future-teachers don’t get the chance to experience in high school.
When I’m not at Van B or working on my lesson, most of my time is spent helping my classmates with their work. I love helping people, I find it so rewarding. Whenever my classmates need feedback, help with their tech, or need advice, I’m always there to lend a helping hand. In return, I sometimes require feedback from my peers towards my lesson. My classmates are lovely, and always return the favour when I ask for help. In the future, I will be needing a lot of feedback once my lesson rolls out. My lesson is close to completed, which means it will be presented beginning next week.
My project is not yet completed but will be done in the blink of an eye. I am presenting my lesson to the grade 5/6 class in about four weeks. I have compiled a list of songs that use literary devices such as: metaphors, similes, personification, imagery, etc… I got feedback on my song choices and then created a graphic organizer. I will begin crafting my script tomorrow.
Although it wasn’t what I had in mind, I do like this project. It’s unique and will be SO beneficial for my future. I have enjoyed my time here thus far, I came back for a reason. I really love Propel and the opportunities I’ve been given. Propel has been a whirlwind of experiences and emotions, but I am so happy I returned.