So much to blog about! We started a new semester several weeks ago...so this meant new classes and new students for me. I have to admit I kinda like it, although I miss my students from last semester. It’s a nice change and a good chance to reflect on and improve my teaching.
This semester I’m teaching Calculus, Pre-Algebra, and Geometry. I am really enjoying my students. They are more open and willing to talk than last semester. One of my goals this semester is to spend more time preparing intentional devotions with my students and be bold in sharing the gospel. I have been reading C.J. Maheny’s “Cross-Centered Life” and have been able to share parts of this with my students. I have been impressed by their level of attention and desire to engage in conversation about the gospel. Pray for continued opportunities to talk about this and that the truth of God’s message would penetrate hearts.
I have also been blessed by the message of the gospel through this book. I am growing in my appreciation for the gospel, being reminded of God’s powerful love for a people so undeserving.
This week I am beginning to mentor one of my students, meeting with her once a week. I am really excited about this! She is a sweet girl and is growing in her relationship with the Lord. It’s new for me to be a mentor...usually I am the mentee, or however you spell that. Please be praying for me, for wisdom and for good communication.
We have had two weeks of English club since Christmas break. We made more flyers and spent time in prayer over the club and God has been blessing it. The last two weeks we have had almost double the number of people as normal. Our small groups have also been having good conversations about spiritual things. Natalie and Karla got the opportunity to share the gospel with their group last week. We continue to pray for them and for more opportunities to share our faith.
I have made some changes to my teaching this semester to work on becoming a better teacher. With my seventh graders, I am creating note outlines that we work through during class. I have a new challenge this semester of having a student who doesn’t speak English. She is going to repeat the grade but my goal is to help her learn English while still allowing her to experience some success in my classroom. I translate quite a bit for her when I can, but try to speak as much to her in English as possible. Another way I am working at being a better teacher is to make teaching notes for Calculus. It is a difficult subject for me to teach and having specific notes that detail how class is going to go are really helpful.
We are also revamping our Youth Group that we do for students. We’re currently working on an awesome music video for our kick-off next Friday. The format will be be less like a church service and more geared towards non-believers. We hope that this will attract more students and that it will become a way to reach the community.
Answer to prayer! We have a science teacher and the kids love him! However, he is only able to stay for 3 weeks and after will be teaching the classes online from the U.S. It is still an answer to prayer and we are thankful.
Prayer Requests:
1) Calculus is a difficult subject for me. While I had lots of classes in it in college, it has lots of concepts that are difficult to teach. Be praying that I would teach with excellence.
2) Balancing building relationships with my students and maintaining an appropriate student/teacher relationship is hard, especially with high schoolers. While they respect me in the classroom, they want to treat me like a friend outside the classroom. I see my students outside of class a lot and they quickly become comfortable. Pray that I would find the right balance.
3) Be praying both for Youth Group and English club. Pray that they would grow and that we would be bold in sharing the gospel.
4) As always, being praying for the spiritual condition of our students. Pray for open eyes and hearts and that they would desire to have a right relationship with Him.
This semester I’m teaching Calculus, Pre-Algebra, and Geometry. I am really enjoying my students. They are more open and willing to talk than last semester. One of my goals this semester is to spend more time preparing intentional devotions with my students and be bold in sharing the gospel. I have been reading C.J. Maheny’s “Cross-Centered Life” and have been able to share parts of this with my students. I have been impressed by their level of attention and desire to engage in conversation about the gospel. Pray for continued opportunities to talk about this and that the truth of God’s message would penetrate hearts.
I have also been blessed by the message of the gospel through this book. I am growing in my appreciation for the gospel, being reminded of God’s powerful love for a people so undeserving.
This week I am beginning to mentor one of my students, meeting with her once a week. I am really excited about this! She is a sweet girl and is growing in her relationship with the Lord. It’s new for me to be a mentor...usually I am the mentee, or however you spell that. Please be praying for me, for wisdom and for good communication.
We have had two weeks of English club since Christmas break. We made more flyers and spent time in prayer over the club and God has been blessing it. The last two weeks we have had almost double the number of people as normal. Our small groups have also been having good conversations about spiritual things. Natalie and Karla got the opportunity to share the gospel with their group last week. We continue to pray for them and for more opportunities to share our faith.
I have made some changes to my teaching this semester to work on becoming a better teacher. With my seventh graders, I am creating note outlines that we work through during class. I have a new challenge this semester of having a student who doesn’t speak English. She is going to repeat the grade but my goal is to help her learn English while still allowing her to experience some success in my classroom. I translate quite a bit for her when I can, but try to speak as much to her in English as possible. Another way I am working at being a better teacher is to make teaching notes for Calculus. It is a difficult subject for me to teach and having specific notes that detail how class is going to go are really helpful.
We are also revamping our Youth Group that we do for students. We’re currently working on an awesome music video for our kick-off next Friday. The format will be be less like a church service and more geared towards non-believers. We hope that this will attract more students and that it will become a way to reach the community.
Answer to prayer! We have a science teacher and the kids love him! However, he is only able to stay for 3 weeks and after will be teaching the classes online from the U.S. It is still an answer to prayer and we are thankful.
Prayer Requests:
1) Calculus is a difficult subject for me. While I had lots of classes in it in college, it has lots of concepts that are difficult to teach. Be praying that I would teach with excellence.
2) Balancing building relationships with my students and maintaining an appropriate student/teacher relationship is hard, especially with high schoolers. While they respect me in the classroom, they want to treat me like a friend outside the classroom. I see my students outside of class a lot and they quickly become comfortable. Pray that I would find the right balance.
3) Be praying both for Youth Group and English club. Pray that they would grow and that we would be bold in sharing the gospel.
4) As always, being praying for the spiritual condition of our students. Pray for open eyes and hearts and that they would desire to have a right relationship with Him.
I have been slacking in the blog world recently, but just started reading and catching up on your life again! It is so good to hear how well you're doing down there...such a testament to the fact that you are where God wants you. I will contine to be praying for you, your friend Marisol and your students. Miss you Laura!!
ReplyDeleteHooray calculus! Make sure it's as awesome as our high school calculus class ;). Miss your face friend. Good luck with all the changes. You'll be great!
ReplyDeletePraying for you Laura, continue relying on His strength. It was so good to see you!
ReplyDelete