My Life Until Now & First Lesson in Teacher Practice

In this autobiography, I will talk about my life until this point in time. I am John Smith. I was born on February 8th, 1997, in the state of Miami. Being half German, my mother is from Germany, as my father is an American. In my childhood, I experienced both ways of life. I lived in Germany for a couple of years during my childhood as my parents got job offers in Germany. Though, I spent most of my life in the US. And now, I am studying Literature at university.

Early Life and Family

Growing up, mostly in Miami, I lived in a typical house — in a middle-class family. My father works as a psychologist in a mental health institution as my mother works for a large high school as a mathematics teacher. I grew up with two other children — both a brother and a sister. Despite the age difference, my brother is older, and my sister is younger despite. We all got on very well while growing up. I am now 22 years old.

Educational Journey

I have always enjoyed education, ever since being a young child. During my high school years, I was never a popular child. I used to spend most of my days in the school library. In which the school librarian allowed me to take as many books as I wanted. She was a cool librarian. Though, she only twisted the school’s regulations for me, as she knew I love reading. I was academically strong throughout my years in secondary education. I have never held back a grade, in which many of my classmates were. I have been studying hard from the age of 12 to this day. My specialty is English literature. I can also speak and read German fluently.

Interests and Part-Time Job

Thus, I also enjoy some German writing. I don’t study German literature. Reimbursing myself in German literature is merely my way of escaping the nature of reality for a short while. It’s my way of relaxing - as other people enjoy watching X Factor and Netflix programs. Nowadays, I am working my part-time job as a waiter in Thank God it’s Fridays. I don’t enjoy this job, though, it enables me to get through my university studies more efficiently. My day usually consists of 3 hours serving at TGI Fridays, then 5 hours of lectures scattered throughout the afternoon. I enjoy learning something new every day.

Aspiring to Be a Teacher

My aim in the future to become an English literature teacher. My mother, being the primary influence for me becoming a teacher. I did consider becoming a mental health psychologist. Though, many stories put me off that idea.

First Lesson in Teacher Practice

In my experience, I have taught some elementary classes. The first took place in Miami Elementary School. It was class 4B, and they were eager to learn their required learning material. The behavior was wonderful. The first thing I taught them was their times-tables. What I did was create a song for them — as I brought my guitar into my first day. I played the times-tables song on my guitar and sang it to them. After, I gave them a little quiz on their times-tables. In which many of them got around 50% scores.

The second thing was peer work. I got them to work together in twos or threes. In which, their task was to come up with as many times table sums as possible. It didn't’ matter how complex or simple they were. I then asked them to swap their papers with their peer groups. They were then required to provide answers to these sums with explanations.

Most of them got their equations incorrect. So I taught them the natural way of answering any times-table sum. I explained to them that the way to do that is by taking away the second digit. And they are then multiplying the single digit number. Then, subtract the amount the second digit initially represented from the result. The net result is the answer. Once teaching them this, I asked them to attempt this ask again. In which the papers were required to be exchanged amongst groups, and the final result was mostly correct answers along with accurate explanations. On the other hand, some children accused others of cheating with their cell phone calculators. Though, I didn’t notice this. I had my eyes on every single one of them like a hawk to ensure legit answers.

Continuing the Journey

The lesson was over as the children had their lunch break. My next stop was a university seminar. My lesson was learned from this experience. I am still currently learning. I have a long way to go until I am a fully qualified teacher. Practicing in Miami elementary school has provided me with an excellent insight into my future career. Studying literature has also broadened my horizons regarding English literature. Studying and working in all in good taste. Working with children is a marvelous way to go.

Conclusion

Teacher practice and studying at university enable one to grow personally, not just academically or professionally. It makes one into a stronger and better person. As well as a more educated and professional person. It has always been my dream to teach students, and now I’m doing it is excellent. With this degree and experience in mind, I will be able to spend the rest of my life in this profession. Thus, it is my long term goal: to become a teacher. Spending part of my life in Germany has also enabled me to learn about my heritage and taught me to enjoy German literature. Thus, I began to enjoy English literature. Without that, I wouldn’t have been inspired to work to the point of where I am today. My mother’s influence is also a significant factor to involve. My father, being a psychologist, has inspired myself to enjoy reading literature about psychopaths. Thus, both of their influence is valid. With that in mind, teaching English literature to students is my goal for the future.