Descriptive Pictures of My Learning Journey:

Hockey

For me, playing hockey was a passion. I really learned a lot about myself by playing sports, and they have taught me many lessons, not just in hockey but in life. Through hockey, I have learned that success comes from collaboration, clear communication, and supporting those around you, values I aim to foster in my classroom community. The challenges and setbacks I have faced on the ice have also taught me the value of perseverance and a growth mindset, which I strive to instill in my students by encouraging them to learn from mistakes and keep improving. Ultimately, hockey has helped me understand that every learner, like every player, has a role and deserves to feel valued, supported, and motivated to succeed.

Place-Based Experiences

Place-based learning is especially important to me because it reflects how I want my classroom to feel connected, meaningful, and rooted in the real world. I want my students to learn through their own surroundings, using their community, environment, and experiences as a starting point for understanding new concepts. For me, this approach helps make learning more engaging and relevant, while also building a sense of pride and responsibility in where they live. In my classroom, I hope to use place-based learning to create opportunities for students to explore, ask questions, and connect their learning to their own lives, while also honouring local knowledge and perspectives in a respectful and meaningful way.

My Practicum Experience

The day of my first lesson, on Halloween, of course

For my first practicum, I was placed at Aberdeen Elementary, where I got to teach a grade 6/7 class. I was very nervous before the lesson, but after about 15 minutes, I realized I was just fine. I was incredibly worried because it was on Halloween, which is a crazy day in itself, but the students were very well behaved, and I think that reflected how Mrs. Torres has taught and instructed them all year. I will look to incorporate something similar to her “Tough but Fair” philosophy into my own classroom, as she modelled many successful learning moments that I will look back on and reflect on moving forward.

Volunteer Experiences

Grade 6/7 Class at Parkcrest Elementary, students doing a Math “Master Builder Activity.” This activity helped students in describing shapes and expanding their mathematical vocabulary

My volunteer experience in an elementary school classroom has been incredibly important in shaping my growth as an educator. It has allowed me to build meaningful relationships with students, understand diverse learning needs, and see firsthand how effective teaching strategies support engagement and success. Through working alongside teachers, I have developed a deeper appreciation for the importance of patience, flexibility, and creating a positive, inclusive classroom environment. This experience has strengthened my confidence and reinforced my commitment to fostering a supportive space where all students feel valued and capable of learning.