Practicum Report #1 (Tyler)

1. Time Spent This Week: 2 hours (2 SS)
   
2. Class This Week
   
   1. Strange Beginnings: Well, my first day at practicum did not begin as I was expecting it to. I showed up eager to meet Dr. Buck and start planning how this semester was going to work out. But instead, I was confronted with an issue. Dr. Buck's son broke his neck while cliff diving in Mexico. So he is down in Miami with his son who they do not know if he will be able to walk again. This was heartbreaking to hear. I don't even know the man, but I can't imagine what he must be going through. Apparently his baby daughter was killed in a freak accident only a couple of months ago, and they were on this vacation in order to regain their sanity and thoughts. To have this happen on a vacation like this must be absolutely heart wrenching. And because there was no teacher present, I was going to be in charge of leading. Well, I had no idea what I was doing so I was praying that someone else would show up. My prayer was answered.
      
   2. Mike Saved Me:. I was talking with a couple of students that I just witnessed jump into the snow shirtless and do a snow angel for a dollar. Michael and Joey were the two brave souls that dared this cheap feat. They were really cool guys who asked me if I was in charge of SS this morning. I told them maybe (while secretly hoping I wouldn't be). Finally, a leader that is normally there just to make sure things run smoothly showed up. I introduced myself and told him about the practicum and he filled me in on Dr. Buck's situation. Apparently, Dr. Buck asked Mike (the leader) to take over while he was gone. It didn't seem like Mike had anything planned. He got up there and talked about the Colts vs. Patriots game and then we got in groups to pray for Dr. Buck and any other prayer requests that people had. After that, we were "dismissed". Some people went and played video games, others sat and talked about the drinking party they were at over the weekend, and a guy and a girl just sat next to each other holding hands. I saw this as a perfect time to meet some people. I introduced myself to a group of highschoolers and just listened to their conversation. It was fun. I learned some names, met some people, and hopefully will gain some new friends out of this.
      
   3. I'm doing what? After everything was over, Mike (the leader) came over and asked if I could do the lesson for next weekend. I said sure (foolishly) and went to brunch. So now I am facing teaching a lesson (that I haven't thought of yet) to about 30 people (that I don't know very well). This should be fun!
      
3. Questions This Week
   
   1. I would love advice on what to teach for my lesson this weekend. Should I use a premade lesson and just teach that? Or should I create my own?
      
   2. Also, what advice would you give to me to help me get to know the students better? Eg. How do I relate with the kids that talk about their drinking party….and….the kids that talk about their video game party?