Thirty one days • Trente-et-un jours. 
 
In the month of October, you may have noticed a lack of @sarahlalondee on your Twitter feeds and even the absence of @sarahannelalonde checking your Snapchat and Instagram stories…
 
Well, I was a little busy changing my life… You know, undoing bad habits and being more present in my life. That old chestnut!
 
Matthieu and I completed a social media detox for a month. We made up our own little list of apps we were and were not allowed to visit. After we made this list, we deleted the apps on our phone (because God forbid I would not have enough self-control at the time to not have used them). 

​Initially, the inspiration came from a Youtuber named: Matt D’avella who accomplished a one month detox from all social media. His video goes in depth into the highs and lows he faced throughout his 31 days. 

For me, it was a roller coaster with peaks and valleys as well, so let’s go through the THEN and NOW. ​

​I have to admit, at first, I didn’t think I was going to get through.
I had:

• Repeated thoughts about what was happening on Twitter
• A major FOMO (fear of missing out)
• Been constantly re-searching for the apps on my phone
• Pushing away the desire to re-install them, just for a minute
• A fear of rejection (after not answering my tweets / DM’s / snaps!!)

*I even cheated… (Matthieu if you’re reading this: I checked twitter in the bathroom once).

​I feel as though I have truly tweaked my digital habits:

• breaking the cycle of opening my phone and going directly to Twitter / Snapchat and Instagram
• I no longer have the NEED to be AS present on social media (for example: checking 67 times a day)
• My phone is not glued to my hand
• My phone is not distracting me from life in front of me

I found I was using apps I never went on before (like watching videos on Youtube?? Or opening my photos 600 times a day). 
​

​On Oct 24th, I forgot my phone at home. Yup, left the house without it and didn’t even realize until first period! I truly think that this was the breaking point in my detox. That morning, I used my phone as my alarm, shut it off, walked away and left it there. I didn’t roll over and get lost in a Twitter rabbit hole to start my day. The first thing in the morning, I didn’t see a bunch of “Instagram” perfect shots to make my life feel less perfect… I think you get the point.  Nonetheless, it felt SO GOOD to have left my phone at home, “by accident”. I believe it showed my lack of dependency and freedom from the phone. 

​Then, on November 3rd,  I reached a true sate of JOMO (JOY of missing out) about not being social media addicted or dependent  (which I never thought possible). Once I was able to go back on my apps that I once missed so dearly, I had no desire to now know what each and every person I know (by Snapchat and Instagram). I was seeing all my friends glued to their phones and talking about superficial posts and stories… And, in that moment, I felt in my heart and in peace in my mind that true state of JOMO for missing out on a multitude of irrelevant information. I was proud of the progress I had made and I was happy to be present in the moment. 

One thing I found the most difficult was the "dead time". For example: waiting in car, in line at the grocery store, waiting for an appointment...). My brain felt like it needed to be entertained. Was I scared to face my thoughts? Why did I need to feel busy? Why couldn't I just sit there waiting and doing nothing? This is something I had to work on. 

 I had been sharing my first week struggles with them and one Friday decided to ask if they wanted to do it with me. This small idea I had in my head in September grew into something much bigger and much more powerful. My students and I co-constructed a list of social media apps they thought should be "banned"... Here is the list we came up with:

At the end of the detox, I rewarded my students with a signed certificat and a key chain with a word they had chosen to represent HOW they felt during the detox. It is a simple reminder to sometimes take the time to be disconnected. Here are some photos! 

• I want to be more intentional with my social media use.
• I have no need for Instagram, as it does not necessarily bring value in my life.
• I still enjoy using Snapchat to communicate the best with some of my friends, but do not allow myself to check the stories.
• I wanted to keep Twitter because of a few reasons: the sense of belonging I feel, the desire to contribute to the space and other educators, seeing Tweets ignite me... but I do need to cut back. 
• I now have the self-control to have these apps on my phone and USE them intentionally.
• I am beginning the book: Digital Minimalist to dive even deeper into this concept!
• Reflecting on the process is KEY 🔑

​

My students have NOT given up yet... We are going strong! Here is our reflection for Day 4. 

​

What my students are saying?
​Some of the advantages was , you have more time in your day, you have more time to do the thing that you love to do like for my it was having more time to read a book and do my chores ar home.

 Some of the detox presented in the video is your mind jet to relax more like the video sade if somebody post on social media you are not going to see if they're a school event you will not miss out. 

Sleeping and cooking.

​Some good things about the detox is that you focus more on yourself and you think about everything thats been going on. You also will plan out ur next day if you have nothing or plan what ur gonna wear for the next day. To add, its a good way to get things done and go to bed early. 

What my students are saying?
Yes I would consider doing this for longer because I have more time for my self and have more time in my days.

​Yes, I would do the detox for langer because I read a book in a sad of going on my social media. 

​Non because I just what to go on Tiktok and it fell like it was not 4 day it fell like more.

​What my students are saying?
Well two thing I have learned about my self is that I like reading book, I like thinking about my emotion and juste about life where am I can be when I grow up I'm going to college or travel the world with my 3 Best friends.

​ I have learned about myself this week is that I dot social media to occupy myself. 

I learned that I can not live without Tiktok.

I have learned that i can not go without social media or my phone because its one of the most important things that i have and i need it all the time. Also if i cant comunicate with my friends and family then i will go nuts.

Day 4: j’ai faite beaucoup de travail aujourd’hui car je na pas de notifications de mes app mais je regarde beaucoup mon netflix et youtube 

​​What my students are saying: 
​Day 3 was harder, because I was thinking to go on Snapchat, Tik Tok and pinterest, but most of all it was pinterest. 

It's really harder I find the time really long at school and at home.
​

​What my students are saying: Yes I had some moment of weakness, like this morning I was about to go on Snapchat to look at some picture and take some picture. 

Yes a have because Im always on Tiktok  so I find the time long but I go on youtube instead.

It's Is very good I do not faidite tempting for me and I just feel relaxse and I am reely fun for me and I feely mor prodoctife and I do more ting And the app that is youtub

​

​What my students are saying: 
​I am using more youtube, netflix, reading book I am reading Girl, stop apologizing and doing my chores at home like my laundry, cleaning my room and ect...

​Well am using youtube and I watch dance videos, and I do a slide for my friend to know if they really knows me, I'm playing outside with Stella and William, I'm going to watch William's hockey game.

Mme Lalonde: When I tell people that I am doing a social media detox, they are very surpised. They often ask why and what the purpose is. Sometimes they tell me that they would never be able to do it, but encourage me. When I told my students, they seemed shocked, but then once I explained everything, they wanted to join! I think that I am a good role model for my students and can help them! 

​What my students are saying:
My dad said that I would be able to this for one month, my cousin's reaction was why are you doing this for, well a said that it was a challenge that my teacher wanted us to do. 

Most of the people are saying that it's good for you to take a break and do something more productive.

Well, my Mom was shocked that I was doing it and my Dad was just bugging me for it. Most of my friends are doing it white me so they were not really surprised about it .and I think I told my big sisters and my big brother about they were supportive and they try not to bug me.

My friend are saying that im crazy to do this, Véronic and Simon are really happy that am taking a break forme Tiktok Snapchat Instagram  and facebook.

I can definitely say that my mind is less busy. I am not thinking or worrying about everything that I see on social media all the time. I am not comparing myself as much and feel overall more happy. I think that my body and mind are much calmer. However, sometimes when I think about what I am missing on Twitter, I find myself getting a little anxious. I hope that with the next upcoming days and weeks I am able to find more peace about the FOMO on Twitter. 

​​What my students are saying:
I find my mind less worried because, I don't have to worry about how I look like in pictures. I'm able to focused more in class because I don't have to go on social medial all the time I can not go on. 

I do feel more relaxed and more calm with this .

​​I find my mind extremely tense but RELAX and I guess I have more time to do stuff. and most of the time I paint find writing ideas. I try to make time go faster for all of the tings are doing .and I work on most of my assignments. 
​
I find my mind more focused on the real life and more relaxes,
​

I have noticed that I am constantly opening up my PHOTOS app on my phone to keep my brain busy and looking at something. I will aimlessly scroll through my photos to entertain me. I have also started watching Youtube videos (which I never ever ever) did before. I am not sure if I will continue to have the Youtube app on my phone as it is simply seeming to take the place of other social medias. 

​​What my students are saying:
The apps I'm more use youtube I watch AlishaMarieVlogs and Netflix I watch sugar rush. 

I am using youtube as my app. 

​I am using allot more youtube and even Netflix and google docs and google slides. 

The other apps I am using is youtube, my photos. I am reading like  books, school work and juste talking with other people. 

​Well am using youtube to pud music and danse to, I play some games that I was on my phone, Im using https://soap2day.com to watch my favorite movie Descendants 1 2 and 3

What is the main reason why you are not able to be away from your phone? How do you feel without it.....The main reason why i can not be away from my phone is because im soo used to having it with me that its like attached to me and i have everything on it so i can not leave it with someone. I feel bored or lonely without my phone because thats how i comunicate with the people i love when i cant be with them, i also feel very weird and i will probably just go to sleep and past the time if i have no service or my phone. 
​
How many times a day do you think your check your phone? I check my phone like every minute unless im very busy or if im not aloud to be on it. I hate not having it with me or if i cant be on it because it just gives me anxiety and stress. 

How much time (hours) do you think you spend on your phone?I honestly spend a lot of time on my phone and sometimes im sure ill be like 1 hour on my phone, not 2 because after a while i wont have nothing to do on it. I dont hate always being on my phone because its part of my lifestyle and its something that i do and not realize it so like i dont hate myself for being on it all the time.

What are you most used apps? Rate them in order 1 - 5. 
​The first app i ALWAYS open is snapchat because thats mainly how i comunicate with my friends and i see peoples stories and what they are doing. The second app i open is instagram because i like to see what people post and i like to watch memes and funny  meme vidoes. The third app is facebook because i see what my family posts and the new things they got or what they are doing. My 4th app would be tik tok because usually there are some funny vidoes and stuff that i can relate too. And finally my 5th app is VSCO because ill check if i got any notifications or if anyone republished any of my pictures and stuff.

The blue light on your phone prevents you from:
- going into a deep sleep
- falling asleep
​- creating melatonine to help you sleep

Looking at your phone causes MYOPIA (near sightedness):
-​ half of the population needs glasses

We are becoming humpback whale:
​- people curve their backs to look at their phones

Why did you decide to commit to the detox? (2 REASONS)
I decided to take on the detox because I wanted to challenge myself. I also think that this is a good opportunity for growth. I want to see if I can be strong and not go on. I also want to see if I feel better without Snapchat, Facebook and Instagram.

​How has it been so far, not using social media? (What are your thoughts, comments, feelings, anxieties?) 
It has been very hard not using Twitter. I have an easier ability to not go on Instagram and Snapchat but I have been living FOMO with Twitter. I constantly want to check to see what is going on without me. I often stop myself from looking for the app on my phone. 

I decide to do this because it's a good opportunity to see who your are.

So the reason that I decide to commit to the detox, it because I just need some time off of my phone and the social medial.  

I'm only doing it once a week but today it's been really relaxing I can sorta focus more and see more reality.
​
I decide to commit to do the detox for my perants  to stop annoying me and to see to if i could last 5 days whit none of the social media.

I decided to commit to the detox because I know can do it for month. I like to do challenge it help to concentrate on other things or sometime I read a book. 

So far it been good, my feeling is I am more happy, I have lass stress and I sleep better.

I'm not having any anxieties or feelings about it but my thoughts about it are I can been mentally  healthier  and my comments is this is a good thing to do when your stressed.

I am feeling just fine. 

I think so far is going good because wan i did not have a phone I can not go on social media at all for a year.  So I got  a year of practice. ​

------------------------------------------------------------------------
​
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO NOT DO THE DETOX? ( 2 REASONS)
I decided to not do the detox because i am addicted to social media and my phone. I also like to be caught up on whats going on online and i like texting my friends.
​
WHY DO YOU THINK OTHERS SAID YES TO DOING IT?
I think that the others did it because they find it ​

I feel as though it is fair to say that: “At the beginning of your teaching career, no one necessarily knows who they are.” I believe it is important to know who you are currently, who you want to be and how you want to get there. Naturally, you have to understand that there are so many experiences to be had to allow you to develop tons of your teaching self; that is a mindset I adopted early on in September. I believe that...      In order to be the best version of yourself as an educator, you have to stay true to who you are and your core values. There’s no better feeling in the world than when you can be yourself in front of the class and a group of students. So, be proud of who you are and be your authentic self! Students can smell a phony from a mile away ;) When you show your true colours, students are more prone to feel comfortable demonstrating who they are with you… it’s in the classroom culture! ​

Lastly, and most importantly... Don’t try and be the teacher across from you, or the teacher you saw on Instagram or the teacher who won the best teacher award three years in a row…
During an OnEdMentors show, a line from new teacher Karaline Vlahopoulos shared some wise words: Do not compare your Chapter 1 to someone’s Chapter 7, 15 or even 23! If you’re interested in listening to that conversation, you can catch it here.  
​
Simply be happy with where you are RIGHT now. If you keep a growth mindset, ask questions, be yourself, stop comparing and find people to support you - I can almost promise that you will be able to live a successful first year of teaching.

Going into my second semester, I am going to take my own advice. Keep my focus on what works, ask myself how I can improve and continuously try and find balance.

An extra resource I want to share for any new teachers reading is the free Disillusionment Power Pack from Roxanna Elden. “The Disillusionment Power Pack is a free, one-month series of the emails I'd send to the first-year-teacher version of myself. I don't send these emails to most of the people on my mailing list, nor will you find them on my website. They are my small experiment in over-sharing for new teachers who are having really bad days right now. If that's you, sign up below to receive emails every few days for one month. Which, as you'll see soon, might be all you really need.” I felt as though the e-mails found in my Inbox really spoke to me and what I was going through that week - yes, kind of like magic. You can sign up to receive these emails at: RoxannaElden.com

​

Salut, cher lecteur, et merci d'être ici! 

En mai, j’ai eu le plaisir absolu d’être engagé par le CSDCEO. J’ai accepté un poste à temps plein régulier à l’École secondaire catholique Le Relais à Alexandria, Ontario. J’ai la chance d’enseigner les élèves de 9e et 10e année en English, Français et Histoire ce semestre; ainsi que English, Histoire et Géographie le semestre prochain. Les billets de blogues que j’envisage publier seront axés sur mon cheminement en enseignement. Étant toute nouvelle dans cette profession, j’ai encore beaucoup à apprendre, donc pourquoi ne pas le documenter ici! Depuis 4 semaines j’ai vécu ma première rentrée scolaire. Une occasion de partir sur le bon pied avec tes élèves, apprendre à les connaître, faire des diagnostics, créer des communautés d’apprentissage qui ont un climat de classe positif, etc. Voici ma réflexion par rapport à ces dernières 4 semaines. 

​(Disclaimer : All of my blogs are going to be completely bilingual!)

​Recently, I’ve been living moments where I am pulling into the school parking lot, unlocking my classroom or simply walking through the hallways at break when I have stopped and am struck with this feeling of gratitude and wonder. I think to myself: “Wow, I am a teacher. This is my school. I have students. I have co-workers. I am so happy.” I have told a lot of people this when they ask, but I am simply living the dream, every single day. Of course, not every day has been perfect but this “teaching thing”, I can officially say, is for me. (Are you surprised? Because I’m not…) It has simply been everything I have imagined, and more! I hope I can take this feeling into the next few months as the semester progresses. And if not, I will come back to read this blog! I think it’s so important to have these moments and live in the happiness of what you get to do every day. 

Comme nouvelle enseignante, il va sans dire que l’apprentissage que je fais chaque jour est non seulement fondamental, pourtant un peu accablant. Il a certains jours, je vis une surcharge de nouvelles informations, de contenus et de stratégies d’enseignements et c’est beaucoup à traiter, à analyser, à comprendre et se rappeler. Je suis une éponge quand ça vient à écouter des enseignants qui parlent de pédagogie, donc je suis toujours à la recherche de façon pour améliorer ma pratique pédagogique. C’est la beauté d’être non seulement une nouvelle enseignante en train de développer mon art, mais aussi d’être apprenante à vie; l’apprentissage ne se termine jamais, il n’y a pas de fin.  Le processus se vit comme un peu comme : un moment : « Woah ». Arrête. Demande de l’aide. Questionne. Réfléchis. Change. Adapte. Continue. Répète. 

​Mes élèves… Oh, mes élèves. Comme ils sont extraordinaires. Je suis très chanceuse d’enseigner au même groupe d’élève en English et en Français en 9e année (environ 10 élèves) et à un beau groupe de 25 élèves de 10e année en Histoire. En début d’année, je voulais trois choses: commencer sur le bon pied, bâtir une communauté d'apprentissage et un climat de classe de confiance. J’y beaucoup réfléchit à comment structuré mes cours et quelles activités accomplir afin de réaliser mes buts. En fin de compte, voici ce que j’ai accompli : j’ai créé un  Kahoot où les élèves devaient deviner des réponses à des questions aléatoires sur ma vie, ils ont rempli un Google Forms pour que j’aille leur profile d’apprenant, ils ont vécu le défi de spaghetti et marshmellow, nous avons eu une introduction sur le Sketchnote, ils se sont fixé des buts dans leur cours de français, ils ont créé Vision Board dans le cours d’English, ils ont été introduits à Flipgrid et autres… Je pense véritablement qu’avoir pris ces moments en début de l’année m’a permis d’avoir gagné leur confiance, où je prends des risques et m’ouvre à eux, donc ils sont plus susceptibles à leur faire pour moi. 

All things considered, emotions have been running high since August 27th. I have been living through the ups and downs of starting off my first year of teaching, however, I am glad to say that the big emotions I’ve been feeling is being excited to go to school, each and every day. This excitement exists in me, mostly because of the lovely community, supportive staff and kind students I work with. From the librarian to the hall monitors that I see every day, they all play such an important role. Nonetheless, I have been very conscious of how I have been feeling mentally and physically. I want to make sure that I am taking care of my body and my mind to be the best educator and mentor for my students as well as a supportive team member at school. It goes without saying that I like to take on a lot of things and have a hard time saying no to an opportunity (because I am so passionate about everything!!), but I am proud of the pace that I am working at. Now I just have to keep it up.
​

À ce jour, je me sens bien par rapport à qui je suis en tant qu’enseignante. Toutefois, ce n’est pas évident essayer de trouver ton style, connaître les élèves, partager sur les réseaux sociaux, planifier tes cours, être social avec les autres, bien manger et j’en passe… C’est un processus qui va durer des années, mais petit à petit je construis ma philosophie et j’établis mon style. Cependant, je dois avouer que la pression d’être une « bonne » enseignante existe et je le sens. Je me sens comme si je veux tellement adéquatement faire pour le bien de mes élèves que je me mets beaucoup de pression. Cette pression m’aide parfois à briller, mais à un certain point je réalise que chacune de mes leçons ne doivent pas être 10/10 et WOW! en tout temps (et c’est correct!). C’est tout un apprentissage. 

Moving forward, I’ve always known the importance of mentorship. Thanks to my PLN, I have many mentors who are experts in difference areas. Their support has allowed me to grow exponentially as a teacher candidate (and now a 1st year teacher) as most of my professional development was very personalized. You also feel less alone and isolated thanks to mentors, you can bounce off ideas with them and feel like you’re more likely to succeed thanks to their advice and wisdom. (On an unrelated note: I believe that it is in most educator’s DNA to want to help new teachers and I am so thankful!) On top of all of the specialists and veteran educators I’ve connected with online, I have recently discovered the importance of have a mentor in your school. The best part about this mentorship is that the person helping you is easily accessible. You can open your classroom up to them, you can ask them all of your silly questions (and good ones too), you can also get insight on different students and how to approach them. Grâce à mon PIPNPE (programme d’insertion professionnelle pour le nouveau personnel enseignant) avec le conseil, je suis très chanceuse d’avoir un mentor innovateur qui prend des risques et qui cherche à faire autrement. J'ai tellement hâte de voir le cheminement que je vais faire avec lui aussi! Mathieu Glaude est leader pédagogique de l’école, il offre son appui dans plusieurs domaines dont il excelle, il veux toujours explorer des collaborations et il pense souvent à partager des documents en lien avec le PAÉ de l’école. Voici un document qu’il m’a partagé récemment qui évalue une classe centrée sur la performance VS une classe centrée sur l’apprentissage :

Bien sûr, nous aimerions passer de la colonne de droite à celui à gauche. Donc, où situez-vous sur cette pendule? Est-ce qu’il y a des aspects où tu es plus à gauche qu’à droit ou vice versa? Moi, je veux surtout continuer de m’axer sur – moins de connaissance, plus de compétences – moins de silence et plus de questions, collaboration et échanges. Je me sens à l’aise avec tout ce qui est dans la colonne à droite, mais je cherche encore à trouver des façons de mettre ceux-ci en action! ​

As September comes to an end this week, I look forward to finishing my month strong, reflecting on how it went and setting new goals for October. I am spending Thursday / Friday of this week in Moncton, New Brunswick presenting au congrès de l’ACELF with a focus on podcasting. I want to end with a something I have finished my blogs with in the past, and that is 2 GLOWS and 2 GROWS. A great strategy as well for how to frame feedback in the classroom. (Not my idea totally stole it from somewhere and someone).

GLOWS:

1. All of the positive vibes I have been giving and receiving so far this school year, that has allowed me to GLOW. 
2. Positive relationships I have started building with my students which will ultimately allow me to better connect and help support them in their learning throughout the semester.

GROWS:​

1. I didn't mention this in the space above but I am truly working on implementing the Historical Thinking concepts in my History class, as I work through the ins and outs of those concepts I look forward to becoming more confident in applying them. 
2. We have been talking about this a lot, online and in my school recently, but evaluating and assessing less and more efficient and effectively. 
   

As of, May 2nd, I have officially COMPLETED my B.ED!!  (Cue the CELEBRATION SONG!)
​This blog post comes a couple week later because I truly wanted to let the experience sink in before I shared my reflection. I also took a quick vacation at the most magical place on earth to celebrate! 
​

For those who haven’t been following my journey but are tuning in now. I have just recently completed my 2nd year placement of 10 weeks at a high school in Cornwall, Ontario.  (You can read about it in the previous 9 blog posts)!! Et si vous avez tenu compte de mes blogues précédents, merci d'être de retour! 

What better way to end off this placement than create a list of the 30 things I learnt during my placement? Why 30? Well, it just seemed like well rounded number… I could have written 100 things but time did not allow it. I had created this (before the blog) to hand back to my associate teacher, but then I thought: Why not share it? 

​​This is what it looked like: 

1. It is so important to know your students and show you CARE in order to help build positive relationships
2. Patience is always key (in any situation)
3. You do not always have to use the “Atelier” to make a rubric
4. *Sometimes* just winging it works wonders
5. It is important to know yourself (strengths and weaknesses) in order to be a better teacher
6. Being vulnerable and open with the students is very valuable (and will be reciprocal)
7. Your lesson plan might not go as planned and that’s OK!
8. Connecting with other teachers helps you in so many ways
9. Coffee is a necessity...☕ 
10. ​A calm demeanour helps the overall feel of the classroom
11. Always have your curriculum handy!!!
12. Respect is the answer to most of your problems in teaching
13. Positive and authentic reinforcement goes a long way
14. Letting the students be the experts is exciting!
15. Your attitude in the classroom reflects the student’s attitude. So smile, be happy and spread the joy.
16. Being on top of your game with marking is SO IMPORTANT (especially in English)
17. You should always let the students surprise you (not hold grudges)
18. Questioning and reflecting on your practice helps you grow as an educator
19. You have to be adaptable to change (at all times!)
20. Il ne faut pas toujours réinventer la roue...
21. Reward the students and giving them a break (sometimes with a good Kahoot is FUN!)
22. making the students be accountable for their learning is I M P O R T A N T
23. You can’t say yes to everything in your first few years of teaching….. Oops
24. Teaching is a full time job that you end up bringing home with you every night
25. Finding balance is absolutely positively important - but not easy.
26. Technology will not always work and / or be on your side (prepare for a PLAN B,C,D…)
27. Repetition. Repetition. Repetition. x100
28. Being passionate about what you teach will always shine through
29. Taking the time to eat is beneficial (Still learning this one)
30. TEACHING IS A LOT OF WORK BUT IT IS SO WORTH IT

Overall, I think that this placement taught me more than words can describe. Having the opportunity to live a real and true placement by building units from the ground up, creating different types of evaluations, dealing with different types of behaviours, staying late after school and working during lunch really showed me the beauty, along with the blood sweat and tears of teaching.  I have reflected a lot and grown throughout this journey (and luckily have documented it all here!!) 

Au début, je dois avouer que je n'étais pas trop certaine si l'école secondaire était véritablement faite pour moi. Étant quelqu'un qui a toujours adoré être avec les petits, les "plus grands" m'intimidaient, par contre, j'ai rapidement grandi avec eu et nous avons créés de relations de confiances. Ces élèves avaient non seulement de la confiance en moi, mais aussi de l'empathie et du respect. Et puis, gagner le respect des adolescents n'est pas toujours facile. Mais à la fin de mon stage, il va sans dire que ces liens étaient très forts, car ils étaient tristes de me voir partir. Bref, j'ai travaillé très fort à  les connaitre, à parler souvent avec eu, les récompenser et leur montrer que j'avais à coeur leur développement en English, leur succès et leur bien-être. En fin de compte, j'ai essayé très fort pour toujours TOUT faire ce que je pouvais afin de garantir leur réussite et leur bonheur. 

J'ai aussi adoré le contenu. Ce n'est pas toujours facile enseigner les langues, mais cette matière est très flexible. J'ai capoté sur le fait que j’étais capable de faire les choses autrement en English et incorporer plein de nouvelles idées, technologies et stratégies d’enseignement. J'ai beaucoup appris de moi-même (points forts et faibles) de mes connaissances dans la matière elle-même. Les élèves m'ont aidé à apprendre des nouveaux mots, concepts, principes historiques, etc. Ceci m'inspire à apprendre davantage chaque jour afin de continuer mon développement en tant que nouvelle enseignante. 
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Finding balance. Finding balance. Finding balance. Finding balance. Finding balance. 

Almost every teacher I spoke with told me that the first 1-3 years of teaching are always the most difficult. Don't get me wrong, teaching is already super energy draining and exhausting if you are a veteran teacher, let alone having to build units from the ground up, get to know your curriculum, build your resources and teach a full course load in your first years. That being said, since you spend a lot more time planning and prepping (and figuring your life out) in the first few years of teaching you can't necessarily take on 101 other projects (sigh). I know that this is going to be difficult for me (who is someone always looking to get involved!!). However, I know the importance of knowing your limits, taking time for yourself and not burning yourself out - because that is the LAST thing I want. So, I can admit that I am still working on finding that balance in my life (professional and personal). 

I am also still trying to figure out if I am suited for elementary, intermediate or secondary. ​I JUST LOVE THEM ALL, HELP! What level do you teach at and what do you love  about it? Let me know in the comments below... 
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Ultimately, I can say that this placement really made me excited to have my OWN classroom one day! It is never the same when you come into someone else's classroom, start teaching someone else's students and someone is watching you; it is never 100% natural. I look forward to the day I can say I have my ​everything! (This may be sooner than later, but who knows.. I am simply excited for this new journey!) 

Finally being able to say that I am wrapping up my 2nd degree.. But not only that, my teaching degree is exciting but nerve wracking and a huge relief but still overwhelming. I would have a very long list of people to thank who have mentored me, helped me, spoken with me and shaped me into the educator I have become and continue to grow into. You all know who you are - so finally - Thank You. 

​Sarah Anne Lalonde

I feel like I have been writing blog posts out the wazoo lately… but I am SO close to the end, why stop now, right? Ladies and gentlemen, we have made it to week 9!  Thanks so much for staying along for the ride.  You've all been so awesome and I truly feel as though I have a cheering squad behind me as I go through this placement. 
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Il me reste encore la semaine prochaine, ainsi que 3 jours lors de la semaine d'après à mon stage. Pour moi, il est absolument nécessaire de poursuivre avec mes billets de blogue et de terminer en force. Commencer et finir une tâche ou un but, pour moi, est fondamental à ma philosophie personnelle et professionnelle. Aussi, j'ai bien hâte de retourner lire ces billets de blogues dans 2,3 ou même 10 ans! 
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This week was my first week taking on all 3 of my English classes (4U, 3C and 2P). What a challenge it was. Thankfully, I had spent my whole weekend preparing and felt good about where I was at. The Monday I was originally supposed to start was a snow day; yes - in April. But it was a great opportunity for me to really catch up on my marking, plan my lessons more thoroughly and have some quality time with my AT's of course! That Monday night, I was utterly nervous... But it just so happened that I was watching Zootopia when this song came on (& I tweeted about it the next day): ​
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For those who are not as big Disney fanatics as I am... This song, I believe is the perfect representation of the GROWTH MINDSET. Disney - you always know what to say...
​Some of the uplifting lyrics are:

Il y avait de quoi avec le fait de donner le cours de 4U... Est-ce que je ne me sentais pas assez confiante? Peur de ne pas assez stimuler leurs intérêts? Peur de ne pas être capable de répondre à leurs questions... I couldn't quite put my finger on it. Par contre, après que j'ai entendu cette chanson, je me suis rappelé du concept de la mentalité de croissance.  Je n'avais rien à m'inquiéter parce que c'est correct si ça ne va pas bien ou comme on l'espère la première, la deuxième ou même la septième fois. Je dois avouer que c'est beaucoup plus facile parler de la mentalité de croissance, mais véritablement le vivre chaque jour à chaque instant est un défi.  

Entre autres, je crois que le tout s'est bien passé. Le beat est tellement différent avec un cours de 12e préuniversitaire que c'était plus familier! Les élèves ont aussi été géniaux avec moi, très respectueux et à l'écoute. Heureusement, le groupe a toujours envie d'apprendre! Ce qui fait en sorte qu'on peut passer à travers beaucoup de matière et avoir de bonnes discussions! 

Something I have been always reflecting on as these weeks progress is how comfortable I am in front of the class, in the content I am teaching and with the relationships I am creating with the students. I've noticed that I can finally, absolutely positively say that I have little hesitation, little doubt and little anxiety with (at least) the two groups that I have been with for the majority of my placement. We (my class and I) have grown so much since the beginning of my placement and I can attest that I actually feel like my student's teacher, and I think that they truly feel as though I am their teacher as well. Why has it taken this long? Well, I believe that good things take time. And, I feel as though everything I have build up these 9 weeks have finally solidified, (However, sadly there is not much time left!) So now, I am wondering how I should end my last 1-2 days with them ? Any suggestions? 

It’s officially been ONE week this morning since I was on stage, microphone in my hand with 450+ pairs of eyes watching me and listening to me attentively during the Ignite speeches at the EdTechTeam #OntarioSummit in Cambridge at Jacob Hespeler Secondary School.

Some may wonder why I did not write this blog sooner, you know, when there was still some buzz going around the Ontario Summit. Still, I decided I wanted everything to sink in and see the “long term” ripple effect before I truly wrote down my impressions of it all.
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Let’s talk briefly about the weeks before the Ignite. I’ll be honest, sometimes, it wasn’t pretty. But, as I mentioned in my talk… You always have your PLN supporting you on your way down. Considering this, I need to take the time to give a ginormous shoutout to Stephen Hurley, Derek Rhodenizer, Kim Pollishuke, Emily Fitzpatrick, Sandra Chow,Jen Giffen,  Hélène Cormier, Joannie Girard, and Stephane Hunter who truly helped shape my Ignite into what it was last Sunday. I truly could not have done it without their support. You all believed in me when I didn’t necessarily believed in myself.

During the couple weeks before the summit, I lived a rollercoaster of emotions. There were low lows and high highs. Don’t quite understand what I mean? Here are some concrete example of things I thought / did…

• DOUBT: “Am I crazy? Why did I decide to do this? I am not capable. I can’t do it.”  
• FEAR: “What have I gotten myself into? I’m
• CONFIDENCE: “Okay, I can actually do this… I’ve practiced it a couple times without screwing it up. Maybe I will be alright?”
• ANXIETY: I would visualize myself on stage just simply screwing up, time after time...
• EXCITEMENT: “I can’t wait to be on stage and spread my message!! This is my chance!”​

​It’s funny because my Ignite was about taking the JUMP, taking the RISK, saying YES and how it’s not easy, you go through tons of emotions, your PLN will support you and in the end it’s worth it! Well, I lived that whole process from the moment I agree and said ‘Yes’ to Emily Fitzpatrick. That was my jump. Brainstorming, drafting up ideas, getting feedback, building the visuals, getting more feedback and practice, practice and more practice was the free fall until I presented it and I began to soar.

Now I was to focus on the summit weekend itself. My Saturday morning Starbucks run allowed me to receive a message from the universe that deeply affected me. Who would have thought, right?

​Have you ever seen those “Take what you need” boards? I found a message that resonated with me quite flawlessly; it said:  Inhale Confidence. Exhale doubt. I will admit, I believe in the power of “it was meant to be” and I truly believe that was meant for me to find and pick up.
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Saturday flew by! There was so much energy in the building. There were so many rich conversations being had. There were so many smiles brightfully showcased on everyone’s face. There were so many IRL meetups happening. There was so much LEARNING going on. There was so much coffee flowing… (I should have made that into a poem).

Considering how quickly Saturday came and left, that means that Sunday morning arrived even more rapidly. I hadn’t eaten and barely wanted to drink my Americano. I will always remember that morning, Emily asking me if I had eaten and how important it was to do so. I took her advice. (Who wouldn’t?!)

We did a full run through Sunday morning alone in the gym. I had the cold sweats. And, I was the last presenter. Everyone was going up, 1 by 1 and delivering their Ignites like experts. I loved, in this moment, that I felt as though we were a little family. Encouraging, supporting and clapping for one another. Although I had just met 80% of them for the first time, I felt safe to fail in front of them, because I knew they had my back. After I presented, I knew that next time I was going to be on stage, there was going to be a full house.
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Then there was me:

Throughout everyone’s presentations I was so inspired. I was also telling myself how EXCITED I was to go and speak rather than focusing on how NERVOUS I was. This was thanks to Chapter 14 of Mel Robinson’s book 5 second book that Helene Cormier had me listen to on the way up to Cambridge. What I learnt was the nervousness and excitement are the some feelings, so if you trick your brain by telling yourself how EXCITED you are, you will feel so so so much better - and I did.
I don’t think I can put into words the feeling you get when the person that went before you hands you the microphone. I took a deep breath, counted backwards from 5 and I jumped.

​After it was all done, I had goosebumps. The flood of congratulations and connections that I made was unreal. The best part of this whole experience was not only getting to talk on stage for 5minutes. Rather, it was all of the connections after the fact! I encouraged the educators in the room to be accountable and share their #Jump with me, and did they ever. As I mentioned, the connections after the fact was overwhelming. How could I, a Teacher Candidate have inspired educators to take action? I still wonder… 

Having been given this opportunity to make a difference and inspire others on such a large scale still gives me chills because my thoughts, my words, my voice actually inspire people to do something and that is the power of these summits.

If you’d like to hear the other inspiring Ignites, you can find the audio below, thanks to Stephen Hurley!