The best teacher is one who can teach as well as he learns

And this is proving to be quite the learning experience so far!

I really do enjoy teaching. I love lesson planning... probably too much.

I can easily spend hours going over lessons, compiling ideas of what might work AND be enjoyable in different class settings.

Already, I have done a lot of experimenting...some things work. Some things don't.
Some lessons I've created have gone really well... and students enjoyed the outcome.
Other lessons were too complicated, and needed to be remodeled structurally to increase understanding.

Consistency is key...so I've been trying to maintain what the other teachers do in the school...as well as keep some of the nuances teachers who taught the classes I'm teaching before me did.

I also put in my own nuances...because it's important that I am teaching MY classes...not someone else's.

Some of the kids warmed up to me right away...they were so excited for a "new" teacher (the curiosity of the unknown) that they sought my attention right away. Other kids are just starting to warm up to me (after over a week and 1/2). That's life :)
I'm learning the importance to spread out my attention both to the kids who easily grab my attention, as well as towards those who hide in the shadows.

One of the most rewarding things is when students really GET something. Seeing them really understand a concept...a new word...an idea...a grammatical structure... it's exciting.
Grading tests also shows this... I am happy when students are showing that they are learning.

Also, grading tests and quizzes helps me as a teacher...I can see where there are patterns- showing what a majority just isn't getting... so I can improve teaching methods and review specific material.

It's interesting finding a balance between student-centered and teacher-led classroom structure. I think I prefer to utilize both camps at times. Students really enjoy being able to have input...so I will ask them whether my explanation is helpful...if something is too difficult to learn... sometimes I'll even ask which activity they'd prefer to do in a lesson.
But...if I allow them to do this too often, they'll walk over me (easily). So I realize it's necessary to be stern and show that I am the authority in the room (even when we have fun!)

With older classes it's not as hard to set that boundary... I can more easily allow leniency and student input without infringing too much on order in the classroom. That probably comes with maturity.

Well, there's some of the technical stuff regarding my teaching experience right now.
If you think to pray for me, here are some requests:

That I would grow in love for the kids every day.
That I would find ways to actively and verbally represent Christ.
That I would have patience to deal with situations which are stressful (they do happen sometimes!!!)
That I would be studious...and learn the material I need to teach (I have NEVER studied grammar as in depth as I am now, since I have to teach it!!)
That I would be articulate...and find creative and sensible ways to communicate new concepts and structures to the students.