9-8 Monday
Today I was able to conduct my writing attitude surveys for the six students I am going to use for my Action Research. The results were interesting, as it seems that on average, students enjoy writing. However, the question with the lowest average score was if students liked to read.
9-22 Monday
Today was our third time writing in our dialogue journals. I am worried that my data is not going to be quite what I was hoping or expecting. The positive aspect so far is that my students truly are excited to write in their journals. Since it is only the third time I am not ready to hit the panic button quite yet and modify the implementation. The only thing I am going to add is a list of the 100 most commonly used words. I feel this will be a good resource for them to look off of to help them with spelling accuracy.
9/20/08 Tuesday
Today I realized that the time of day I implement my dialogue journals is critical in how much my students enjoy writing. A few times during my implementation I have allowed them to write in the afternoon due to various reasons. Through reflection, I am finding that they are less open to writing as the day goes on. This could be due to the fact that they just get back from lunch and recess before they come to my room. I need to make sure that from now on I implement the dialogue journals in the morning when my students are most apt to want to write.
10/21/08 Tuesday
Since implementing the Action Research in the morning I have seen a greater increase in student word count. I am pleased to see how much the students look forward to writing in their dialogue journals. So far, we have not been able to get deeper questions and responses. Questions and responses still focus around things they have done at home and school.
11/12/08
I have continued to see an improvement and excitement in the dialogue journals. We have been journaling for a few months now and students seem to enjoy writing more and more everyday. Today I saw the biggest increase in writing yet. I felt this was due to a new student entering our room. I gave her a journal to write in and she wrote a great deal. I thought this fueled my students competitiveness which made them want to write more and more. I will continue to monitor if this has a lasting effect on their writing.
12/2/08
Today was our last day writing in our journals. The students seemed sad that they were not going to have this opportunity anymore. I was glad to see this because at least they enjoyed the writing activity, even if my results show no real progress. I am looking forward to analyzing my data and seeing if they showed progress in the amount that they wrote. From observations, I believe some students will show progress while others will show minimal gains.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Week 1 Reflection
The first day back at my PDS was an interesting experience. I was able to witness all the management and setup that takes place before the first students walks in the front door. I was able to sit in on a school meeting where teachers and administration discusssed procedures for the year ahead. This was an interesting experience because I do not believe most people realize how involved the education profession can be outside of the classroom. I am looking forward to our first day of school on Tuesday and jumping into teaching and my Action Research project.
Week 2 Reflection
8/25 - Monday
Today was the last preparation before classes start on Tuesday. Today we spent most of our time cleaning and arranging the room. I also was able to spend time working on an excel sheet outlining student information. Though this was only a simple piece of paper, it helped me learn a great deal about my students without meeting them first. After school the other interns and I went to my coordinators house for dinner and a driving tour of Mannington. The driving tour was very fascinating. It is nice to be able to see where Blackshere students come from. The tour has helped me brainstorm multiple ways that I can attempt to relate materials to their everyday lives. After dinner, Blackshere held an open house for all students. Overall, there were many students that came to find out what class they were going to be in. I was only able to see two of my future students but it was nice getting to meet their parents.
8/26 - Tuesday
Today was the first day of school at Blackshere Elementary. Since it is the first week we spent a great deal of time finding out who was going to be pulled out in the afternoon for math and who wouldn't. My host teacher also decided that it would be best for the students to get comfortable in their new environments so we did not pull out any students. Instead I spent this time preparing for two of the next class periods. Four of the classes that I will be observing and teaching are co-teaching situations in the regular classroom. Today we were able to go into these rooms, meet all the students, and help out wherever possible. In the afternoon we decided to pull out the third grade students and did a brief assessment of their current abilities. I am looking forward to continue to get to know my students and help them progress in life.
8/28 - Thursday
Thursday was the third day of school and ran alot smoother than the others. I really enjoy being able to go into the different classrooms and co-teach. I am able to see so much diversity in students and teaching styles that I believe I will benefit greatly. I was supposed to attend my first IEP meeting today, however, the parent came early, while I was still with a reading group. I was looking forward to the meeting but I know I will get many more opportunities. I am already getting to know my students much better and where they will most need help during the general education setting.
8/29 - Friday
Even though school has only been in session for four days, I feel as if I am getting to know my students much better, not only their ability level, but also their personalities. In our class we have begun to implement more of the one on one instruction that one student constantly needs in her third grade classroom. It is difficult to have one child in a class that is unable to perform at or near the other students ability level. Thankfully, I have been able to observe my host teacher implement some creative ideas on how to keep her involved, yet learning things that are appropriate for her level. I was also asked today to participate in the sponge throwing event which serves as an incentive to read. I am looking forward to this event and becoming even more involved in the school community.
Today was the last preparation before classes start on Tuesday. Today we spent most of our time cleaning and arranging the room. I also was able to spend time working on an excel sheet outlining student information. Though this was only a simple piece of paper, it helped me learn a great deal about my students without meeting them first. After school the other interns and I went to my coordinators house for dinner and a driving tour of Mannington. The driving tour was very fascinating. It is nice to be able to see where Blackshere students come from. The tour has helped me brainstorm multiple ways that I can attempt to relate materials to their everyday lives. After dinner, Blackshere held an open house for all students. Overall, there were many students that came to find out what class they were going to be in. I was only able to see two of my future students but it was nice getting to meet their parents.
8/26 - Tuesday
Today was the first day of school at Blackshere Elementary. Since it is the first week we spent a great deal of time finding out who was going to be pulled out in the afternoon for math and who wouldn't. My host teacher also decided that it would be best for the students to get comfortable in their new environments so we did not pull out any students. Instead I spent this time preparing for two of the next class periods. Four of the classes that I will be observing and teaching are co-teaching situations in the regular classroom. Today we were able to go into these rooms, meet all the students, and help out wherever possible. In the afternoon we decided to pull out the third grade students and did a brief assessment of their current abilities. I am looking forward to continue to get to know my students and help them progress in life.
8/28 - Thursday
Thursday was the third day of school and ran alot smoother than the others. I really enjoy being able to go into the different classrooms and co-teach. I am able to see so much diversity in students and teaching styles that I believe I will benefit greatly. I was supposed to attend my first IEP meeting today, however, the parent came early, while I was still with a reading group. I was looking forward to the meeting but I know I will get many more opportunities. I am already getting to know my students much better and where they will most need help during the general education setting.
8/29 - Friday
Even though school has only been in session for four days, I feel as if I am getting to know my students much better, not only their ability level, but also their personalities. In our class we have begun to implement more of the one on one instruction that one student constantly needs in her third grade classroom. It is difficult to have one child in a class that is unable to perform at or near the other students ability level. Thankfully, I have been able to observe my host teacher implement some creative ideas on how to keep her involved, yet learning things that are appropriate for her level. I was also asked today to participate in the sponge throwing event which serves as an incentive to read. I am looking forward to this event and becoming even more involved in the school community.
Week 3 Reflection
Tuesday
Today was spent planning for the co-teaching classes. The morning was spent with the third grade teachers and the afternoon with fourth grade. It was nice that we had a day to plan because it was greatly needed. Planning co-teaching situations with four classrooms proved quite difficult because there just isn't enough time in the day to meet all of our students specific needs. After today I feel that we are on the right track and have a set routine for the rest of the semester.
Wednesday
Today was the first day working with the new plans that we created on Tuesday. It was nice to have a set routine and be able to focus in on the academic portion of the school year. Today we decided that next week I am going to start teaching the third grade math period. I am looking forward to this because they are an interesting and varied group that will test my ability to differentiate instruction to meet all of my learners' needs.
Friday
Today I was lucky enough to participate in a school-wide initiative to get more students to read during the summer. If students read enough during the summer they get a chance to throw sponges at their teachers. Since there was only one male staff willing to participate, I was asked if I would like to join. I was excited about the opportunity to become more a part of my school than just an intern that comes for the first semester. It was a good feeling to be a real part of Blackshere.
Today was spent planning for the co-teaching classes. The morning was spent with the third grade teachers and the afternoon with fourth grade. It was nice that we had a day to plan because it was greatly needed. Planning co-teaching situations with four classrooms proved quite difficult because there just isn't enough time in the day to meet all of our students specific needs. After today I feel that we are on the right track and have a set routine for the rest of the semester.
Wednesday
Today was the first day working with the new plans that we created on Tuesday. It was nice to have a set routine and be able to focus in on the academic portion of the school year. Today we decided that next week I am going to start teaching the third grade math period. I am looking forward to this because they are an interesting and varied group that will test my ability to differentiate instruction to meet all of my learners' needs.
Friday
Today I was lucky enough to participate in a school-wide initiative to get more students to read during the summer. If students read enough during the summer they get a chance to throw sponges at their teachers. Since there was only one male staff willing to participate, I was asked if I would like to join. I was excited about the opportunity to become more a part of my school than just an intern that comes for the first semester. It was a good feeling to be a real part of Blackshere.
Week 4 Reflection
Monday
Today was my first day teaching from my own lessons. The first class that my host teacher and I decided I should take over is third grade math. The lesson I taught was on place-value to the hundreds. The students impressed me greatly and I am looking forward to continue working with them on their future mathematic endeavors. Today I was also able to witness a student get the most satisfaction out of doing a math problem that I have ever seen. This student was in the fourth grade and just read an eight digit number. I have never seen a student smile so wide and have such a proud and accomplished look on his face. It was a great feeling and is one that I, and all educators alike, live to see.
Wednesday
Today was my third day of teaching third grade math. We started working on expanded form which has proven difficult. I enjoy the challenge because it is already helping me grow as a teacher. I also taught a small fourth grade reading book. We read leveled readers, which I found to be fascinating and a great way to differentiate instruction. Lastly, on our ride home, I discussed creating a behavior management plan for one of our students who has trouble staying on task. I am looking forward to implementing the plan to see if it succeeds.
Friday
Today I implemented a behavior intervention plan with one of my students. The student struggles to focus in the regular education classroom and is frequently told to pay attention when he is off-task. Therefore, I created a plan where he would get a piece of a car for every period of the day he was redirected a maximum of four times. If he finished his car he would receive 5 stickers on his sticker chart from me at the end of the day. The sticker chart is valuable because he can earn an ice cream when it is filled. The first day of implementation proved difficult as he only received one piece of his car and that piece was from me during the first period. I am hoping that next week this will work a little better and might possibly need to be made more lenient to show the student that it is an attainable goal.
Today was my first day teaching from my own lessons. The first class that my host teacher and I decided I should take over is third grade math. The lesson I taught was on place-value to the hundreds. The students impressed me greatly and I am looking forward to continue working with them on their future mathematic endeavors. Today I was also able to witness a student get the most satisfaction out of doing a math problem that I have ever seen. This student was in the fourth grade and just read an eight digit number. I have never seen a student smile so wide and have such a proud and accomplished look on his face. It was a great feeling and is one that I, and all educators alike, live to see.
Wednesday
Today was my third day of teaching third grade math. We started working on expanded form which has proven difficult. I enjoy the challenge because it is already helping me grow as a teacher. I also taught a small fourth grade reading book. We read leveled readers, which I found to be fascinating and a great way to differentiate instruction. Lastly, on our ride home, I discussed creating a behavior management plan for one of our students who has trouble staying on task. I am looking forward to implementing the plan to see if it succeeds.
Friday
Today I implemented a behavior intervention plan with one of my students. The student struggles to focus in the regular education classroom and is frequently told to pay attention when he is off-task. Therefore, I created a plan where he would get a piece of a car for every period of the day he was redirected a maximum of four times. If he finished his car he would receive 5 stickers on his sticker chart from me at the end of the day. The sticker chart is valuable because he can earn an ice cream when it is filled. The first day of implementation proved difficult as he only received one piece of his car and that piece was from me during the first period. I am hoping that next week this will work a little better and might possibly need to be made more lenient to show the student that it is an attainable goal.
Week 5 Reflection
Monday
Today was my first day teaching 4th grade reading. I was excited to start to get to teach these classes because it is the main bulk of our day. Already, teaching this class has taught me I need to be more firm in my actions. Many of my students are the type that will push you as much as they can to get what they want. Unfortunately, though it wasn't bad, I wasn't firm enough today. This is something I know I need to work on and need to start immediately.
Tuesday
Today was my second day teaching the reading blocks. As mentioned above, I was not forceful enough in my expectations of my students. Today, I knew that I needed to take charge more than I did yesterday and I generally feel that I accomplished that. Students did try to push and act as they wanted but I stayed firm. I still need to work on this as there is still vast room for improvement. However, thanks to talking with my host teacher, we identified a weakness and are taking actions to make me a better teacher.
Today was my first day teaching 4th grade reading. I was excited to start to get to teach these classes because it is the main bulk of our day. Already, teaching this class has taught me I need to be more firm in my actions. Many of my students are the type that will push you as much as they can to get what they want. Unfortunately, though it wasn't bad, I wasn't firm enough today. This is something I know I need to work on and need to start immediately.
Tuesday
Today was my second day teaching the reading blocks. As mentioned above, I was not forceful enough in my expectations of my students. Today, I knew that I needed to take charge more than I did yesterday and I generally feel that I accomplished that. Students did try to push and act as they wanted but I stayed firm. I still need to work on this as there is still vast room for improvement. However, thanks to talking with my host teacher, we identified a weakness and are taking actions to make me a better teacher.
Week 6 Reflection
Monday
This week the 4th grade classes are practicing for their future writing assessment, thus, I am only doing the 3rd grade math that I have been doing for a few weeks. After I taught my lesson today I felt better than I ever have about teaching. It wasn't the concept being taught or an activity I used. It was about a feeling that I had which gave me inner satisfaction that I was doing a good job. It was a good feeling that I am looking forward to repeating and waiting to see if the satisfaction blossoms even further.
Wednesday
Today the fourth grade continued to practice for their writing assessment. Getting some of my students to write has been much more difficult than I could have ever anticipated. It is most frustrating because I like to write and believe I am a competent writer at minimum. Yet other students have amazed me by how well they have done. Based on working with them over the past 5 weeks I would have never expected some of the great writing that has come out of them. Tomorrow the WESTEST starts so, unfortunately, we will not be able to continue on our writing practice. I hope all my students do as good as they have shown me they have the potential to do.
Thursday
Today for my 3rd grade math period I attempted to use stations. I felt that my students enjoyed the stations because it was a change from the norm. However, the computer activity proved to be too difficult for them for some reason. I thought it would be relatively easy because they have all of the prerequisites to complete the activity and understand the concept. Even though the game was not the best, I still felt as if they benefited from the activity.
This week the 4th grade classes are practicing for their future writing assessment, thus, I am only doing the 3rd grade math that I have been doing for a few weeks. After I taught my lesson today I felt better than I ever have about teaching. It wasn't the concept being taught or an activity I used. It was about a feeling that I had which gave me inner satisfaction that I was doing a good job. It was a good feeling that I am looking forward to repeating and waiting to see if the satisfaction blossoms even further.
Wednesday
Today the fourth grade continued to practice for their writing assessment. Getting some of my students to write has been much more difficult than I could have ever anticipated. It is most frustrating because I like to write and believe I am a competent writer at minimum. Yet other students have amazed me by how well they have done. Based on working with them over the past 5 weeks I would have never expected some of the great writing that has come out of them. Tomorrow the WESTEST starts so, unfortunately, we will not be able to continue on our writing practice. I hope all my students do as good as they have shown me they have the potential to do.
Thursday
Today for my 3rd grade math period I attempted to use stations. I felt that my students enjoyed the stations because it was a change from the norm. However, the computer activity proved to be too difficult for them for some reason. I thought it would be relatively easy because they have all of the prerequisites to complete the activity and understand the concept. Even though the game was not the best, I still felt as if they benefited from the activity.
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