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.
Week 7 Reflection
Tuesday
Today seemed like a hectic day. I was fortunate enough to be observed by my liaison during my 3rd grade reading block. He thought I did rather well but I felt my kids acted worse than they ever have. I have noticed some behaviors coming out of some students that has not been previously present. Maybe this was because of the unorganized and less structured, on my own part, manner of the day. It might also be from becoming more comfortable in the classroom since this is now the seventh week of school. Whatever the reason for the new behavior I need to keep an eye to make sure that it does not become progressively worse. I thought behavior was a challenge that I was going to have to deal with this year but I have not had the opportunity yet in my classroom. I am looking forward to dealing with these behaviors because it is something that interests me. My host teacher has many great ideas and strategies for dealing with problem behaviors that I am looking forward to learning from her.
Wednesday
Today was a good day until the end. All day my students acted appropriately and were able to accomplish the academic tasks we were working on. I am enjoying the co-teaching situations and am learning a lot from many teachers, not just my host teacher. In the afternoon there was a little problem with one of the 3rd grade students grabbing things and yelling at other students. This was the first time I yelled at a student when it was necessary. I think this was an important moment because I've always been uncomfortable yelling at students since it really isn't my own classroom. I do not like to step on toes. However, my host teacher commented to me that I need to act like it is my own, which I think I partially did today.
Today seemed like a hectic day. I was fortunate enough to be observed by my liaison during my 3rd grade reading block. He thought I did rather well but I felt my kids acted worse than they ever have. I have noticed some behaviors coming out of some students that has not been previously present. Maybe this was because of the unorganized and less structured, on my own part, manner of the day. It might also be from becoming more comfortable in the classroom since this is now the seventh week of school. Whatever the reason for the new behavior I need to keep an eye to make sure that it does not become progressively worse. I thought behavior was a challenge that I was going to have to deal with this year but I have not had the opportunity yet in my classroom. I am looking forward to dealing with these behaviors because it is something that interests me. My host teacher has many great ideas and strategies for dealing with problem behaviors that I am looking forward to learning from her.
Wednesday
Today was a good day until the end. All day my students acted appropriately and were able to accomplish the academic tasks we were working on. I am enjoying the co-teaching situations and am learning a lot from many teachers, not just my host teacher. In the afternoon there was a little problem with one of the 3rd grade students grabbing things and yelling at other students. This was the first time I yelled at a student when it was necessary. I think this was an important moment because I've always been uncomfortable yelling at students since it really isn't my own classroom. I do not like to step on toes. However, my host teacher commented to me that I need to act like it is my own, which I think I partially did today.
Week 8 Reflection
Monday
Today was a good day for instruction. I feel I'm getting better and more confident in my teaching and ability to deal with behavior problems. My host teacher has given me great advice and critiques to help me become a better teacher.
Thursday
Today was probably the day that I felt most in control of my classroom. The 3rd grade students have some very strong personalities and can be harder to deal with at times. My students are starting to look at me more like an authority figure than they hae in the past. My confidence is growing and I'm happy I am entering the profession.
Today was a good day for instruction. I feel I'm getting better and more confident in my teaching and ability to deal with behavior problems. My host teacher has given me great advice and critiques to help me become a better teacher.
Thursday
Today was probably the day that I felt most in control of my classroom. The 3rd grade students have some very strong personalities and can be harder to deal with at times. My students are starting to look at me more like an authority figure than they hae in the past. My confidence is growing and I'm happy I am entering the profession.
Week 9 Reflection
Tuesday
This week has been going very well. I feel more in control than I ever have during the semester. My students are responding to me as a teacher better than they have. I feel as if they are seeing me as the teacher now instead of someone coming in to teach a few lessons like they are so used to from tutors and participants. As for the instructional aspect of teaching, I believe I am continually adapting my instruction. I like trying new things and seeing if they will work. Some things have failed but some things have been a great success. For example, my students ask me nearly everyday if they can trace a football helmet with their spelling words. I get excited when they ask me this because they are actually enjoying the act of writing their spelling words.
This week has been going very well. I feel more in control than I ever have during the semester. My students are responding to me as a teacher better than they have. I feel as if they are seeing me as the teacher now instead of someone coming in to teach a few lessons like they are so used to from tutors and participants. As for the instructional aspect of teaching, I believe I am continually adapting my instruction. I like trying new things and seeing if they will work. Some things have failed but some things have been a great success. For example, my students ask me nearly everyday if they can trace a football helmet with their spelling words. I get excited when they ask me this because they are actually enjoying the act of writing their spelling words.
Week 10 Reflection
Monday
Today was the beginning of my third week full time teaching. I feel that I am getting in a comfortable routine with what I want to do and implementing my procedures. The one period I still feel I am having difficulty with is the last period of the day. This period consists of 3 different levels of students that vary greatly on ability level. It is also right after their lunch and recess periods. It has proven difficult to all give them a task to work on and try to teach/observe all groups. I have been trying to do more independent activies, as suggested by my host teacher. This has been working. However, Monday did not go as smoothly because my activities were clearly not independent enough. This is something that I am going to have to take greater time addressing.
Tuesday
Today my host teacher was out for the first time. I was ready for the students to try and get away with as much as possible. There were some minor behavioral issues but nothing out of the norm. I did however, have to talk to one student about calling the substitute aide a derogatory name. Overall, today went well, students were engaged and showed a good grasp on counting by 5's to count money. As previously mentioned, the last period of the day has proven difficult but on Tuesday and Wednesday these groups are not the same. However, one particular student came in and immediately decided to refuse to work, rip papers and hit a student. I took the student out into the hallway to try and descalate the situation. The outbursts lasted nearly the entire period. I felt I handled the situation the best I could at the given time. The only problem was that all the other students were not given proper instruction during this time.
Today was the beginning of my third week full time teaching. I feel that I am getting in a comfortable routine with what I want to do and implementing my procedures. The one period I still feel I am having difficulty with is the last period of the day. This period consists of 3 different levels of students that vary greatly on ability level. It is also right after their lunch and recess periods. It has proven difficult to all give them a task to work on and try to teach/observe all groups. I have been trying to do more independent activies, as suggested by my host teacher. This has been working. However, Monday did not go as smoothly because my activities were clearly not independent enough. This is something that I am going to have to take greater time addressing.
Tuesday
Today my host teacher was out for the first time. I was ready for the students to try and get away with as much as possible. There were some minor behavioral issues but nothing out of the norm. I did however, have to talk to one student about calling the substitute aide a derogatory name. Overall, today went well, students were engaged and showed a good grasp on counting by 5's to count money. As previously mentioned, the last period of the day has proven difficult but on Tuesday and Wednesday these groups are not the same. However, one particular student came in and immediately decided to refuse to work, rip papers and hit a student. I took the student out into the hallway to try and descalate the situation. The outbursts lasted nearly the entire period. I felt I handled the situation the best I could at the given time. The only problem was that all the other students were not given proper instruction during this time.
Week 11 Reflection
Wednesday
This week has been quite confusing with Tuesday off. Now our days are all thrown off. However, I don't think it's affecting the students quite as much. The three chips for behavior idea that my teacher gave me has been working great. The two students that have previously been the biggest problem are now acting wonderfully. The one is working harder than I have ever seen her work! This is a strategy I will definitely use in my classroom in some way because I have been able to see how effective it is!
Thursday
Today was an ordinary day, nothing much happened. I have been worried about my students' spelling scores, especially on a shortened week. We have been trying to give them extra spelling instruction but after today it doesn't seem like it is working very well. I hope they practice at home too. On the other hand, the third grade students have been doing a great job in spelling.
This week has been quite confusing with Tuesday off. Now our days are all thrown off. However, I don't think it's affecting the students quite as much. The three chips for behavior idea that my teacher gave me has been working great. The two students that have previously been the biggest problem are now acting wonderfully. The one is working harder than I have ever seen her work! This is a strategy I will definitely use in my classroom in some way because I have been able to see how effective it is!
Thursday
Today was an ordinary day, nothing much happened. I have been worried about my students' spelling scores, especially on a shortened week. We have been trying to give them extra spelling instruction but after today it doesn't seem like it is working very well. I hope they practice at home too. On the other hand, the third grade students have been doing a great job in spelling.
Week 12 Reflection
Friday
Overall, I felt this week went very well. My students and I have gotten in a comfortable routine and know what is expected each day. For the week, we did a probability unit with which students created their own probability activities. I felt this was a good way for my students to show their learning instead of a test and they really got into doing their probability activities. Though it also helped we had a party where I fed them fruit. I will continue to use authentic assessments such as these because I feel they do a better job of portraying student knowledge.
Overall, I felt this week went very well. My students and I have gotten in a comfortable routine and know what is expected each day. For the week, we did a probability unit with which students created their own probability activities. I felt this was a good way for my students to show their learning instead of a test and they really got into doing their probability activities. Though it also helped we had a party where I fed them fruit. I will continue to use authentic assessments such as these because I feel they do a better job of portraying student knowledge.
Week 13 Reflection
Wednesday
Over the past 13 weeks I have become very comfortable in teaching. My confidence and ability has greatly increased since the first week of school. I believe my students are doing a better job now too. Earlier I was focusing on creating fun and entertaining activities. Now, I try to do the same but since I am more comfortable doing this, I can focus more time on making sure these activities really help student achievement. I believe that my lessons now are much better than they were in the beginning.
Week 13 1/2
Blackshere Elementary had school the Monday and Tuesday before Thanksgiving. Since it is my responsibility, I went both days. These two days were very interesting. Since most students were absent and the ones that were in school were not in the best frame of mind to learn something new we decided to focus on reviewing and other activities. On Tuesday, my teacher came up with the idea to make Indian Frybread. I was amazed at how wonderfully the kids acted because of the motivation of food. This is definitely something I will use in my future classroom. It served as an amazing motivator to act appropriately, not only on Tuesday, but Monday as well.
Over the past 13 weeks I have become very comfortable in teaching. My confidence and ability has greatly increased since the first week of school. I believe my students are doing a better job now too. Earlier I was focusing on creating fun and entertaining activities. Now, I try to do the same but since I am more comfortable doing this, I can focus more time on making sure these activities really help student achievement. I believe that my lessons now are much better than they were in the beginning.
Week 13 1/2
Blackshere Elementary had school the Monday and Tuesday before Thanksgiving. Since it is my responsibility, I went both days. These two days were very interesting. Since most students were absent and the ones that were in school were not in the best frame of mind to learn something new we decided to focus on reviewing and other activities. On Tuesday, my teacher came up with the idea to make Indian Frybread. I was amazed at how wonderfully the kids acted because of the motivation of food. This is definitely something I will use in my future classroom. It served as an amazing motivator to act appropriately, not only on Tuesday, but Monday as well.
Week 14 Reflection
Monday
Today was my first day not full time teaching in approximately 10 weeks. It was a weird feeling walking in and not being the one in charge of instruction. However, this gave me time to work with students in other ways that I was not able to before. It was also nice to be able to watch my host teacher teach again. She is such an excellent teacher that I feel like I learn just as much from watching her as I do from my actual teaching.
Wednesday
Today all of my third grade students seemed to pick the same day to be bad. It seemed as if every one was having a major issue instead of the normal two or three. Fortunately, over the weeks I have learned that this is something you just have to push through. I feel over the weeks I have gotten better at adapting to the variety of situations I found myself in every day.
Today was my first day not full time teaching in approximately 10 weeks. It was a weird feeling walking in and not being the one in charge of instruction. However, this gave me time to work with students in other ways that I was not able to before. It was also nice to be able to watch my host teacher teach again. She is such an excellent teacher that I feel like I learn just as much from watching her as I do from my actual teaching.
Wednesday
Today all of my third grade students seemed to pick the same day to be bad. It seemed as if every one was having a major issue instead of the normal two or three. Fortunately, over the weeks I have learned that this is something you just have to push through. I feel over the weeks I have gotten better at adapting to the variety of situations I found myself in every day.
Week 15 Reflection
Monday
Today is the beginning of my last week at Blackshere Elementary. It has been bittersweet. I am looking forward to moving on to high school next semester but I am going to miss all of my students. We have reminded them today that this was my last week and all of their sighs of dissapointment have made me feel good and like I have made some kind of difference in their lives.
Thursday
Wednesday I was fortunate enough to go and visit my new placement for next semester at Morgantown High School. I am happy I went because I was a little aprrehensive but now, after visiting, I am looking forward to the situation. After visiting, I went back to Blackshere Elementary. When I got back all of my students were so happy to see me. It is always a good feeling to know that your kids do care, especially in Special Education, where it can seem like they don't like you and you aren't helping them.
Today is the beginning of my last week at Blackshere Elementary. It has been bittersweet. I am looking forward to moving on to high school next semester but I am going to miss all of my students. We have reminded them today that this was my last week and all of their sighs of dissapointment have made me feel good and like I have made some kind of difference in their lives.
Thursday
Wednesday I was fortunate enough to go and visit my new placement for next semester at Morgantown High School. I am happy I went because I was a little aprrehensive but now, after visiting, I am looking forward to the situation. After visiting, I went back to Blackshere Elementary. When I got back all of my students were so happy to see me. It is always a good feeling to know that your kids do care, especially in Special Education, where it can seem like they don't like you and you aren't helping them.
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