Inquiry 2- My journey to become a teacher

Twenty-three: 5/9/2011

2011-05-16T16:32:00.000-07:00

Today was my last official day in my placement for class! I have a total of 175.25 hours! Even though I am done for school, I am continuing my placement until my school's end of year which is June 13th! I am excited! I am pretty sure I am the only student who is going to the end of the year! :)
I was all by my self for Language arts and Math class. I gave the spelling words, but the smart board was not working so instead of trying to make it work, I moved on and wrote the words by hand on white board. (oh my! the white board) I handed out a reading test and when they were done, they were allowed to work on their map projects.
During math, we worked in the journal on dividing fractions. Then we went to the computer room. We played the games which I picked out last week. This works well with this group! Limiting their opinions based off what we want them to practice! I put my foot down- I explained the games they could play and if I have to give 3 checks then they would owe me recess! I needed to take charge and the students needed to know that I wouldn't put up with it! It gets old fast!
Sorry this is late.... I forgot I didn't right it! :)
This prob will be the last entry until fall semester!
<3 thanks for reading it!

Twenty- Two: 5/ 4/2011

2011-05-05T05:40:00.000-07:00

I started the class off by giving a spelling test after ten minutes of silent reading. I am never good at pronouncing words. Students always correct me! Oh well, I now have a plan were I ask the students what words or words. In math, I taught the entire lesson. My thought was I would work through a few problems, let them work in groups of 2, then go over it. Yet, when I gave directions, students the page number, they just started. I went around and guided a few by answering their questions, but it went very well. When I noticed all were done, we went over the answers. I called on the students randomly to give the answers. If a student did not get it right, I would ask if someone else got another answer. Then we would go through the steps of the ones that most got caught up on. We probably went through 6-8 problems, but in the end, I think most of the students understood reciprocals by the end of the class. Today, I just felt so nervous. I am unsure why, but my butterflies were acting up.
Later, my mentor teacher told me how she finished my evaluation and recommendation. I am excited and hesitant to read both of them.
There is a new school wide rule about no touching anyone. There was a few situations were students either gave a violent high five or pushed one person into another, so my mentor teachers took action and decided to make those students write a 250 word essay why it is not appropriate. I sat with the teachers we talked about how it has been getting out of control. Kids do not see how what they are doing is wrong and where the line is. They also do not get how it is not a joke. It was interesting watching the students write an email to the principal examining how they handled the situation. I feel they did the right thing even though the students did not think so. Today's' children are babied and do not take responsibility for their actions. It seems redundant that after taking the action of discipline they had to explain themselves to the principal. This was all because students thought it wasn't fair!
One thing I do not understand why science and social studies is always at when there is a change in the schedule. Today, we got together and worked on national children book week. It was a school wide contest that every class was working on. Each class found a way to represent children's books and decorated their door. My class made book sleeves of their favorite book and then paste it to the door. My mentor teacher and I put up construction paper; making a colorful background. We will call it The Tye Dye Tales. It was clever I have to say!

Day Twenty- One: 5/2/2011

2011-05-02T18:57:00.001-07:00

Today was a lay-low, non- busy day! It seems like I didn't do much, but I felt like I was on the move for the entire day.
I started the class with their 10 minutes of silent reading and then trucked through their new spelling words. After that, we went to the computer lab to work on the leader paper. Many were done so they could either work on the tech project or go to freerice.com. I asked one of my students to help me with putting in PDF documents into word and take a DVDR which has my video lesson, save it to my computer or flash drive, and then put the video in my entry 4 + EPortfolio. In the computer lab, I asked the students to lower their voices 3 times. The 4th, I gave the last warning. It is a good-feeling that I can take control of the room.
During math, we went to the lab to play games. This time, I went early and picked at games of the topic I was given. Fractions! I found 5. I hesitant on one in which allowed students to play a racing game in groups, but I thought I would give them the benefit of the doubt. I spoke to 3 girls to stop worrying about the name of the group and the color of the dog. They will be playing these games next week, but I am taking that game off the list.
In the middle of recess, I had one student come back inside to work on a standard portfolio piece that she struggled on. I sat down and I color-coated the diagram. We got through it. I just hope she understands it tomorrow. I went through the entire class' pieces and all of lacked writing out the steps of how you find an answer. I decided to to the problem and write it. We are going to show the students the week after next to show the proper steps.
The rest of the day was slow. Its not that I didn't do anything, its just we had health so another teacher taught that and after recess, we had a guess speaker who talked about the Cape Cod trip.
Side note: Friday, there was a situation with a boy touching and grabbing another student. He was asked to write a 250 word essay about what he did and why it was wrong. His essay just stated how he was getting in trouble for something he shouldn't of- that's not even what I wanted to say! Now because of that situation, everyone (mostly the boys) we yell "NO touching, you need to write x amount of words!" This has gotten out of hand and they need to learn the differences. UGH!

Day Twenty: 4/27/2011

2011-04-28T05:40:00.000-07:00

One thing that seems obvious to do as a teacher is to always check with others you are working with about the lesson. My mentor teacher and I had a plan for Wednesday, but that included her to have students do review questions for homework. She completely forgot that piece, which throw off my lesson off because it was connected to that part. Right before class began, I asked what the plan for the class; what the order for the day is. Quickly and together, we made adjustments. This just shows that communication is important and being able to flexible.
I started the day by giving a spelling quiz. Typical Wednesday! Once thing we changed was cut out the 10 minute silent reading so we had time to work on the English Review. Next I did my English lesson. I made the adjustments in the beginning because the change in the weeks plan. I had a few typing errors in my power point and there were a few students who would correct each one. Its funny because I proof-read it and showed it to two people, how did we miss them? Oh well, I jokingly said it was on purpose so they would catch them. They knew I was lying!
Love healthy snack day- Every Wednesday a healthy snack is delivered for the entire school. The school get a grant to supply this.
During specials, I set up for my video lesson in the other room. My professor from my education class came during this time. I got everything set up and copies made.
Next was math and we just worked on Mid-year assessments. This is what is done after the first journal and before they get the new journal book. Students were only allowed to use resources like text and dictionaries and no humans.
After math, was my first video typing. I was planning on taping both science classes so each of them get the review for a quiz tomorrow. It was to refresh what they learned the previous day. My first video, overall, went well. I worked with my homeroom class. I started with a quick review of the water cycle. We looked at a picture and pointed out the four steps of the cycle, then made a list where to find water, went over the vocabulary, and then the fun activities of dancing and creating the wheel. The biggest problem was too much chatting. I was expecting some because the activities was free-ranged, but there were points that it was too loud. I wanted to do something fun and allow then to get up and be able to enjoy themselves. I took a risk by doing a coloring activity and a dancing activity because I could of easily lost the students to distractions. If a teacher doesn't take risk, I don't think they are good teachers. It was nice that I had one student who would use the sing the song in the right tune. The rest of us did the dance. It was a simple dance that just showed the cycle at work!
After the lesson, I looked at the video. I used the tape that used for my first lesson, but before I taped I looked at and there was nothing on. I figured the media center deleted so I didn't worry about fast-forwarding it to the start after the math lesson. When I went back and looked at, the first 3 minutes my math lesson and this new science lesson over lapped. Thank goodness it was only 3 minutes.
My next filming was after lunch and recess. I was expecting the students to be a little wild. Plus, it was the group that I am not used to. In a nutshell, It was really well. I took what worked from the first and I applied it, and I took what didn't work and didn't do it again. The only problem was the battery died on the camera. I wasn't told to charge it and wouldn't of think of it. The good news is I got the end piece of the first video, and first part of the second video. Hopefully I have something to work with.. haven't watched it.

Day nineteen: 4/25/2011

2011-04-25T18:09:00.000-07:00

Today was a pretty low day for me. I didn't have any lessons assigned to me, but I did co-teach a few times in Math and Social Studies. This just shows that my mentor teacher finds a way to keep me involved and how we work good together. The second part of math we went to the computer lab to play math games which needed to be geometry or algebra based. The key point was the students needed to be doing some kind of math as well. I had to repeat myself many times because the students just wanted to be lazy and not play hard games. (Words from my mentor teacher and computer teacher). So, they gave me permission to ask students to shut down and send him or her back to the room. I probably should of sent more than one back, but this student wasn't even playing a game most of the time and when I told her that her game was not the correct kind of game, she argued with me. This is were I need improvement. I don't like being the bad guy and making a student leave or stop doing a particular activity, but I know that it is nessessary to get his or her respect and to make sure my grounds are set.
We had a fire alarm today and I found it interesting how the students filed out of the building. They knew were to go and not to talk, but they were not single-filed. I am not sure if it changed, but when I was in elementary school, being single-filed was more organized and made it more safe for us in theory.
Communication! HUGE key element when working with other teachers. I knew I was going to be doing the English review on Wednesday and the last time I did it, I had the entire class period. Just for the sake of it, I asked my mentor how long I would be given and she told me I had 15 minutes top. That changed my lesson completely, but what i was going to do would have taken longer to prepare for the students. I also talked with the other teacher in the grade just to let her know what my plans were and to make sure she didn't want to add or take anything out. She liked my ideas and only suggested to not give a copy of the vocabulary, but rather put it up on the board so they can put in their vocab journal.
The end of the day, I spent most of time in the computer lab, supervising a few students who were either working on their tech projects, math projects, or social studies project. I made sure they were on task (which I had to speak to a few numerous times) and I helped by setting up questions in which the students needed to do the research to find.

Day eighteen: 4/20/2011

2011-04-21T06:01:00.000-07:00

It still amazes me how everyday is different and something new, unexpected happens. One things a teacher needs to know, no mater how much you prepare for a day, it is never possible to compare completely. I knew going into the day that I was going to teach the entire Language Arts class; free read, English, and reading. The first part is easy. I put the timer on and make sure that students are reading for 10 minutes silently. Then the English piece, I have mastered this- Today, I taught about dialogue. The first thing we do and always do is read through the text. Instead of using Popsicle sticks, I decided to call on students randomly. This allowed me to see who was paying attention. There was a few times there was a student not paying attention so I would call on him or her. I tried to make sure that I called on everyone by the end of the reading and doing the practice questions. Next was the fun part, my lesson! I wrote in a word document what I wanted us to do:

Directions:

In groups of two (I have already picked) you will be given an index card with a situation/ scenario in which you will write a paragraph using dialogue. I want at least a total of 6 sentences and 2 using dialogue. I want detail and enriched sentences! This means within your paragraphs I want to be able to read it and know which index card was given. To help you get detail, think about our 5 senses and the 6 question starters. There are hints on the back for the cards. You do NOT need to use my hints, they are just there if you need them or want them.

Notice that I highlighted the key points. This is what I was looking for when I read their stories. The last time I did a lesson and I clearly stated what I was looking for, over half the students did not do what I wanted. I thought if i colored coated it, stated it twice to the entire class, gave an example on the board, and then have each group tell me one thing I was looking for. Anyways, going back a few steps, after we went over the direction, we quickly reviewed the five senses and 6 question starters. I had two students come up to the smart board and write them down. I asked if everyone understood that. after I read a quick summary of how I choose the groups and I tried to put friends together as much as I could, but please do not be upset if you did not get who you wanted.

I want you to know that I tried to put “friends” together, but that means you need to stay on task. Also, know that I cannot win with everyone, so please do not complain about your group. I do NOT want to ask more than once!

next I showed the groups. I made a chart with two columns and it showed the students who they were working with. I did not plan for students to go to band so I quickly said if your partner is not here, please stand over to the side and I will find partners. In the end I had three students and I just put them together. So the students names in the first column I had pick up the index card and the students in the second to get a piece of paper. I asked them to sit down and write a brief story using dialogue. I gave only 15 minutes to do so. After, we got back together and I randomly picked two groups to read out loud their story. As a group we talked about if they meet the criteria in which I was looking for. I felt this went extremely well and later when I graded the assignment, most students got a check plus/ minus because they were almost there; just missing something. Later the students told me the lessons are getting to be more fun! That's always good to hear!

Ugh. next came reading. Students do not hold back. When I told them they are wrong, they would argue with me to get their answer to be correct. Later, my mentor teacher and I talked about it and she even had to tell them to stop talking back to me. We talked about how it is great they have such high confidence, but need to learn how to control their little mouths.

Next I taught math class. Today we went through a work book page and learning how to use a compass to copy an angle, or shape. First off, I just want to say that this is dumb and a little pointless to learn. They will not use this skill. I had to actually re teach my self. So, on the board I went through the problems. I gave a few minutes for the students to work on the problem by themselves and try to figure it out without too much directions. Then we went over it and I stated that, "this is my way, there could be other ways!" Then I opened the floor to questions and asked how they did it. If someone had a different way, we talked about what worked and didn't. Accuracy is the main issue to come up. We used this technique through the entire page. Then I let them get into pairs of their own choice to work on the next page.

We actually had social studies and science today! This is the first time in a few weeks because of the Tech project. In social studies we were finishing up the unit on Egypt. There were working on three different projects. I did two within the time block.
During lunch, my mentor teacher and talked about how the school is changing and what she does not like. I like how she tells me all these ins at this school. It really gives me a reality check that there is so much more than teaching a class a lesson. There is so much paper work as well and meetings after meetings with changes. She should me new evaluation sheets on the student who I did one of my entry II. This student is up to see if his medicine of accommodations need to be updated.

Day seventeen: 4/18/2011

2011-04-18T17:19:00.000-07:00

Today was a slow kind of day, but still is always a learning experience and I enjoy my time. One of the best things about my placement is that fact I feel like I belong and apart of the class. The students like having me around and dislike when I am not there. And I know this. They all ask if I can come on other days. Many students know they can talk to me about anything. I take the time to talk to them about their weekends or if they have a problem, I take the time to listen. I think this is very important as a teacher to take the time to listen. Last week, when the school was on break, I went Monday through Wednesday and then on Friday I substitute for fifth graders. My class was so jealous I was in the building and not with them. It actually felt pretty good!

Anyways, back to the day: I gave the spelling words for the week. I was asked to repeat, repeat, repeat, but my mentor mentioned that I am not there to give definitions, I am there to give an overview, quick introduction and the students can use a handy dictionary. For the rest of the period, we went to the computer lab and students needed to finish up their pictures stories and then get approved by me or my mentor. I made a list on the board of the students who were done done. In math, we went back to the lab and played geometry games. Students did have a choice to finish the tech project. Two students worked on it and finished with my approval. Today was our day to have health. While they were doing that, I got my first opportunity to review to a child's entire case load of everything. Thank goodness all I needed was the testing scores or I would never of been done.
I also found out when I will be doing my next video lesson and what on! :) I am little nervous because I haven't really had many opportunities to teach science and in that classroom. We have been working on science or social studies because of the tech project so I have been mostly in just my room. I also just want to do an English lesson for my last one since that is what I have been doing the most with and have gotten pretty good with my class. We will see!
At the end of the day, I also had an unique opportunity to see a pre- evaluation sheet that my mentor teacher was working on. A parent requested information on why her daughter was not doing well in math and what can be done to boost her grade.

Day Sixteen: 4/6/2011

2011-04-07T06:49:00.000-07:00

Started my day just talking with some of my students before classes started! It is a good time to get to know them outside of the classroom setting. I actually learn a lot about them and their personalities. Plus, it allows them to get to know me and know that I am there to listen if they need me.
Today was the first day that I pretty much ran the entire Language Arts class. I started off by giving a spelling quiz. This took a long time. Some students were diddle diddling. Finally we moved on to my English lesson. Instead of picking sticks allowed me to make sure they were good matches. I wanted to pair students up with someone who would give them good insights and didn't perceptive. Plus, this way it limits the chance of friends who are chatty to get together. I put them in groups of two. This was much better then 3 bring groups. My lesson went much better then yesterday. I created a power point of a picture slide-show. I picked out pictures that students could see some kind of emotion. Before I started, I told them that there are funny picutes, but lets not get carried away. The first thing I did was give them two minutes in their group to make a list of interjections. Interjections was the lesson topic. Then we went to the power point. I made it clear how I wanted the sentences to be enriched and wanted to have enough detail that I could figure out the students were thinking about the situation these people could be in. At the end, I asked the students to tell me what I was looking for. Then I gave a few minutes to fix their sentences. I went around and allow each group to read their favorite sentence. In the end, only 2 groups got check plus.
Next I went over homework and did an angle review. The students knew they were going to have a test on Friday on the first part of the unit. I got to do a little team- teaching as well. We both worked and checked the students work. I also worked one on one with a student who was having a hard time understanding angle relationships. We spent a long working at it, but I believe we got somewhere.
After, we spent some more time working on the tech project. I continue working with the same student I have been all week. We finally got somewhere with it!
I had recess duty with my mentor teacher. It was cold, but the sun was out!
After we went in the other teacher's room and watched a ocean movie for a short period, then most students went to band. The few left, I went back to my room and had a study hall with a few of them. I ran it by myself.
It was good day over all!

Day Fifteen: 4/4/2011

2011-04-05T16:07:00.000-07:00

I was curious if my students would realize that I am usually not there on Tuesday. One noticed right right away. Right before class began, I noticed one of the ladies was crying. I asked what was wrong, but she did not answer. Soon, another student told me that her best friend's dog past away last night. She is close to the family and of course the dog. As an educator, a dog is not just a dog, dog is a pet; part of the family for most people. When class started, the girl who lost her dog was in the room and she was obviously upset! Is there a right way of handling a situation like this? Of course, we can't stop class, but she is crying; we can't ignore her feelings. After I taught my lesson, she was in the hall reading because the class was going over homework she left at home. I sat next to her and I told her if she wanted to talk, I would listen. If she wanted to talk about something else to keep her mind off of the pain, I would talk with her. She shared it is hard talking about him, the dog. So I was like lets talk about... some how we got on how hot Justin Bieber is. I am not a huge fan, but I will talk about him just to cheer a student up.
So my lesson for English was not as good as I hoped. I went back and forth about putting the students in larger groups, but I ended up doing it and learned fast that it was a bad idea. Students were very chatty and not attentive at all. It was hard keeping their attention. I am not sure if was all the group, I think it was also because we just started a new unit and haven't touched English in awhile. At least, the subject wasn't difficult and I know for the most part everyone got it! We will see about tomorrow!
I also taught Math today! This lesson went much better. We went through the charts and I did the first one with them. After everyone was done with both, I noticed a common error so I went over it on the board and showed the difference between what they got and what they should of gotten instead. It was only a few degrees off, but didn't work. I learned it is best to plan ahead of time who you want to work with who. Planning it and setting it up makes it better for me as the teacher and for the students because I can put them with someone who will help their learning.
I worked more with students who needed to finish up the tech project. One student is having the worse luck and I just don't get it. I KNOW we saved, but when she opened her work cited up, it was blank. We had to find all the pictures again. Unfortunately, we didn't find most of them because at the school, Google images is blocked so we have to go through websites which is much harder. And the cite we used was hard to find the first time. I went home and I think I found it. Hopefully it works tomorrow! Cross my fingers!
The end of my day, i got to visit EEE. I shared with my principal that I was interested in teaching EEE someday so she set it up that I got to go play with the little ones. Even though I only got to play for a short time and with only the second group, I had a blast. By the end of the day, I had most of the kids, including the shy one who wanted nothing to do with me in the beginning, next to me! I am even more confused now. Before I worked in this placement, EEE is what I wanted to do. I wanted to open my own pre-school later on, but now teaching in upper elementary, I love them too! It is too completely different worlds!

Day Fourteen: 4/4/2011

2011-04-04T18:08:00.000-07:00

Today, I gave the students new vocabulary words and their definitions. This is a pretty easy lesson because it is the same thing every week with new words. I always take the time to look up the words and make my own sentences. I feel like I need to know the words forward and backwards. During Math, my teacher needed to step out and asked me to do math wizard with the students. I felt I took control of class and let them know that I will not tolerate talking while I was figuring who got what test. 2 students moved up a level. When I was done, my mentor teacher took over and reviewed about pentagon. There were a few students who needed individual assistants to figure out the correct relationships. I know that one of them just wasn't listening. She usually is a student who is on top of things and is always answering questions.

After lunch, the rest of the day up to SEALS, was free time to wrap up the technology piece they were working on. This project is many steps and we are on 2. They had to find pictures about their topic, site and make them in JPEG files. I assisted many students with getting the citation correct with the use of www.easybig.com (nice website) and getting pictures that have a block on them to allow copying. The computer teacher taught me a trick using power point and a key on the keyboard. I was walking around making sure the students understood and knew what they were doing. I am to one that looked lost so I offered my assistance, but he rudely did not want it. I also offered some of my own personal pictures, but he also rudely denied me. It isn't a matter the students didn't want my help or my pictures, it is a matter of how they didn't want me help. They need to have respect of me. I later talked to both teachers and the one who didn't want my help, my mentor teacher said she often tells him he needs an attitude adjustment. The other teacher heard how he didn't want my pictures, spoke to him saying you can say " no, thank you" but he still did not. I don't think its me they are intentionally disrespecting, I think, and my teachers think they think high of themselves.
At the end of the day, I meet with the principal of the school. She set up with I will go to EEE. I also shared how I will be going into the primary grades to observe the kid I babysit for my Entry 2. I showed her the letter from his parent and I also shared it with the teacher of this child. We also talked about next semester and setting up a meeting with her and my future mentor teacher!

Day Thirteen: 3/30/3011

2011-03-31T05:52:00.000-07:00

Today was a special, unique day!
Today was move up day for my students. We backed up in a bus and drove down the road to the village school (junior high school). The students were broken in three groups and I assigned with one group. First, the whole class meet in the gym and had an introduction to the school After, my group went to a language arts teacher first. The teacher talked about how language arts works in the village school. She handed out a survey for the class to do. I was surprised how quite the students were completing it. At the end, the teacher went over the questions the students wrote down on the bottom of the survey. I felt like she repeated herself a few time, but overall, she told them an over view of how the class is set up. I doubt they will remember though. Next we moved a few doors down to the math room. This teacher went over how there are two teachers for math and how he does other activities with the students. He is a big chess player. So, we played chess; us against him. One. He made it seem like it would be easier for the whole class to work together against him, but I think that was the challenge. We had about ten students with didn't mind sets who would go about a move in 5 different ways. Two. I didn't like how when it was our turn to move, he would tell us were to go. He didn't give us the chance to look and figure it out. Next we moved down one door to the other math room, but she was presenting history because the history teacher was on the field trip. We went over Christopher Columbus. We were handed out a card and each student read their number. Then after we colored a map of his travels. There was one student who was rude to this teacher. She wasn't loud enough and the teacher told her to re-read it. She spoke back saying "why don't you come closer. I don't talk that loud." I could not believe she did that! I later told my mentor teacher so she was aware what happen. The last class we went to was an old teacher of mine. He was surprised to see me. He briefly talked about what science is about and then we did a science experiment. It was called burn baby burn. We burned a candle and in intervals of 2 minutes we measured how much has burned off. Then we charted it. It was a good review of making a diagram and safety skills in science. He told me why he quieting at the end of the year. He doesn't agree with the punish of technology. He doesn't have time to grade simple homework assignments and he was sick of pounding his head off the wall. He feels that education is about entertainment now rather than achievement. I think he has some good points, but its scary because it is the field I am coming into. (aw) This was the last class. We went back to the gym to have lunch and then back on the bus to head back to our school. Because the day was all messed up, the teachers decided to have brief classes of language arts, but if there were students who had not finish their technology summarizes, that is what they had to do. For the rest of the day, I helped a few students find topics and sources and read their summaries. Just a side note: It is interesting when the day is messed up or need to do something else like an assembly, we give up science and social studies, but always make up language arts and math. ummmmm.....

Day Twelve: 3/28/2011

2011-03-29T05:29:00.000-07:00

Today was a crazy day! My mentor teacher didn't get the chance to email me this week to figure out what I would be teaching. She later told me something personal came up and I was completely understanding. I wasn't too worried anyways, I knew she would find a way to through me in somehow. I didn't teach anything, but I worked individually with many students with homework assignments or work assignments.
This morning I notice one of my students not her self. She is usually a very-happy- go- lucky girl who always has a smile on her face. I asked if she was okay and she flat out said "no, I had a heard weekend." I asked if she wanted to talk about and she came over to me and sat next to me. She told me how a boy asked her out at the dance on Friday and she maturely turned him town because she felt she didn't want a boyfriend; she felt she was too young. (I was not like this when I was in her grade). So, she later danced with one of her guy best friends and another boy called her a "player." This third party seemed to interfere with the situation when the girl who handled it with the boy who asked her out. There were no hard feelings between her. It felt great that she was comfortable talking to me. We later talked more just about her weekend. I think it's important to sit down and talk with the students so they know, you are there for them and if there is a bad situation like bullying, they could come talk to me.
During language arts, The other teacher intern and I were assigned a project. We had to paint signs for an event going on the following day. We finished by lunch. I did not were my painting clothes though! After I was done, I went back to my classroom and notice that my mentor teacher was sorting work that needed back. I jumped in and helped, then passed out to the students.
Today was my class's day to have health class. Recently there was a sex offended notice sent out so we talked about strangers. I thought the teacher approached it well. She didn't tell the students that there is this man to be aware of, but instead talked about what to do when you see someone who makes you feel "creep out." She asked the students to write down their safety networks are. Many students wrote me down! :) She talked about steps to get in safe places and make sure the students know how to handle themselves in a dangerous situation.
The rest of the day, the students had study hall to work on homework and their technology projects. It was interesting to she the research they found and how they found it. As I said last post, they were assigned a year and at least 2 topics to research. A light bulb went off because 2008, the Olympics were in China and I was there! I went on a mission to find the student assigned 2008 and world news. He wasn't there! I told a member from his group to let him know I have pictures!

Day Eleven: 3/23/2011

2011-03-25T06:59:00.000-07:00

I started the day off by helping a student with math homework that she was stuck on. I honestly was nervous to be put on the spot without looking at the information ahead of the time. I sat down with her and read the directions then looked at the chart. We figured it out together! :)
I previously mentioned how my students wanted me to make my own burial chamber which was a project they were working on. I finished mine and brought it in on Wednesday. All the students were amazed and loved it! Always makes me feel good!
First class was Language Arts. I almost forgot they have 10 minutes of silent reading, but after reading I gave their spelling test. I am always reminding the students it is a test and not talk. Students finished on their own time then had to take out work. After all the students were done we were suppose to do the smart board activity, but my mentor teacher forgot too. It was a day our bodies were there, but our minds were lost. It happens! We finally got to the smart board going. It was my first time doing this and it went pretty smooth. Half the class wasn't there because they were working on an essay which needed to get done. So I just went around the room and called on students to come up and uncover words to give a sentence. Once that was done, I called students up again to cover the words and spell them! Students did a really good job. Had no errors and sentences were right on!
After spelling, the last 20 minutes of class, My mentor introduced personal essay. Students asked many questions because it is something they have never have done. They were told to throw away the concept of a painted essay. I was impressed with my students questions though. They were asking questions that were on topic and to help them understand this type of essay better.
During math, we reviewed their homework and worked on a pie graph chart. There was a lot of confusion, so I went around and worked with students individually.
The rest of the day, the students had a class meeting introducing the new technology project. Its a really cool project. The students were assigned in groups and told which year they will research.
Recess I was involved in a great conversation with the 6th grade teachers and 5th grade teachers. One of the 6th grade traditions is building rockets, but since my school is having the 6th grade move to the junior high school, the current 5th graders may not get this opportunity. The teachers are talking about all the options how to make it happen for the 5th grade students so they will get the opportunity, but its cause problems one way or another. Its difficult to win, even if you are doing what is best for your students.

Day Ten: 3/21/2011

2011-03-21T15:38:00.001-07:00

First off, it was so nice being back in the classroom. Its even better when the students notice and told me they missed me! :) Made me feel good! It was also really neat to see the desk arranged in the seating chart I came up with! I wish I could of directed it, but it was still cool seeing and most of the students liked it!
Students received their new words and were told that this test will be on Thursday (next week) instead of Wednesday because they will be having a move up day at the Junior High. I am excited to go that! I didn't give them the words this week because of being out last week. My mentor was giving the definition to the words and she couldn't come up with what she really wanted so she sat down and took out a dictionary. I think it makes her a better teacher when she can admit that she wants a better definition and goes to a dictionary to look it up. It also shows the kids dictionaries are still in and are a good resource. After spelling, the students had a reading test. I caught a student with wondering eyes. I let my mentor teacher know. I wonder what will happen to him?! When they were done they had time to work on an old summary or homework. I was asked to start grading the test. When I was going throw them, I notice a pattern of which answers were getting right and wrong. I decided to make a tally so my mentor and I can make observations about the test. We did come up with that the key was wrong on one question.
Today, the entire class went to gym for Jump Rope for Heart. I went to spy on the kids and I decided to jump a little too. I still have it! When I got back to my room, my teacher gave me their next reading book. This way I can be more about of language arts. I am not excited to read another book, but I do like being part of the class and being able to teach more.
Math class- It is amazing how teachers always need to have back plans maybe even too. My teacher originally thought we were going to have a whole class meeting and have a guest speaker, but they fell through. So our back up plan was to go the computer lab and have the students research games to help with angles, but when we got there, there was a class already. My teacher was confused because that is the time we usually go on Mondays, but its because usually no one uses that slot so we usually go earlier than we are scheduled. So, we went back to the room and did a round of math wizard. At this time, I was ask to go through the binders and organize the catalogs. Then she gave me folders of the same stuff to organize. By the end of the day, she had enough copies of every phase and every set. Eventuality we back to the computer lab. They received their directions, but then needed it repeated. Even after getting the directions repeated, I circled around to make sure the game met the standards which my mentor asked. I probably asked half the kids to find a new game. Together, we made a list on the board of the "right" games.
I also worked one-one-one with my student for my reading record. It went really well. She is all about pleasing and doesn't put up a fight. I think she is a great candidate for this project. We sat down and she read to me a few paragraphs of a book she picked out. I soon learned that it was a book she has read 5 times and it was too easy. We went to the library and got a new book. We had a good talk about reading and how to make it better for her. I think my idea of this project is to come up with a way to introduce books to kids who don't mind reading, but choose not to.

Day Nine: 3/11/2011

2011-03-20T05:31:00.000-07:00

Sorry, I am a little late... well a week! After I went to my placement on Friday, I got really sick and just wasn't able to type this!
So, I went to placement on Friday instead of class. This was an opinion that was given to the class! I really wanted to go because I wanted to do the review with the students for their English test. The day started off by doing spelling. They had to uncover the words and give a sentence. Once the all the words were uncovered then the students went back and covered them and spelled the word. As they worked on this, I graded my math homework that I assigned Wednesday. Once spelling was done, it was review time! I ran through the power point I created. I had the students read the directions and the question. I gave time for them to answer. I had the students write down their answers for their own sacks of knowing what they need to work on. Some of them used it to their benefit, others through it away. After the review, I assigned the review homework and gave them time to work on it. As they were doing that, I called up students who struggled on the in class assignment from Wednesday which I graded. We talked about their answers and how to get the correct answer.
When I called one student up I notice she was not quite herself. I asked her if she was okay and she bluntly said no. She started to cry. I brought her out in the hall to talk and she told me what was going on. Girl drama! I told her the best thing to do is not let them get to you and it will blow over faster. If you can't control the situation then its not your fault. Later that day I followed up with her and she was doing much better! :)
Math class- the students had a a quiz. After everyone was done, the class went over the quiz in class. After that, my mentor teacher ask me if I would go over the homework that assigned on Wednesday because there was a few errors that they need to understand. So I handed back the worksheet and we went through the entire thing. I used the white board. I didn't move on until all the students understood the problem and answers. After I was done, they switched to the homework they did the night before. Some students "forgot" a box or two and were told to mark it wrong. I felt bad, but they are in upper elementary.
For the rest the day, science and social studies were combined and we talked about the earthquake and tsunami that occurred in Japan. We went through news articles and photos and short videos, but at the time there was not much because it was too soon. After lunch and recess, we picked back up and watched the 2004 tsunami. It was obvious that we lost the attention of most and I feel its because they honestly do not understand the devastation of that part of the world. It doesn't effect them today so they can move on. I wish there was a way just to get them to realize how we live our day safely and now that the day of earth quake as passed- they are still in pain that we just will never understand.

unfortunately I missed the next 2 placement days because how sick I got! :(

Day Eight: 3/9/2011

2011-03-10T06:04:00.000-08:00

What a day! I collected the last permission forms. A few students did not hand in. Two students in my math class did not bring in so they were not allowed to be the class while I video taped. I hated not letting them in, but I knew I couldn't just let it slide as much as I wanted to. The ironic piece is both of the students claimed they got the permission form signed, just left them at home. I just wanted to put a post-it on their forehead to remember to bring them it!
Today was a busy busy day, but very educational for me! Language arts is my first class. The students started off with 10 minutes with silent reading. After the snow day, I was thinking they would be behind, but my mentor teacher had everything together. Wednesdays are usually spelling test and we had one. I read the words. I had to keep to remembering the students we are taking taking a test. After the test, I was up for my English lesson. I start if off the way the mentor teacher does it; just like I have in the past. My activity went well. Students were really involved and all wanted to come up all at once. I used the Popsicle sticks to pick students at random. This works so well for the sixth grade. Who would of known something so simple and small makes such a huge difference in the classroom! Later I started to grade the in class work and notice that directions were not followed. I talked to my teacher and we talked about how to go about grading it. Think about the task itself and how the students understood the lesson rather than my individual directions.
After I walked to the students down to specials, I went back to the room and talked with my mentor teacher about my lesson for the video. We talked about how to go about it before even starting to tape. We decided to give directions before hand just to get the base lines down. She helped figure out how to group the kids and how to do the point system. I wasn't sure if it was a good idea or not! During the video there were a few points were I had to think on my toes and make a quick decision. There was on question were the students had the blank face and I jumped in to help guide them to get an answer. I believe I handled that well considering it was something I never planned. One thing you learn over and over, you can prepare for a lesson as much as you want, but students will always surprise you how they take it and go about it with the given information. My mentor teacher gave me great feed back. She told me ways I could of done some things different; a better way of saying "no, that's incorrect." She also commented on things I need to reinforced parts of the lesson and help guide the students to get their answers even if other students were done. Its so funny how I can stand in front of the class and teach, but once you put a video camera on me, I got super nervous. My lesson didn't take as long as my mentor teacher thought I would take so she jumped in teaching about angles. I was really amazed how she went about it!
After my lesson I went to science class which meant I switched rooms. The teacher gave me control of picking out which students read and then she took over furthering explaining it. She asked questions which set up the students to answer what she was looking for. I thought it was neat how she set up a vocabulary chart were they write in the word, the definition they come up with, and draw a picture.
During social studies I got excited! They started talking about a project they will start. They will be making their own personal burial chambers after studying Egypt. I want to do it! Even one of my students suggested I should because I am part of the class! :) I ask my mentor and she was completely fine with it! :) Its more work for me, but its totally worth it! My mentor teacher had to leave the building so I was left in charge, but another teacher came in to assist just in case. The students were given an hand out which they were told to work independently. Most students struggled with the first part so the other teacher and i decided to read the first paragraph out loud and talk about what they think was the main idea. They needed to record the main idea of the headings and subheadings and also details about the main idea. It seemed like they didn't understand what that meant. I talked to the whole class and explain how to look for those pieces. It felt good being able to help!

Snow day

2011-03-07T11:17:00.000-08:00

As a student, I love snow days... its a day where I can sleep in and not worry about classes. But as a teacher Intern/ teacher, they are very inconvenient. A snow day puts on the lessons a day behind and when I only come in two days a week and make my plans, its going to be off now. I was planning on doing one of my entry 4 videos on Wednesday. I am worried now that I will not get the chance to because I am starting a new unit with my class, but I can't start a new one if they are not done with the old one. I did email my mentor to find out if we are still going to be on tract! We will see!
I am still planning on creating my lesson plan. At least I will have it done if I need it. I hope my mentor teacher emails me soon so I can figure out what else I need to do. The video lesson wasn't the only one I was suppose to do. I was also planning on a English lesson Wednesday and A spelling one today!
Now I understand why teachers do not like snow days!!!! Thanks mother nature!

Day Seven:3/2/2011

2011-03-04T13:22:00.000-08:00

The morning started off a bit slow. Not everyone was ready, but I was told to start anyways. I gave the words and gave time for students to write their sentences afterward. I had a repeat for those students who were not in their seats when they should of been. After the spelling test, it was time for me to teach my lesson. First, we went through the text book. I pulled out sticks to determine which student would read. It short! Next we watched the youtube video "Lolly, lolly, lolly get your adverbs here. The kids found it to be hilarious. I felt this gave another way to hear and understand this concept. I know it took me awhile to figure it out and then figure out how to teach it. After, we did my activity. I put the students in groups of two and gave two note cards; one had an adverb and one had and verb. Each student had to write two sentences using the words and coming up with the other parts. I felt it went really well and most of the students understood it!
I got the opportunity to have one-on-one time with the student I want to do my literacy case study. She is so sweet and is excited to help! :)
During math, my teacher and the substitute switched rooms because the upper math (the other room) had to do math wizard and my mentor teacher understood how to test the students. I was told that the sub would take care of her class. She gets in and expected me to do. I just jumped up and did it. I wasn't going to argue with her. Later, I talked to my mentor teacher and told her what happen. She thought it was best I did anyways and was happy how I handled myself! :)

Day Six: 2/28/2011

2011-03-01T06:32:00.000-08:00

I am a little behind writing my my blog... Sorry!
The day started typical day! During Language arts, the students were asked to silent read for 10 minutes. I gave the spelling words and definitions to the students. This was the first time I have seen it because it was the first time the schedule was back to normal. After the silent reading time, we went to the computer lab to work on an old essay. the students were able improve their grades. Many of the students could not focus! I put "blinders" on the students so they would work on their paper.
Today was my homerooms Health day. We talked about bloodborne pathogens. We defined the word and was given a worksheet. We went through and the class answered the questions on it. On student blurted out what is a condom. i thought the way the teacher handled it was appropriate. After the class, we the teachers talked about if he was serious or not. We came up with a solution to pull him aside and ask if he was serious. If he was was, he should talk to his mother or father. I thought this was a great solution and the teachers covered their butt. Because we are all females, its important to be careful what is said with a male student. Right before the end of the class, the health teacher announced to not share what they learned with the younger kids. GOOD SAVE!
I was approved for the student I wanted to do my entry 2 on. During social studies i sat and the 504 plan. It was interesting because I have never read a 504 plan. I still need to get the testing scores though. I learned a lot about that particular student and its interesting which parts are actually followed up!
Today was SEALS today (I think i've talked about it before). The other teacher intern and I were asked to work with the 2 groups who were working on letters. I got the group that I helped with last week, but they lost their letter. We sat down and re-wrote it. I had to keep reminding the boys to focus. We got it done though!
I learned about two really cool websites today!
www.freerice.com and youtube videos by schoolhouse rock! Check them out!

Sick :(

2011-02-26T13:00:00.001-08:00

Being sick is very inconvenient and definitely ruins plans. I got extremely sick Tuesday night so I was not able to make it to placement on Wednesday. It was a complete bummer, but I knew I didn't want to expose my class to whatever I had and I was just too weak. I was ready for the day too. I planned my lesson and was all ready to jump in. Its a good thing that the lesson is something my mentor does every week, because I would of gone if she was counting on me. I made arrangements with my mentor to come on Friday, but of course we get a snow storm and the school was closed! :(
Looking forward to Monday, hoping there is no snow storm.... we are suppose to get a nasty one!!!!

Day Five: 2/21/2011

2011-02-22T13:57:00.000-08:00

Today was a great day! At first is was slow-moving, but it picked up quite quickly! I got a lot accomplished! I set up which class I will be doing my first video lesson with (geometry) and made arrangements for my second video which I will also be using smart board. I will do that one in science which is my forte. My Mentor teacher and I talked a lot today and got a lot done together. I helped her by typing up a worksheet for social studies and I also pulled apart the book order forms which will go into this week’s Thursday packets. I made copies of the video and entry 2 permission forms. We talked about which students are on IEPs/ 504 plans and which student would be a good candidate for the second part of Entry 2. I feel like have the battle is figuring the details out and the other half is actually doing them. Half way there! We also figured out the lessons i will teach each week. Right now, i am starting off small, but I know it will pick up! I don't mind doing other things anyways. I am still learning what needs to happen in the classroom either way!

I taught my first upper elementary lessons today. The spelling lesson went pretty well. I gave the opinion if they rather have definitions or sentences. Majority wanted definitions. This lesson was approximately 10 minutes. I need to find a way to encourage them to write down the definitions, yet not use too much time doing so. The students know the words are harder, yet do not put the time in learning them.

My second lesson included an activity which I created. The lesson went better than I thought. They were really into it and I believed it help them get a better understanding. After the activity, we read from the book and went through the practice questions. Everyone did well; only had a few errors with the irregular adjectives.

Right in the beginning of school, I learned my homework is doing a change round-up for the Children's Hospital. They go around the school at 2:45pm to each class which they are assigned to and collect change. They are trying to raise $800 this year. I told my class each day I am there, if ALL students push in chairs, have clean desk, and do not use the spare desk, I will donate 15 cents for them and 5 cents for the other classes! I may up the price. I haven't decided yet! I hope this is a good incentive for my class. It also allows me to be a part of it as well. I plan on making a poster as well, just to remind them I am serious and I want to help!

Math class was a classic example that a teacher always needs a backup plan when it comes to technology. We went to the computer lab to finish up the sierpinski triangle. The other class (the other math group) joined to help. We ran into technology problems when the students who were finishing up today could not print or save. We ended up not saving about half the class and going back to each classroom. My group jumped into reviewing vocabulary for the unit they are working on. I was assigned to do a task- check off who handed in homework for the reading.

Reading and social studies went like plan. My mentor teacher is very good at getting the answers she is looking for and having the class not keep repeating the same thing.

I was on recess duty today. It was very cold! Less than half the class went outside because they owed time for miss behaving in a particular class. There were a few who went outside and were supposed to stay in. I think its interesting the students are allowed to go outside, even if they do not have al hats, mittens, boots, snow pants, and coat. I feel they should stay inside!

After recess the students had a special testing which occurs once a month. It determines their progress in math and reading. It is called the aimsweb testing. My mentor teacher co-teaches it with an aid that comes in once and awhile!

At the end of the day, last 40 minutes or so, the students break of in their SEALS group. I was so confused what this was until my mentor teacher gave me the book about it. Basically, there are 7 groups which all have to do with being a leader and has a community service piece to it. I was able to observe one group who wanted to have a say what is being bought with the box top money. They were writing a letter to a teacher who takes care of that. The program is a mixture of 5^th and 6^th graders. I notice the 6^th graders were putting down the 5^th graders. The 5^th graders actually were listening to my questions and answering with a better understanding than the 6^th graders. They wanted to buy ridiculous things and when I ask what the point is, they were like it would be “cool.” The 5^th graders went through the catalog and was like “this’ what be useful for this reason and that. It may not be practical, but they were able to come up with reasons to support their thoughts.

The 6^th graders also were putting the 5^th graders down about not having a 6^th grade trip. The other 6^th grade teacher budded in and corrected them quite quickly!

Schools on break

2011-02-14T17:48:00.000-08:00

So today I didn't go to placement for the small fact that schools are on winter break. I was first state I feel elementary schools and my college should have the same breaks. They are on break this week and I am on break the following week. If I didn't locally, I would miss 4 placements total. That's too long for me. It isn't even about the time missed for the amount of hours i need, its about missing my class!I already miss my class and just want to go back and teach. I plan on going on Monday and Wednesday over my break. I have already set it up to teach two subjects too! I am little nervous because it will be my first time teaching this grade, but I am even more excited. I will be doing spelling and English language arts. I actually finished my lesson plans already. Spelling is pretty easy. My mentor told me what she wants and I just looked up the definitions and made sentences. I couldn't remember if I needed them, but I figured it wouldn't hurt to have! My next lesson is on learning the difference between most and more. I am pretty proud of my activity I came up with. In a short version, I am going to seperate the students in small groups and ask questions which makes them consider the the adjectives. I can't wait to teach them! Hopefully all goes like plan! Wish me luck! but it won't be until next Monday!
Happy Valentine's Day! I wish I thought to bring cards to my students :( I forgot they were on break!

Day Four: 2/9/2011

2011-02-10T05:46:00.000-08:00

Today was awesome! I talked to my mentor teacher and she is really excited that i am coming to teach during my break. I will be teaching/ running the spelling and English lesson. She gave me my own copies of every text book that the sixth grade uses. She made sure I knew were about there are and will be after their break which is next week. She also gave me a fun job after their break, I get to re-arrange the desk. The only thing I need to do is make sure that the few students who need to sit in the front, stay there!
For some reason, I notices during announcements a teacher comes on everyday and gives a word of wisdom. I think its a good idea, but I also notice that the sixth grade doesn't pay attention to it! Today, it was about not placing judgment.
Over all, today ran pretty smoothly. Today was the first day that it was actually a normal school day with no assemblies or substitute. I got to see how each class is run and how the students do their work!
My side notes:
I am determine to get students to pick up and push in their chairs. I am helping my mentor teacher make sure that the empty desk say empty. Some students feel they need two desk. It bugs me as much as it bugs her! My Mentor and I get along really well! This is going to be a great semester! I really think I am changing my mind where i want to teach in the long run.... I don't want to narrow myself!

Day Three: 2/7/2011

2011-02-08T05:45:00.001-08:00

Monday, 2/7/2011

8:00am-3:15pm

I had a great day for it being only day three! There was a substitute, but together we got through the day! I was able to help a lot more which made me feel useful! J The day went pretty smoothly considering I am still new and the students had a sub. During language arts, we went to the computer room to type up their responses/ write up for their group reading books on the Holocaust. I was very impressed with most of the students writing and their thought processes. The ones who were done were able to play math games. I went around and made sure that they were playing games that were appropriate for their age/ level. During math, we went to the computers, again! It seems they always go to the computer lab to play games. What I liked this time around, the substitute, the computer teacher, and me went through the websites and chose which games they were allowed. Many of them fought us to pick the easier ones, but they games had to be integers and multiplication/ division. I actually sat down and played the games. I will admit that I struggled on some of the games! I need to brush up! After math, it was time for health class. The teacher came to our classroom and taught about disease. There were a few things that even I learned, but then there were things I didn’t agree with. I choose not to speak up. I didn’t want to cross boundaries.

Next was lunch. Some students choose to stay inside and work on homework. I was able to help the students do their homework. One girl was having a tough time with verbs/ subject/ adjective. I helped her look at each piece of the sentence a different way. At the end, she got it! It felt really good to be able to help her because I know I used to struggle with the same concepts.

The last class, the other student teacher and I switched classes so I could be in science. This teacher has good control over her class and is able to get them all to sit down and actually participate. It’s really impressive! At the end of the day, the other student teacher and I had a meeting with the principal. It went really well! She is a nice woman and I can tell she is doing good things with the school. I shared how I want to work with the little, little ones and she is looking into putting me in EEE for extra time! I hope it works!

Day Two= snow day

2011-02-02T09:27:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, 2/2/2011
Well today was suppose to be day two for placement, but we had a snow day that was called last night. Schools don't usually call snow days until the day of... but we were suppose to get a terrible storm. As of right now, its not that bad... Kind of funny how that happens. I woke up this morning and it wasn't snowing. I think it is interesting how all the schools around here called snow day yesterday and I honestly think I have had worst days were I had to go to school!
Its nice having the day off, but I rather it happen on a Tuesday, Thursday, or Friday so i can miss class rather than placement! Oh wells! Maybe next time, the snow will listen to what I want, not what it wants!

Answering questions

2011-02-01T06:53:00.000-08:00

1. Why do I want to teach? It is something I always have wanted to do! Every since I was a littler girl in elementary school, I always loved playing with younger children and helping them out. I like to believe I am good with children and I have a natural talent. Now, I am not saying I am perfect and I know I will make mistakes, but teaching is about learning and getting better! The child's mind fascinates me and how it is like a sponge that will pick up knowledge... It's a matter of what knowledge a child's picks up!

2. What kind of teacher I want to be one? This may sound crazy, but I want to Ms. Honey from Matilda the movie. She is the kind of teacher who expects everyone for who they are; their strengths and weakens. I feel that all students are capable of learning and need the chance. I do NOT believe on giving up on a child.

3. Where do I want to teach? This has changed.... I used to want to teach at the school that I went to, but now its anywhere I can get a job. I feel like I can't be too picky in today's economy. :( I will be happy any where though... I will be doing what I like and have always wanted to do!

4. When? As soon as I graduate, as soon as I can! My plan is after I graduate in Dec. 2011.. I will take a few courses in the spring and find a job to keep me going. I will be looking for a teaching job at the same time... any job! Hopefully I will!

5. Who do I want to teach? My ultimate goal is to teach pre- school. I have worked in many grades and I honestly will be happy in any grade, but I do prefer the younger ones! But maybe that will change after my current placement! We will see!

Day One: 1/31/2011

2011-02-01T05:50:00.001-08:00

Monday, 1/31/2011
Day one was pretty good! It was a complete new experience for me being in the sixth grade, but I actually really enjoyed it. I got to see the upper readers/ language art class and I got to see the lower math group! Within the both groups, I could she the children who work hard and want to learn and also the ones who are more disconnected with the class on the first day I was there! I learned that I will be switching back and forth between the two six grade teachers. I like this because I will get to see the entire grade and how two teachers work.
The only I wish was I was more involved. It was a little boring just sitting there observing. I need to move even if I just stamp their planners or grade papers... I know it will pick up with time, but I am the kid of person who likes to jump in!
Side note:
I had to go down to the second grade to the teacher who was my first grade teacher for my personal job.. I am not sure if she recognizes me, but she wasn't happy that I needed to take the child with me before he went to parent pick- up. Oh wells! Teachers need to be flexible!

My Philosophy- freshmen year

2011-01-28T14:23:00.000-08:00

I wanted to include my philosophy my freshmen year and when I am at the end of student teaching, I will go back and see what has changed and what hasn't...
I do know that the story of my first grade teacher has played a role in shaping the of how and what kind of teacher I want to be... I am sure I have grown since I have written this, and I am sure I will continue to grow....

Growing up, I struggled in school through most of my journey. Year after year I improved and when I finally reached high school, I took the challenging courses and always tried my hardest. My struggles in learning started probably when I was learning to talk. It took me longer than most of the other children to speak. I had to visit specialist and work harder than the other students. Now that I can, I dad says he wished I never learned because supposedly I don’t know how to be quit.

There is one experience in my life that I feel has really affected my views. In first grade, my teacher Mrs. Jones had no hope for me. She never believed I could learn to read and to write. She fought for me to be held back or attend pre- first, but she lost. My Aunt Brenda would not allow her to hold me back or not teach me like all the other students. She once said that I would never make it past high school, and that I would be pregnant and, living in a box with no shoes. Her words of rudeness have traveled with me through my years of schooling. I feel I have come a long way. Even in high school I struggled, but I always took the challenging classes and I never once gave up. I don’t believe I am the best reader, and I don’t like reading out loud, but I love reading as a pastime. After I from graduated high school, I wanted to go back to my first grade teacher and tell her to take a good look at me (and also show her a picture of all my shoes).

I understand teaching is a trial and error progress and experience. Teachers make mistakes, but my grade school teacher’s actions were bigger then a mistake. There are no words that can describe her affect on me. The one thing thus experience will never keep me away from is my dream of being a teacher. I strongly believe now that my experience is an example what not to do. Unfortunately this teacher is still teaching. I hope that she hasn’t done this to any other student. Because no student deserves to be forgotten and pushed aside like I was.

I have always wanted to work with children between the ages from birth to seven (ish). I believe in learning through play and project-base learning. I find it being creative, yet interesting so a student can enjoy learning. When there are more hands-on activities I find the children can be more involved and learn more about the subject. The project is just more interesting and it allows the children to get engaged with their learning process.

I also believe it’s important to stay positive. Being positive allows a child to respect the teacher and gives the student a chance to want to learn. Having respect both ways (teacher to student and student to teacher) builds a relationship bond that creates a positive and happy friendly environment. It’s important to reward the good actions and behaviors so a student believes in him or her self. I see myself using “Bubbling Bee- havior chart” or sticker chart. These forms of charts allow students to have positive behavior. Students want to make the effort to receive these awards. It rises their self-esteem. Making sure all the children know they are unique and special in their own ways is a must. Teaching them as individual people allows them to think and grow as individuals. I want the children to absorb the information in what they are learning. If the students are not having fun learning, they will lose interest. It would be my job to keep them interested.

I feel its essential the student can come speak to me about anything. I want to be a teacher that is like-able and makes the students feel comfortable to be around me. When one finds a teacher that can be talked to about anything; school work, family, etc., that teacher is more than just a teacher, they are a mentor. I know the age level I want to teach is fairly young, but they are still people who can have family problems or issues. They still have feeling that need to be understood. They need more support at that age.

Being a teacher is more than just teaching; it’s being a role model, too. I would affect how a child would soak up the material and how they would put their mind to not just school work, but life itself. A teacher can have a positive or negative effect; hopefully I will have a positive effect on all my future students. All children know how to learn right from birth; the role models around them her mold how the child will behave and grow.

I have always known what i want to do with my life after high school. Attending Castleton State College has just showed me even more that I am going in the right direction. When I know what I want, I go for it and work of it. Going to college is hard work, but I know it will be worth it at the end.

questions now that I feel I should answer in reflection of my philosophy:

1. Why do I want to teach?

2. What kind of teacher I want to be one?

3. Where do I want to teach?

4. When?

5. Who do I want to teach?

Answers coming soon!

Teacher cuts and such

2011-01-28T07:02:00.000-08:00

So i class we are talking about how the school board makes cuts and how "professional" it is done. (I am being sarcastic). When I was a teacher assistant in high school, I was told that new teachers coming out of college would get a job then someone who is been teaching awhile because they would get paid less. In class we are saying how there is a teacher seniority... This conversation is intense and confusing! I would of never thought this was such a huge issue for a teacher, but it makes since!

Placement

2011-01-27T08:18:00.000-08:00

I got my email for placement last night! I am super excited! Working in upper elementary will be a new experience for me, but I so ready for it! :)
I was starting to get use to Monday and Wednesday off hahaha but its so worth it to be in the classroom! :)

A little about me!

2011-01-22T13:25:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone! Welcome to my Blog. I am new at this, so try to hang in there with me!

I am in a education major who plans to get my masters in early education and have an special education endorsement. Right now, I am just a plain elementary student trying to get through college! I would like to teach k through third, then someday open my own pre-school! Something with little children running around inspires me!
I am using this blog to record my experiences in the classroom and any detail that I feel worthy of recording... who knows what will be important to remember later on?!?!