Succeeding From Watching the Students Succeed

Hello everyone,

It's been a while since we've blogged, which has caused me to have a lot to reflect on today. I've spent more time in my clinical lately, and have worked to develop a stronger bond with the teachers and the students. I love being at Rankin and helping out as much as possible.

I have felt so accomplished and proud this week, because all the students passed the MCLASS goal of beginning sounds for midyear assessments-meaning they were suppose to know these particular sounds by January, but they're ahead of schedule. My CE said this has never happened to her before!
I have been working with the lower-level literacy group for several weeks, using different tools and strategies to help them identify beginning sounds. I feel even more proud of them, due to my own contribution to their education. Finding ways to getting on their level and using various tactics to teach these students helps me succeed in NCPTS.IV.c - Teachers use a variety of instructional methods, as well as NCPTS.IV.g - Teachers communicate effectively. Seeing these students succeed and grow has been the most rewarding thing I have experienced. I truly know I am where I'm suppose to be.

Due to fall break, I struggled staying on top of what was needing to be completed. The break is coming at the perfect time, because it seems from my observations, we all are needing it (even the professors). With every passing day, I learn more about edTPA, bringing improvement to my mental health. Discouragement was seeking in quickly, so this turn around has been needed. It's certainly more beneficial to go through the process step by step, instead of all at once. While edTPA is a lot to handle, I can understand the meaning behind each question, each demand, and each 'task.' This website has been aiding in writing my lessons and all around understanding different sections of the tasks. I plan to use this, as well as many other sources when I'm creating my lessons next semester.

The next several days and week are going to be intense. I hope to get ahead as much as possible, so the semester won't be as stressful when we come back. Also, I'll be teaching my edTPA lessons next week, so a lot of preparation, reflection, and improvements will be involved before then.

For the water cycle, I was able to collaborate with Mallory and complete this while including a green screen video. This was so cool! I've never used touchcast before, but was completely amazed. We all have been trying to complete our science fair project, but hit some bumps along the path. I've emailed a science professor, asking if we would be able to assess the germ colonies present on the bread by using petri dishes, and am currently waiting to hear back. As mentioned above, I plan to get ahead and work throughout break, so I hope to contribute more to class by holding up my end of the work in our group projects.

This current event would be great to use in Science class. It relates to the fall season and phenomenon. A man grew a 2,363-pound gourd, breaking a new record for pumpkin contests. I could easily ask the students how this is possible and do research on how people grew abnormally large produce. We could even relate this to the life of a pumpkin and grow our own gourds!

For our last three hyperdocs, Mallory, Sarah and I completed week 6, so week 7 and 8 was new information for me. Week 7 was about inquiry and using the 5E model. These topics summarize the semester for us, therefore that chapter was very informative. For inquiry, questions matter greatly in the process of learning. It's how we develop a deeper, more meaningful understanding of content. The 5E model and Inquiry go hand in hand. I loved when this group included a 'questioning matrix' to help develop stronger questions. Week 8's hyperdoc contained information on integrating technology in the classroom (another essential skill to know).  The group included different resources for inclusion of technology. I liked the 'doodle buddy' since it is a virtual whiteboard and 'Magnetic ABC' because it would be GREAT to use with K-2!

Here are my tweets of the week:

Tuesday night was 5th chat and I enjoyed participating in this. I was able to learn about other people, from all over the country, and their ways of promoting independence, building stations, and preparing students for middle school Ben Abee did a wonderful job conducting this chatting session. 

Dr. Clark shared this and it hit me well. I've been learning about pushing independence, which is hard to do. I think I'm more of a nurturer and naturally just want to help these little kids. But, instead of telling them/or doing something for them, it's essential to allow the student to think of what to do. They need to go through a trial and error process and develop this growth mindset. 

In Math Methods, we talked briefly on changing your words. It was clear I needed to hear this, because someone shared this during 5th chat. I believe this is important not only in school, but life as well. Changing your words around can be the difference between someone completely 'writing you off' or not listening, and finally understanding what you are trying to say. I think almost anyone can relate to this tweet - change your words...change your mindset.

I saw this and had to retweet it. We've been talking all about inquiry and honestly, I've struggled. Thinking of ways to promote inquiry in a kindergarten class is difficult for me. However, I liked how this map laid out the basics. It's general, so people can use the map as a template with their instruction. The person who shared it replied back and recommended the book 'Dive into Inquiry.' So, I plan to look into and potentially read this.

Well, that's all for now. I hope you all truly enjoy your fall break, relax, and come back ready for the latter half of the semester!

Gabrielle :)