A 'Wawnky, Dawnky' Week
Hello all!
I am very excited to return to the blogging scene again. In semesters past, I have loved reading your posts and putting my own thoughts into words, as well. I'm sure this semester will be no different.
Well, welcome to the first official week of Student Teaching. To quote one of the kindergartners, "It's been a wawnky, dawnky week Miss Lindley." And it certainly was. We began on Tuesday with a two-hour delay and ended it the same way. Because of the short week and added delays, our schedule was inconsistent. We spend most of the week reminding students of classroom rules, routines, and material that was taught in December. Walking in on Tuesday morning ignited a feeling of excitement in my soul. I have missed the kids and the school, and now, I am ready to be the best I can be at teaching them and learn a lot along the way.
Overall, I assisted my CE with lessons throughout the week. She would randomly ask me to read a story to the students or take them to lunch/specials, which surprised me initially, but I am happy she is trusting me more with these duties. I noticed whenever I would read to the students and ask comprehension questions after, nervousness would set in. Because of this, there were awkward pauses or times when I had to reword my questions. I believe this is because I tend to 'get inside my head' and overthink my actions. On one hand, it's great to reflect on my practice (Standard V), however I need to trust my instincts more in order to improve the flow of my dialogue. Next week, I'll be teaching ELA, so my goal is to trust myself more, take a deep breath beforehand, and teach to the best of my ability. In observing my CE teach Reader's Workshop, I took several notes. I used those notes as a guide in writing my lessons and additionally jotted down sayings the teacher typically says that grasps the students' attention or gets them engaged in the lesson. I plan to use these sayings to my advantage whenever I am instructing the students.
One of my short-term goals for next week is to have my lessons completed by Wednesday for the following week. Rushing around to the last second is not beneficial and causes more stress than needed. This semester, I will need to be proactive and not waste time. The past week, I spent more time thinking about the tasks I wanted to complete, when I could have spent that time actually doing them. I often do this, again causing more stress in the end. After reflecting, my first step for next week is to 1) not waste time and 2) be more intentional in my observations. I will try not to waste time by acknowledging when an activity isn't beneficial to my success this semester (i.e. social media usage). I will also be more intentional in my observations by taking more notes of how the teacher interacts with the students, teaches certain subjects, and plans her actions.
With Standard 1, I demonstrated leadership in the classroom by taking initiative to read a story if we had extra time and help my CE make an anchor chart, even though she didn't ask for help. I am trying to be more assertive and show her that I'm up to most any task she has for me! For Standard 2, I tried to speak to every child as they entered the room this week and tell them I was happy they were there. I don't fully know the backgrounds of some students in the class, so they could lack love and attention at home. Regardless, I want them to feel welcomed and feel a part of a family whenever they come to school. With Standard 3, I wasn't able to teach any subjects this week, however I used the NC DPI standards to guide my lessons for next week. It's important to know the standards, but also to know what they mean. If you don't fully understand what it is saying, then you can't teach effectively. Again, when I was writing my lessons for next week, I tried my best to plan instruction that is appropriate for the students in the class (Standard IV.b). That way, when I teach next week they will likely take to the lesson and better understand the material. As referenced above, I would often reflect and think about my interactions with the students whenever I read to them or asked them to line up, etc. I not only reflected on my dialogue, but made mental notes of what not to say or what to say better for next week (Standard V).
For my portfolio, I have created documents that will help me track my professional development and parent communication for the semester. I have also searched various technology tools to implement in the class and plan to use one in two weeks when I begin teaching math. Additionally, I have communicated with my CE about a potential behavior management plan for a couple students and developed an idea that I believe will serve them well. The classroom website is not ready for use, but is in progress of being completed.
So far, my CE does not need support, but whenever that arises, I will let my university supervisor know. The specific questions I needed from Mrs. Suttle this week have already been addressed and clarified. Finally, I'd like to leave you all with a piece of advice. My goal for this semester is not lose touch of the fact I am teaching little human beings. I know it's going to be rough at times and definitely stressful, but I plan to never lose sight of the point of this experience and the point of teaching. I would encourage you all to do the same.
Have a fantastic week!
Gabrielle :)
I am very excited to return to the blogging scene again. In semesters past, I have loved reading your posts and putting my own thoughts into words, as well. I'm sure this semester will be no different.
Well, welcome to the first official week of Student Teaching. To quote one of the kindergartners, "It's been a wawnky, dawnky week Miss Lindley." And it certainly was. We began on Tuesday with a two-hour delay and ended it the same way. Because of the short week and added delays, our schedule was inconsistent. We spend most of the week reminding students of classroom rules, routines, and material that was taught in December. Walking in on Tuesday morning ignited a feeling of excitement in my soul. I have missed the kids and the school, and now, I am ready to be the best I can be at teaching them and learn a lot along the way.
Overall, I assisted my CE with lessons throughout the week. She would randomly ask me to read a story to the students or take them to lunch/specials, which surprised me initially, but I am happy she is trusting me more with these duties. I noticed whenever I would read to the students and ask comprehension questions after, nervousness would set in. Because of this, there were awkward pauses or times when I had to reword my questions. I believe this is because I tend to 'get inside my head' and overthink my actions. On one hand, it's great to reflect on my practice (Standard V), however I need to trust my instincts more in order to improve the flow of my dialogue. Next week, I'll be teaching ELA, so my goal is to trust myself more, take a deep breath beforehand, and teach to the best of my ability. In observing my CE teach Reader's Workshop, I took several notes. I used those notes as a guide in writing my lessons and additionally jotted down sayings the teacher typically says that grasps the students' attention or gets them engaged in the lesson. I plan to use these sayings to my advantage whenever I am instructing the students.
One of my short-term goals for next week is to have my lessons completed by Wednesday for the following week. Rushing around to the last second is not beneficial and causes more stress than needed. This semester, I will need to be proactive and not waste time. The past week, I spent more time thinking about the tasks I wanted to complete, when I could have spent that time actually doing them. I often do this, again causing more stress in the end. After reflecting, my first step for next week is to 1) not waste time and 2) be more intentional in my observations. I will try not to waste time by acknowledging when an activity isn't beneficial to my success this semester (i.e. social media usage). I will also be more intentional in my observations by taking more notes of how the teacher interacts with the students, teaches certain subjects, and plans her actions.
With Standard 1, I demonstrated leadership in the classroom by taking initiative to read a story if we had extra time and help my CE make an anchor chart, even though she didn't ask for help. I am trying to be more assertive and show her that I'm up to most any task she has for me! For Standard 2, I tried to speak to every child as they entered the room this week and tell them I was happy they were there. I don't fully know the backgrounds of some students in the class, so they could lack love and attention at home. Regardless, I want them to feel welcomed and feel a part of a family whenever they come to school. With Standard 3, I wasn't able to teach any subjects this week, however I used the NC DPI standards to guide my lessons for next week. It's important to know the standards, but also to know what they mean. If you don't fully understand what it is saying, then you can't teach effectively. Again, when I was writing my lessons for next week, I tried my best to plan instruction that is appropriate for the students in the class (Standard IV.b). That way, when I teach next week they will likely take to the lesson and better understand the material. As referenced above, I would often reflect and think about my interactions with the students whenever I read to them or asked them to line up, etc. I not only reflected on my dialogue, but made mental notes of what not to say or what to say better for next week (Standard V).
For my portfolio, I have created documents that will help me track my professional development and parent communication for the semester. I have also searched various technology tools to implement in the class and plan to use one in two weeks when I begin teaching math. Additionally, I have communicated with my CE about a potential behavior management plan for a couple students and developed an idea that I believe will serve them well. The classroom website is not ready for use, but is in progress of being completed.
So far, my CE does not need support, but whenever that arises, I will let my university supervisor know. The specific questions I needed from Mrs. Suttle this week have already been addressed and clarified. Finally, I'd like to leave you all with a piece of advice. My goal for this semester is not lose touch of the fact I am teaching little human beings. I know it's going to be rough at times and definitely stressful, but I plan to never lose sight of the point of this experience and the point of teaching. I would encourage you all to do the same.
Have a fantastic week!
Gabrielle :)
Hi Gabrielle,
ReplyDeleteI like blogging as well because it is a terrific way to put all my thoughts of what has transpired this week into words. Reflection is crucial to be a successful teacher because we can think back over what we need to improve on for the next week. Also, I love your short-term goal for this week to stay proactive in all work. I have not started making lesson plans yet since I am still working on my internship. The last week of my internship I will start making lesson plans. My goal as well is to finish them up on Wednesday, so my CE can look over them on Thursday. Being proactive is the best way to finish the semester successfully.
I believe your words at the end are true characteristics of a future teacher. You missed the students so much you could not wait to see them again. I was excited to get back into the classroom myself, though like you it appears more time was taught about rules and procedures than lesson criteria. No matter the struggles always remember you have an awesome attitude. You love the children and are concerned about doing the best you can.
I hope you have awesome week.
Gabrielle, I couldn't agree more with your student. It has certainly been a wawnky-dawnky week in my classroom setting as well! I am really excited to hear more from you and your kindergartners this semester because it seems like you are having a great experience! I think your short-term goals are wonderful to have in this beginning journey and I have goals very similar. Student teaching is going to be such a challenge but it is going to be so rewarding as well. Your advice this week has really stuck with me. These little humans that we are teaching have such a bright future ahead of them and it is an honor to be a part of their journey.
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a wonderful week and good luck with this next semester! You are going to make an excellent educator!
Gabrielle, I can definitely understand the strange schedule feeling, we had one workday and then a two hour delay followed by two snow days. I can only imagine how the students will feel once we are back to a normal schedule. However, I was very excited to get back and see all of the students and jump right in. It sounds like you've gotten a great head start and are already being very proactive. I totally understand the "getting in your own head" feeling, I tend to do this. Something I found that has really helped is talking through my lesson afterwards with my CE, typically I begin with what I thought didn't go so well. But then she always asks but how did you work through that to make the lesson work? Then I discuss what went well in the lesson. That process has really helped me see not to seek perfection in my own teaching but in the student outcomes, shifting that perspective helped a lot. Best of luck next week and throughout our LAST semester:)!
ReplyDeleteGabrielle, I thought it was very cute to quote one of your kindergarteners. I believe everyone may have had a wawnky, dawnky week. We also had a two hour delay which can be confusing for students. Many of my students were confused that we were getting ready for lunch so early. Technically it was the same time we had just come in later. I tried to keep them orientated to the time throughout the school day by reminding them what time it was. I think it's great your CE has you involved so early in the semester.
ReplyDeleteGabrielle,
ReplyDeleteIt's great that your CE is already bestowing responsibilities on you. It's crazy to think that we are finally at the point where very soon we will take on all the responsibilities! Your goals for next week sound great. Yes, always trust yourself and your instincts! You have been preparing for this for so long. You got this! I hope you have a great experience this semester.