Brain-Fried
Hi everyone,
I hope you are finding some relaxation time this weekend, despite our work load of edTPA. Don't worry, we will get through this, submit it on Thursday, and move on. I know all of you have been working endlessly on this project, so I'm sure your efforts will show out!!
This week has been okay, for the most part. School has been enjoyable and I've been able to stay on top of lesson planning and portfolio work. HOWEVER, I wish I could say the same about edTPA. I, like all of you, haven't had much time to dedicate to this, so now I'm paying for it. Therefore, I'd (currently) rate this week as a 3...I'm sure that number will go down in the coming four days. But I keep telling myself that this process is causing me to become a better educator. We all have had to think about our process, our teaching, analyze student learning, and discuss ways to move forward. Though it won't be as detailed of a process in the real world, those are essential points of teaching. Without planning, instruction, and assessments, the students will not grow as learners. I believe we all are addressing Standard V.a & b while working through edTPA.
My time at school with the students, was short this week, due to a teacher workday on Monday, and edTPA day on Friday. The time I did teach was enjoyable, though. I was surprised at how my pacing went this week. I was able to stay on top of things and keep track of timing. This awareness of time allowed the days to flow smoothly, and provided some relief. Previously, I would get upset if I didn't manage my time well, because after spending so much time planning, I want to teach that actual lesson!! On the other hand, I know being flexible is a major attribute needed in teaching.
I greatly enjoyed my Social Studies lesson on Wednesday. We've been talking a lot about the Olympics and have worked in teams to research about different countries participating in the games, as well as what types of games involved. Personally, I've learned a lot about the Olympics myself. Integrating team usage and leadership in my lesson allows me to follow Standard IV.f. I thought this process would be chaotic, but all students followed their role and the lesson was quite smooth!
We are about to kick off our Read-A-Thon week on Monday! This is going to be such a fun week, filled with reading, Dr. Seuss references, and book character day! All of the students are really psyched. I was able to work with one of the parents in my class, who is a PTA member and is in charge of Read-A-Thon. We discussed ideas to motivate the students, and the teachers. She also informed me of the process of this week, since I'm new to it. Working collaboratively with significant adults in the lives of my students addresses Standard II.e. I hope to do more of this throughout the year and beyond.
I have been trying to integrate Literacy across the board in my lessons. So far, I've struggled with this component, but digging into how this integration works has shown me how much this is needed, and how easily it can be accomplished! This integration needs to occur more in all of my lessons, but since I have begun the process Standard III.a & c are being addressed.
On Thursday, after talking about the Read-A-Thon, I followed Standard I.a by leading the students and explaining why reading is important. I talked about how I love reading and it helped me graduate high school, and now college. I emphasized great books and praised the students for all their hard work and how far they have come! I always want to be a leader in and out of the classroom, and I really want to show students how important learning is, instilling that love they can have for the process.
Stay strong and continue on! I will see you all THURSDAY!!!
Gabrielle :)
I hope you are finding some relaxation time this weekend, despite our work load of edTPA. Don't worry, we will get through this, submit it on Thursday, and move on. I know all of you have been working endlessly on this project, so I'm sure your efforts will show out!!
This week has been okay, for the most part. School has been enjoyable and I've been able to stay on top of lesson planning and portfolio work. HOWEVER, I wish I could say the same about edTPA. I, like all of you, haven't had much time to dedicate to this, so now I'm paying for it. Therefore, I'd (currently) rate this week as a 3...I'm sure that number will go down in the coming four days. But I keep telling myself that this process is causing me to become a better educator. We all have had to think about our process, our teaching, analyze student learning, and discuss ways to move forward. Though it won't be as detailed of a process in the real world, those are essential points of teaching. Without planning, instruction, and assessments, the students will not grow as learners. I believe we all are addressing Standard V.a & b while working through edTPA.
My time at school with the students, was short this week, due to a teacher workday on Monday, and edTPA day on Friday. The time I did teach was enjoyable, though. I was surprised at how my pacing went this week. I was able to stay on top of things and keep track of timing. This awareness of time allowed the days to flow smoothly, and provided some relief. Previously, I would get upset if I didn't manage my time well, because after spending so much time planning, I want to teach that actual lesson!! On the other hand, I know being flexible is a major attribute needed in teaching.
I greatly enjoyed my Social Studies lesson on Wednesday. We've been talking a lot about the Olympics and have worked in teams to research about different countries participating in the games, as well as what types of games involved. Personally, I've learned a lot about the Olympics myself. Integrating team usage and leadership in my lesson allows me to follow Standard IV.f. I thought this process would be chaotic, but all students followed their role and the lesson was quite smooth!
We are about to kick off our Read-A-Thon week on Monday! This is going to be such a fun week, filled with reading, Dr. Seuss references, and book character day! All of the students are really psyched. I was able to work with one of the parents in my class, who is a PTA member and is in charge of Read-A-Thon. We discussed ideas to motivate the students, and the teachers. She also informed me of the process of this week, since I'm new to it. Working collaboratively with significant adults in the lives of my students addresses Standard II.e. I hope to do more of this throughout the year and beyond.
I have been trying to integrate Literacy across the board in my lessons. So far, I've struggled with this component, but digging into how this integration works has shown me how much this is needed, and how easily it can be accomplished! This integration needs to occur more in all of my lessons, but since I have begun the process Standard III.a & c are being addressed.
On Thursday, after talking about the Read-A-Thon, I followed Standard I.a by leading the students and explaining why reading is important. I talked about how I love reading and it helped me graduate high school, and now college. I emphasized great books and praised the students for all their hard work and how far they have come! I always want to be a leader in and out of the classroom, and I really want to show students how important learning is, instilling that love they can have for the process.
Stay strong and continue on! I will see you all THURSDAY!!!
Gabrielle :)
Gabby,
ReplyDeleteI am so glad that you are loving teaching and pouring into your kids! They are so lucky to have you as a teacher. I agree that this week has been very stressful with EdTPA but I am confident that we can all manage to get it done and finally submit it on Thursday. That is so great that you were able to integrate the Olympics into your lessons this week and have students learn more about the countries that compete in the Olympics. You are integrating social studies, ELA, and global awareness! Read-A-Thon I'm sure will be a lot of fun and a nice break from routine. Reading is so important in kindergarten as this is where the students' reading foundation begins. Have a great week, Gabby!!