Positive Surprises!
Hello everyone!
I trust you all had a good week, filled with learning and growth - I know mine certainly has been! This week had numerous little surprises that were gratifying, educational, and provoked tons of growth. From having my administrator observe a lesson, to utilizing a technological tool - breakout boxes, to a successful edTPA week, to finally receiving my school badge, this week would be rated with a 4! Having a successful week (for the most part) has been encouraging, especially after a couple of defeating weeks.
Now, don't get me wrong; it has also been a tiring and stressful week. I found myself consistently thinking about my edTPA lessons and whenever a student inevitably did not meet my expectations, I found it to be very upsetting. I realized I came into this week expecting to simply change the world - simple enough, huh? However, I quickly learned not every student will grasp a concept at the snap of a finger, no matter how well the teacher instructs. After getting upset over a lesson, I had to sit and allow self-reflection to calm myself down. My CE gave me a little pep talk, encouraging me to keep going and take heart in how far the students had improved since their beginning pretest. This got me through the rest of the week, and today I wanted to cry with tears of joy watching the students write their little hearts out! I could go on and on bragging about their efforts, but that would probably also end with more joyful tears. I believe this whole week / the edTPA process in general follows hand-in-hand with Standard V.b: Teachers link professional growth to their professional goals.
Since Wednesday was Valentine's Day, my weekly plan changed slightly and the night before I planned a Valentine's - related Breakout Box for math. This involved splitting the class in two teams. They had to work together to solve multiple clues which might involve recognizing numbers, counting, addition, and some phonics. They solved clue after clue until they finally unlocked the main box which contained their Valentine's cards from my CE and myself. They absolutely LOVED this, and I cannot wait to integrate this technological tool more this semester. This activity followed Standard IV.d - Teachers integrate and utilize technology in their instruction, as well as Standard IV.e - Teachers help students develop critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.
One goal I've set for myself is to integrate Literacy in my math lessons more frequently. I was not able to do this for every lesson this week, but the Breakout Box integrated Literacy throughout by having the students solve beginning sounds problems and also collaborate and contribute in discussions with their peers. Next week, my plans integrated more Literacy standards and I hope to continue and improve in this area (Standard III.c).
My goal for next week is to have Task 1, 2 and 4 written before Friday. I am sure I'm not alone in saying that I'm ready to get this process off my mind so that I can focus more on teaching, as well as my portfolio! I will say, I am grateful for the mock edTPA we went through last semester, along with the edTPA bootcamp days, because this process would be MUCH worse if it weren't for those helpful experiences (don't tell Clarker though ;))
Standard II.e (Teachers work collaboratively with the families and significant adults in the lives of their students) was addressed today because I was able to sit and participate in an IEP meeting today with a student of mine's mother. This was the initial meeting where the parent was given information on her child and how the school wanted to proceed. This meeting made me uncomfortable, at first, because I can totally see how a parent might get upset over the situation, but it turned out well. I was able to talk with her about things I had noticed and we all discussed what would be beneficial for the child. I would like to get more skilled with this standard, because communication is not my strong suit.
Finally, my county went through the accreditation process this week, preparing for accreditors to visit, question teachers and students, and observe how we operate. Though they did not show up at my school, I was fully prepared to talk about how much I love my school and all the positive things I've observed within the halls. If they would have come, I was ready to contribute to Standard I.d - Teachers advocate for schools and students. I am truly thankful for the placement I am at and all of the knowledge that has grown from it.
I hope you have a wonderful weekend and I'll see you all on Friday!!
Gabrielle :)
I trust you all had a good week, filled with learning and growth - I know mine certainly has been! This week had numerous little surprises that were gratifying, educational, and provoked tons of growth. From having my administrator observe a lesson, to utilizing a technological tool - breakout boxes, to a successful edTPA week, to finally receiving my school badge, this week would be rated with a 4! Having a successful week (for the most part) has been encouraging, especially after a couple of defeating weeks.
Now, don't get me wrong; it has also been a tiring and stressful week. I found myself consistently thinking about my edTPA lessons and whenever a student inevitably did not meet my expectations, I found it to be very upsetting. I realized I came into this week expecting to simply change the world - simple enough, huh? However, I quickly learned not every student will grasp a concept at the snap of a finger, no matter how well the teacher instructs. After getting upset over a lesson, I had to sit and allow self-reflection to calm myself down. My CE gave me a little pep talk, encouraging me to keep going and take heart in how far the students had improved since their beginning pretest. This got me through the rest of the week, and today I wanted to cry with tears of joy watching the students write their little hearts out! I could go on and on bragging about their efforts, but that would probably also end with more joyful tears. I believe this whole week / the edTPA process in general follows hand-in-hand with Standard V.b: Teachers link professional growth to their professional goals.
Since Wednesday was Valentine's Day, my weekly plan changed slightly and the night before I planned a Valentine's - related Breakout Box for math. This involved splitting the class in two teams. They had to work together to solve multiple clues which might involve recognizing numbers, counting, addition, and some phonics. They solved clue after clue until they finally unlocked the main box which contained their Valentine's cards from my CE and myself. They absolutely LOVED this, and I cannot wait to integrate this technological tool more this semester. This activity followed Standard IV.d - Teachers integrate and utilize technology in their instruction, as well as Standard IV.e - Teachers help students develop critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.
One goal I've set for myself is to integrate Literacy in my math lessons more frequently. I was not able to do this for every lesson this week, but the Breakout Box integrated Literacy throughout by having the students solve beginning sounds problems and also collaborate and contribute in discussions with their peers. Next week, my plans integrated more Literacy standards and I hope to continue and improve in this area (Standard III.c).
My goal for next week is to have Task 1, 2 and 4 written before Friday. I am sure I'm not alone in saying that I'm ready to get this process off my mind so that I can focus more on teaching, as well as my portfolio! I will say, I am grateful for the mock edTPA we went through last semester, along with the edTPA bootcamp days, because this process would be MUCH worse if it weren't for those helpful experiences (don't tell Clarker though ;))
Standard II.e (Teachers work collaboratively with the families and significant adults in the lives of their students) was addressed today because I was able to sit and participate in an IEP meeting today with a student of mine's mother. This was the initial meeting where the parent was given information on her child and how the school wanted to proceed. This meeting made me uncomfortable, at first, because I can totally see how a parent might get upset over the situation, but it turned out well. I was able to talk with her about things I had noticed and we all discussed what would be beneficial for the child. I would like to get more skilled with this standard, because communication is not my strong suit.
Finally, my county went through the accreditation process this week, preparing for accreditors to visit, question teachers and students, and observe how we operate. Though they did not show up at my school, I was fully prepared to talk about how much I love my school and all the positive things I've observed within the halls. If they would have come, I was ready to contribute to Standard I.d - Teachers advocate for schools and students. I am truly thankful for the placement I am at and all of the knowledge that has grown from it.
I hope you have a wonderful weekend and I'll see you all on Friday!!
Gabrielle :)
I want to hear more (and see) about the Breakout Math Boxes. These sound so engaging and purposeful! Please bring one to share at our next seminar. I am glad your CE was able to give you a pep talk and motivate you to keep going! We all have these days. I know you and your school were ready for the accreditation process because from what I have seen at your school and in your class, teaching is at a high level and focused on student success everyday!!
ReplyDeleteGabrielle, So glad to hear your edTPA week went well. I know sometimes our lessons don't work out the way we want them but the most important thing is we learn from the experience. I'm sure your working out what you can do next time you teach it over and over. It sounds like you had a very positive experience overall. Great job, keep your chin up your going to be a great teacher.
ReplyDeleteGabrielle, I love breakout boxes! My placement last semester had several sets and I was able to see them in action several times. Unfortunately the school I’m at this semester does not have a set. I have heard that there is a similar breakout activity that you can do online. I may look into this for my class. I am right there with you about edTPA. It will feel so good to have it behind us and solely concentrate on our teaching and portfolio. Good luck this week! See you Friday.
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