Last Blog Ever
Hello everyone and happy 'last blog ever!'
Looking back over my time in the School of Education, I cannot tell you the number of blogs I've written. At first, the blogging process was something I often dreaded, thinking that I would struggle to find things to say. As I gained more experience in the School of Ed and in the classroom, writing blogs became second nature. Today, as my Student Teaching experience is coming to a close, and as I compose this last blog, I can't help but feel nostalgic. I don't think I'm alone when I say that throughout college there have been great times, bad times, and many, many stressful times. Not one of those moments are regrettable because they created the person I am today - and I'm truly ready to enter the classroom on my own and begin a new chapter in my life.
This week was emotional because it was the last week I taught lessons in the classroom. Truthfully, it was very difficult to return control back to my CE. Despite the stress from lesson planning, I still wanted to teach it all on my own. I have grown to love my class, and leaving them in a week and a half will be one of the most difficult things I'll do.
I have been proud of the progress I've made throughout this semester. I believe I am a completely different person and teacher that I was back in December. My CE, Administrator, Assistant, and school could not have been any better. Being placed there was a blessing I was undeserving of - but I'm thankful for it.
On Tuesday, I demonstrated Standard I.d by advocating for my school and the students. We had a fundraiser at Chipotle where half of the sales revenue went towards my clinical placement. I was very excited for this event and felt like it was a great opportunity to support the school. I promoted it to my roommates and friends so we could all help and participate. Standard II.d was met when I completed my PDP this week. I focused on a student in the class who has autism. My goal was to increase his engagement time, and this goal was met. Throughout the semester, I acquired a weighted vest, practiced stretches and exercises with him, and provided manipulatives to keep him focused. These strategies were effective for the most part and helped this child stay on differentiated tasks.
I finished my Global Awareness component this week, as well. Trying to fit in 8 global awareness components throughout the semester was pretty difficult. But, I met Standard III.c by integrating Science with ELA and talking about Earth Day, plants, and comprehensive skills. Standard IV.d was met by completing the other goal for my PDP. The goal I had was to research and implement 10 technology pieces during my instruction. This experience was great because I became knowledgeable of the tons and tons of technology tools that can be used in the classroom!! It's honestly overwhelming, but integrating technology is truly beneficial for students (even when they are in Kindergarten).
Finally, I met Standard V by reflecting on my teaching this week. Since it was the final week of teaching for me, and since I wasn't teaching full-time, I had plenty of time to sit and reflect on this entire semester. Like stated above, I have become a completely different teacher since December. Though the semester was stressful and sometimes felt defeating, I'm grateful for the people who pushed me, motivated me, educated me, and supported me throughout these four months - and that includes all of you!! You have become my friends and my 'escape' at times. I am so, SO happy to have met you all.
Thank you for being you!
Gabrielle
Looking back over my time in the School of Education, I cannot tell you the number of blogs I've written. At first, the blogging process was something I often dreaded, thinking that I would struggle to find things to say. As I gained more experience in the School of Ed and in the classroom, writing blogs became second nature. Today, as my Student Teaching experience is coming to a close, and as I compose this last blog, I can't help but feel nostalgic. I don't think I'm alone when I say that throughout college there have been great times, bad times, and many, many stressful times. Not one of those moments are regrettable because they created the person I am today - and I'm truly ready to enter the classroom on my own and begin a new chapter in my life.
This week was emotional because it was the last week I taught lessons in the classroom. Truthfully, it was very difficult to return control back to my CE. Despite the stress from lesson planning, I still wanted to teach it all on my own. I have grown to love my class, and leaving them in a week and a half will be one of the most difficult things I'll do.
I have been proud of the progress I've made throughout this semester. I believe I am a completely different person and teacher that I was back in December. My CE, Administrator, Assistant, and school could not have been any better. Being placed there was a blessing I was undeserving of - but I'm thankful for it.
On Tuesday, I demonstrated Standard I.d by advocating for my school and the students. We had a fundraiser at Chipotle where half of the sales revenue went towards my clinical placement. I was very excited for this event and felt like it was a great opportunity to support the school. I promoted it to my roommates and friends so we could all help and participate. Standard II.d was met when I completed my PDP this week. I focused on a student in the class who has autism. My goal was to increase his engagement time, and this goal was met. Throughout the semester, I acquired a weighted vest, practiced stretches and exercises with him, and provided manipulatives to keep him focused. These strategies were effective for the most part and helped this child stay on differentiated tasks.
I finished my Global Awareness component this week, as well. Trying to fit in 8 global awareness components throughout the semester was pretty difficult. But, I met Standard III.c by integrating Science with ELA and talking about Earth Day, plants, and comprehensive skills. Standard IV.d was met by completing the other goal for my PDP. The goal I had was to research and implement 10 technology pieces during my instruction. This experience was great because I became knowledgeable of the tons and tons of technology tools that can be used in the classroom!! It's honestly overwhelming, but integrating technology is truly beneficial for students (even when they are in Kindergarten).
Finally, I met Standard V by reflecting on my teaching this week. Since it was the final week of teaching for me, and since I wasn't teaching full-time, I had plenty of time to sit and reflect on this entire semester. Like stated above, I have become a completely different teacher since December. Though the semester was stressful and sometimes felt defeating, I'm grateful for the people who pushed me, motivated me, educated me, and supported me throughout these four months - and that includes all of you!! You have become my friends and my 'escape' at times. I am so, SO happy to have met you all.
Thank you for being you!
Gabrielle
It has been a pleasure to read your blogs each week and see how you have grown throughout the semester. You will be an asset to any school and I know you have a successful teaching future!
ReplyDeleteFinish strong!
Gabrielle,
ReplyDeleteI must say, "I'm glad blogging is over too." I'm proud of you. I've read all your blogs and we've talked on campus I think you've done a wonderful job. You never gave up and you've always reflected on your experience. I think you will make a wonderful teacher. I wish you luck on your journey. I hope we can all stay in touch. I look forward to seeing everyone at the pinning ceremony.
Gabby,
ReplyDeleteI am so proud of you! You have become an amazing and confident teacher and I cannot wait to see where your continued journey takes you. This experience, like you said, has been very stressful at times but that has pushed me to be the best I can be. I am so glad that I have gotten to go through this experience with you and I have gained a great friend through this. I am glad that you have gotten so much done on your portfolio and I can't wait to watch your presentation next week. WE DID IT!