Week of February 8th

Week of Reflection February 8th

This week was kind of a boring week, not really that I was bored just that it was a basic week and there wasn’t much exciting happening class wise. Monday and Friday were our only two full normal days. Tuesday and Thursday the students had their check-in tests and Wednesday we had an on-school-grounds field trip, on top of this one of my CE’s was out and about half of the students were absent. It was hard trying to get any kind of lessons going and it wound up being more of a catch-up week for students to work on things they had missing or incomplete. It was a pretty relaxing week but not a lot of fun. Even so, there was not really anything negative this week so I would rate it as a 5.

Observe:

Something that really got to me this week was at the beginning of the week when I gave the students their test on the unit they have been studying in Social Studies. The test was given to me by my CE for that class since she was the one that taught the majority of the unit and I only taught the last two lessons out of it. She was the one that was out this week. The problem was the test was out of a different textbook instead of the one they were using. The kids were freaking out and a few breaking down in tears because they could not find these questions in the book. I had calm them down and then figure out why they were having such trouble. It was definitely a learning moment.

Reflect:

I was really focused on observing my kids work in groups this week. I have them work in groups a lot and so did my CE before I took over. But this week, especially today I just saw them doing so well in their groups. They are working in more long term groups at the moment to build K’nex cars instead of the normal random groups we do pretty often. I just enjoyed watching them work so hard at making sure everyone was involved and everyone’s ideas were taken into account. They are doing such a great job.

Focus:

I am still working on my weekly plans and working my way through my 10 weeks.

Be Productive:

I had a lot going on outside of school this week and even though I still kept up with the normal workload of lesson plans, and grading and such, and even worked on edTPA some, I really need to be working more on my portfolio. Especially the global awareness piece. 

Have Courage:

Something that was pointed out to me during my observation was my classroom management. I do find myself being apprehensive on discipline or getting on to the students when my CE is present. I know I shouldn’t and I feel like I do fine when she is not there or there is a sub, but I subconsciously still see myself as the guest in her classroom and hesitate on disciplining the kids.

Begin Anew:

I need to finish my commentary for Task 2 next week before the seminar.

Data:

Today I had planned on giving my students a quiz on what they were doing in math. Well before we started I did a few review problems with them and in doing so figured out they were definitely not ready for that quiz. So we spent the whole lesson instead working on the skill some more. 

Advice:

“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12

Remain steadfast.

NC Teacher Candidate Standards

1b. Teachers demonstrate leadership in the school. 

The Title 1 teacher and I met with the staff members to talk out and get feedback on the Parent Night we are planning for the whole school.

2a. Teachers provide an environment in which each child has a positive, nurturing relationship with caring adults. 

I continue to see my relationship with these students improving. It is very awesome for me to be able to see this grow.

3b. Teachers know the content appropriate to their teaching specialty. 

I know the topic is not directly related to the standards but since we have started designing cars with K’nex kits to go with our force and motion unit, we have been looking at designs of cars and why they are designed that way. I come from a family of car enthusiasts and the students have been able to ask questions and make more connections between the why of the designs and different forces like friction because I can help lead them through and bounce things back to them.

4c. Teachers use a variety of instructional methods. 

I continue to use different forms of instruction like hands-on models and materials that really allow students to explore and understand the concepts in both math and science. I am working on trying to do a little bit more of this in ELA and social studies too.

5b. Teachers link professional growth to their professional goals. 

I have been looking into some professional development opportunities. 

Other:

Been working on Task 2