Daily Reflections

2005-11-30T20:02:00.000-05:00

Today I learned the satisfaction and relaxation of re-organizing the classroom. I moved the students desks around in a new fashion. I am anxious to see how the students react tomorrow and how this affects the dynamic of the class.

2005-11-29T18:27:00.000-05:00

Today I learned how "boxed in" a teacher feels when one more thing is added to her plate. I found out today that our students will be doing 30 minutes of keyboarding class 3 times a week starting later this week. Since I have pretty much every minute from here to the end of my placement planned out, it was a little nerve-racking to have to pack another thing in and juggle everything else around.

2005-11-23T13:21:00.000-05:00

Today I learned how much fun it is to play a practical joke on the students! I wrote about 30 things on the board for their holiday homework... only 1 was actually their homework! A little practical joke on them from me... they loved it! I'm glad that I'm in an atmosphere where the students can give and get jokes like these kids do.

2005-11-22T23:52:00.000-05:00

Today I learned all about teacher conferences, how to fill out a teacher evaluation for student to get tested by her doctor for ADHD, and how to go through the process for referring a student for counseling services. It was a very productive day indeed!

2005-11-21T18:31:00.000-05:00

Today I learned the disappointment that teachers feel when the majority of their students take a test and fail... I'm not sure whether it was a lack of studying, not following directions, going too fast, lack of parental involvement, or simple laziness... We went over the material time and time again for a week... I am just very disappointed in the outcome...

2005-11-19T01:04:00.000-05:00

Today I learned just how creative my students can be! As they developed their own presentations for other classes about protecting the earth, they shared their ideas with me and I was amazed at the creativity, teamwork, and independence they showed. I was truly impressed and proud!

2005-11-17T19:09:00.000-05:00

Today I learned to assert myself--My students sometimes seem conflicted as to who to listen to (me or a teacher from a different classroom). I really want them to treat me as their teacher, so I discussed this with them after an incident and explained that for them to take someone else's word over mine is disrespecting me as their teacher. I think that after this, they will treat me a bit differently, and make sure that they know that I'm the one that they need to follow.

2005-11-16T20:07:00.000-05:00

Today I learned how frustrating it can be when there is a substitute in the room, when I am supposed to be in charge of things. I felt like everything I was doing and saying was being undermined by someone who is not normally in the room, despite the instructions left by my co-op that I was to take care of things. It was just very frustrating today!

2005-11-15T19:16:00.000-05:00

Today I learned how frustrating it is when nothing seems to go your way! Everything was off today... the students hadn't studied last night, which led to a terrible review of the material today, which led to my going over-time, which led to not enough time for the next activity, ultimately leading to their having more homework tonight! Tomorrow is another day, and we can start fresh and new. That's the good thing about being able to leave and come back.

2005-11-14T23:19:00.000-05:00

Today I learned how good it feels to have control and freedom in the classroom. I am lucky to have a co-op who is completely supportive of my teaching style, the choices I make, and the ideas that I have. It's great to be able to do what I want to do, and not feel like I am stepping on her toes!

2005-11-11T20:38:00.000-05:00

Today I learned the importance of patience. It was an overwhelming day-- lots of things to do... RUSH! RUSH! RUSH! However, I found out today that if you just keep your wits about you, everything will work out. Tomorrow is another day, and you just have to roll with the punches sometimes!

2005-11-10T20:04:00.000-05:00

Today I learned that Peanut Butter and Jelly works! I used a peanut butter and jelly sandwich to teach about open-ended questions today. The students were engaged, had a great time, and really seemed to understand what was going on. I guess we'll see tomorrow how much they really got when they turn in their homework.

2005-11-09T19:49:00.000-05:00

Today I learned that sometimes you need to create things "on the fly" when necessary. We were tired of all the unnecessary questions that the students ask us EVERY DAY... so I came up with the idea of limiting these questions by creating "Question Cards" that the students use. There are a limited number, and hopefully this will help the students be more selective when asking us things which are unrelated to academic things.

2005-11-08T23:15:00.000-05:00

Today I learned how satisfying it is to share my work, knowledge, and experience with students who will soon be Student Teachers. As I presented to them today, I was proud of the work I've done with my students, and remembered what it felt like to be in their shoes--nervous about what Student Teaching would bring. I just hope that they have taken some of what we have told them and remember it when they go into the field.

2005-11-07T23:18:00.000-05:00

Today I learned that a sense of humor will really get you far in this career. I like that I can joke around with the students more at this age... they get my jokes, and they give them right back. I think that if you can maintain a sense of humor--the little things just melt away, and you build a stronger rapport with your students.

2005-11-04T23:34:00.000-05:00

Today I learned what an actual impromptu parent-teacher conference feels like. I was feeling a bit akward (understandably) because of the situation, but I watched closely as Miss Campbell handled the situation with ease. I learned how to address the parent, address their concerns, stick with the issues at hand, and work with the parent in the best interest of the child.

2005-11-03T19:53:00.000-05:00

Today I learned that flexibility, in this career, is a MUST! Another teacher had a family emergency, and she had to split up her students and place them in the other 4th grade classes. We were put with 7 other students. My co-op handled it beautifully; engaging the students immediately, and showing them the unique atmosphere of our classroom.

2005-11-02T19:50:00.000-05:00

Today I learned that not all Student Teaching co-ops are alike. I have loved both of my co-ops, but other student teachers just do not seem happy. They are telling me that their co-ops do not make them feel welcome or engaged, and only give them negative feedback. It makes me very thankful that I have had such awesome cooperating teachers.

2005-11-01T20:09:00.000-05:00

Today I learned how efficiently the 4th grade team works at Orange. The planning meetings are organized, and everyone is on the same page. It was interesting to see how the 4th grade teachers all come together to teach the same material at approximately the same time... very different from Mulberry (where there is only one class per grade).

2005-10-31T21:08:00.000-05:00

Today I learned how much more independent 4th graders are than 1st graders. I find myself giving them a lot of assistance... however, I am quickly learning that they use this help as a crutch--an excuse to be lazy and not think for themselves. So, I have to adopt the practice of forcing them to figure some things out on their own... without me helping them so much!

2005-10-28T22:14:00.000-04:00

Today I learned how different Learning Support teachers are, even when in the same district. Over at Mulberry, the LS teacher gave us IEPs freely, discussed the students' accomodations in detail and provided us with any other information we requested. Here at Orange, we were not even allowed to view the IEPs, and she gave us very limited information on their accomodations. I guess, it's just the preference of the LS teacher...

2005-10-27T22:34:00.000-04:00

Today I learned how different Guided Reading groups are in 1st and 4th grade... In first, every group gets to see the teacher or Title I teacher, and there are stations. In 4th, most of the kids go off and read on their own, being seen only once or twice a week, and are given lots of "connection" type writing activities to enhance the text and to "connect it to self".

2005-10-26T22:37:00.000-04:00

Today I learned how different 4th graders are, as compared to 1st graders. These students are much more independent, and we can dive into the curriculum much deeper than we could in 1st grade. I'm excited, because I feel like we can do much more in-depth study of the material, and they can participate in more extensive projects and activities.

2005-10-25T19:24:00.000-04:00

Today I learned how the Curriculum Planning Committee aligns the curriculum to the PA Standards. I learned how they fit in essential questions, formulate content, create lessons, and measure assessment through the TechPaths computer program. It was very exciting to see how, starting from scratch, they base all the lessons on the standards and then go from there.

2005-10-21T15:45:00.000-04:00

Today I learned how different students act towards you in school and out. As we were on our lunchbreak during in-service, my co-op, another teacher, and I saw one of the Kindergarten students out at the restaurant. We all said hello to him, yet he acted as if we were all strangers. It was just proof that these students must think that we live in the closet at school.

2005-10-20T20:27:00.000-04:00

Today I learned how difficult it is to leave students that you have worked with for weeks and have seen come so far... I was sad, and the kids were sad... But I know that I'm going on to other things, so I'm ok. The hardest thing about it is that I won't be able to see how much they still have to accomplish.

2005-10-19T21:13:00.000-04:00

Today I learned about the vicious cycle that occurs sometimes when a student is failing... This student doesn't do well and gets frustrated; then he shuts down. So we as teachers try to motivate him motivate him, which puts pressure on him; and he gets an "attitude". So we react... which provokes his deviant ways even more... it's a vicious cycle which is very tough to pull out of.

2005-10-19T00:14:00.000-04:00

Today I learned about the accomodations being provided for the student in my class who has an IEP. I was very interested to learn about the specifics of his program, and was suprised at the intense detail that the program laid out. It was easy to see exactly what accomodations are being provided for this student.

2005-10-17T23:11:00.000-04:00

Today I learned that organization is a key element to teaching. I had thought that I lost 6 lesson plans along the way, but it turns out that I just misfiled them... Although I was relieved to have found the missing paperwork, I realized that I really need to be more meticulous with my filing system.

2005-10-14T18:59:00.000-04:00

Today I learned that documentation is essential to getting students the much needed and deserved assistance they need. For a particular student, we must begin to document behaviors, grades, and other important information in order to have enough evidence to refer him for IEP testing later in the year. Only with this documentation can we be assured to have evidence to hold up our recommendation.

2005-10-13T21:46:00.000-04:00

Today I learned how rewarding it is to see a troubled student experience just the little bit of success... My most troublesome student completely shut down during a Math test today. While the other students were at recess, I sat with him and guided him along--keeping him focused and on task... I'm proud to say that because of this support, he earned a B on that test.

2005-10-12T21:07:00.000-04:00

Today I learned how important it is to revisit old material taught whenever the opportunity arises. Another teacher from a different grade brought in a baby chicken today for her class... Since my class had read a book on chicks, I took them to see the chicken and they were just amazed. It really helped solidify the lesson I had taught previously, and gave them a real-life example of the character from the story.

2005-10-11T23:18:00.000-04:00

Today I learned how quickly the attitudes and behavior of students can change... All day the students were great, and then... just like that--they come in from recess and are a completely different group of kids. They aren't listening, behaving, or following directions. It's just crazy how they can change so fast. However, tomorrow is another day to start anew...

2005-10-10T22:44:00.000-04:00

Today I learned how difficult it is to give up the whole day... I've been teaching the whole day for a little while now, and I have just begun to give certain subjects back to my co-op to transition back into her teaching the whole day. I didn't think it would be that tough... but it is! I really enjoy teaching the whole day, and I'm realizing just how little time I have left at this placement...

2005-10-08T00:28:00.000-04:00

Today I learned that everything does not always go "according to plan"... and it doesn't have to. It's all about being flexible, and adapting to the needs and changes of the students.

2005-10-06T23:11:00.000-04:00

Today I learned how magical Field Trips are for students who have so very little in their lives... seeing the students wide eyes on the wagon ride, and witnessing their excitement as they picked their own pumpkins in the pumpkin patch reminded me that these simple things in life are such treasures for children.

2005-10-05T23:00:00.000-04:00

Today I learned that cheating in school never really has a "start age"... I couldn't believe that one of my students was cheating on his spelling test today. Where did he learn the behavior? What did he feel he was accomplishing? (and most importantly... ) How can I prevent this behavior in the future?!?

2005-10-04T22:50:00.000-04:00

Today I learned that it's important, especially in math, to have certain adaptations in place to meet the needs of all the students in your class. If you have a number line for students to count, also provide manipulatives, chalkboard/overhead demonstration, and encourage them to draw pictures. This helps to provide all students with the essentials for their success.

2005-10-03T18:56:00.000-04:00

Today I learned that sometimes it's the "little things" that make a huge difference... a warm smile, an encouraging comment, a pat on the back or a high-five, or even just a little fun--like the Weather Watcher hat that the best behaved student wears for the Science lesson... once the students learned about this little treat, they really seemed to respond. I can't wait to see what happens tomorrow!

2005-09-30T00:02:00.000-04:00

Today I learned that having an In-Service day (if the majority of it is spent as planning or classroom preparation) really makes such a difference for your sanity and organization. It gives you time to re-organize, re-evaluate, and re-energize!

2005-09-28T21:07:00.000-04:00

Today I learned all about the procedure of Kidwriting, which is being implemented into the elementary school curriculum in Berwick... The author of the book that we use in the classroom gave an instruction on the process of Kidwriting in a real classroom setting. Although it has so many strong points, there are also criticisms to consider when in the real world.

2005-09-27T19:31:00.000-04:00

Today I learned that multi-step directions are just not for everyone! That is why it is so important to limit the number of directions that you give, and be sure to post them in a way that the students can understand; words and/or pictures.

2005-09-26T18:03:00.000-04:00

Today I learned how frustrating it can get to give the same test to students who have such ability differences. Some students want to move ahead and finish, others are barely keeping up... it's important to try to cater to all abilities during this kind of activity.

2005-09-23T22:50:00.000-04:00

Today I learned that it is very important to try to keep personal issues separate from school issues. If not, one begins to bleed into the other, and then you have a real mess on your hands.

2005-09-22T21:48:00.000-04:00

Today I learned that as a teacher, you need to take it one day at a time. One day might be really good, and the next might be a real struggle. The most important thing is to leave the bad day at the door when you leave and start the next anew.

2005-09-21T21:48:00.000-04:00

Today I learned just how tight-nit the faculty community at Mulberry Street really is... We had a faculty luncheon to celebrate some birthdays and to welcome the new principal. I was pleasantly suprised to see all the faculty come and stay throughout the luncheon. Everyone at this school isn't just co-workers, they are friends... and that's very refreshing!

2005-09-20T23:56:00.000-04:00

Today I learned what it was really like to have my own class for part of the day. My teacher had to leave early for an appointment, and I had a substitute in my room. Even though I was responsible for teaching the whole second part of the day, I wasn't cushioned by the security of having my co-op there. It was a very good learning experience for me.

2005-09-19T22:26:00.000-04:00

Today I learned that I should not worry about doing EVERYTHING that is in my curriculum books... I got a little overwhelmed with how many activities and lessons there are to do. I realized that I should focus on those that are required and will make the most impact and then strive to make them my own.

2005-09-15T20:58:00.000-04:00

Today I learned that getting students at this age (6 years) to work in cooperative groups is a process. Since they have not had much experience in this area before, it takes a while for them to get used to group work... so it's good to use it for things, but also to not expect miracles.

2005-09-14T21:37:00.000-04:00

Today I learned how great it feels to walk away from an awesome lesson! The kids were great; I was great; the lesson was great... everything was wonderful, and I felt so confident and proud!

2005-09-13T19:26:00.000-04:00

Today I learned how important it is to encourage students to do their best all the time... if you give them an inch, they will take a mile so you need to remind them to do their best work and encourage them to just try as hard as they can. I find if you do this, they are more enthusiastic about what they are doing, and they produce better quality work.

2005-09-12T19:42:00.000-04:00

Today I learned how much time it really takes students to get used to a new idea... As we introduced them to the centers that we will be doing everyday from now on, it took a long time for them to begin to understand what was going on. Therefore, repetition is the key to success!

2005-09-09T08:11:00.000-04:00

Today I learned that simplier is better. Instead of putting 16 words on the board for students to write their sentence, (thinking that I was giving them a big variety), I should just put a sentence for them to copy. Then, if they do that successfully, allow them to make up their own sentences. Start simple and then get harder and harder...

2005-09-08T21:32:00.000-04:00

Today I learned that I need to try to not be so hard on myself sometimes. I taught a lesson today, and walked away from it scutinizing everything I had just taught. However, my co-op gave me rave reviews for my lesson, which boosted my confidence. I have to remember to just do my best all the time, and learn from my experiences.

2005-09-07T22:33:00.000-04:00

Today I learned how much patience I really possess... I had an IEP student who threw a temper tantrum at the end of recess and would not come in. I realized that I have a great deal of patience as I sat with the student and we talked the problem through and resolved the issues. It made me feel very much in control and confident.

2005-09-06T20:22:00.000-04:00

Today I learned how to give DRAs to students to determine their independent and instructional reading levels for the purpose of placement in Guided Reading groups. The activity required the use of Running Records, and it was very worthwhile to see my previous education in this area put to use.

2005-09-02T19:54:00.000-04:00

Today I learned how great it feels to have a class completely and totally attentive to what you are saying. I tried a new attention-getting strategy (of clapping and having the students clap the same rhythm). After I did this, they were completely silent and ready to begin. I used it several times throughout the day, and each time the students responded faster. It was a GREAT feeling.

2005-09-01T19:54:00.000-04:00

Today I learned the value of taking initiative in the classroom as a Student Teacher. The class was running late because my co-op was helping a student outside the classroom who was unwilling to come in. Seeing that time was slipping away, I took initiative to take the lunch count, explained the morning activity, and even gave them a little activity to do when they had completed their morning work. This experience showed me the need for flexibility, team work, and the importance of just "jumping in" when needed.

2005-08-31T18:36:00.000-04:00

Today I learned the importance of creating opportunities for students to be independent and responsible within the classroom. It really gives them a sense of purpose and pride when they are allowed and expected to be held responsible for their own space, work, and behavior.

2005-08-30T20:00:00.000-04:00

Today I learned the importance of introducing a student teacher, aide, assistant, and any other guests of the room to the students. My teacher did not introduce me today, and I felt very left out and excluded. I just hope that the students adjust to this "new person" well.