During my sophomore year I remember attending a club meeting where there was a panel of 4 student teachers that came in and shared their experiences for everyone in attendance. I can remember so vividly leaving the meeting and talking to my friends about how excited that made me to begin student teaching.
Well, I am obviously finally in this position and today I had the opportunity to be one of the student teachers on the panel. We spoke to two groups of students. The first group was mostly juniors and seniors. Student teaching was right around the corner for most of them so most of what we were talking about (lesson planning, lessons we are currently teaching, certifications, applying for jobs, etc.) was all very relevant to their current situation. It was great to see what they had questions about and to be able to help them. It was also obvious how engaged everyone was in our presentation.
The second group of students was mostly freshman and sophomores and was a lot more diverse when it came to their certifications (early childhood, mid-level and secondary). We began this discussion very similar to the first one however, we quickly realized that student teaching was a little too far out of sight for these students. We geared the rest of the discussion towards courses they were taking, and questions they had about the program, and just spoke a little about student teaching to avoid overwhelming them.
This was such a great experience and I hope I had the impact on the students that the panelists had on me two years ago.
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
Tuesday, March 29, 2016
Jobs Jobs Jobs
Yesterday was our last day of Easter break and I must say that I felt extremely productive. I applied for three different jobs, and I found some additional jobs to apply for. This is making everything seem so real.
There are schools that I have dreamed of teaching in for so long and to see them list openings makes me so excited. I know that it will definitely be a battle to actually get into a classroom that I call my own but I am ready for that challenge.
There are only 5.5 weeks left of student teaching and then I am released out into the real world. It's all so bittersweet!
There are schools that I have dreamed of teaching in for so long and to see them list openings makes me so excited. I know that it will definitely be a battle to actually get into a classroom that I call my own but I am ready for that challenge.
There are only 5.5 weeks left of student teaching and then I am released out into the real world. It's all so bittersweet!
Happy Birthday to ME
March 23, 2016
Today was my first birthday as a teacher. I must say it was delightful. I was showered with "Happy Birthdays" from my students, along with homemade cards and cupcakes. It's always great to have one day to feel extra appreciated.
Lucky for me today was an (extra) fun day in first grade! We began the day by doing a phonics egg hunt. Inside 200 plastic eggs I put pieces of paper with words on them. Students searched the room for eggs and when they were all found everyone returned to their seats to begin sorting. The objective was to have the most long i words since this was our phonics focus today. Although students only had to find the long i words they still had to sort through the different short and long vowels.
The students had fun with the egg hunt and I got a great idea at how the class had grasped the long and short vowel sounds.
Today was my first birthday as a teacher. I must say it was delightful. I was showered with "Happy Birthdays" from my students, along with homemade cards and cupcakes. It's always great to have one day to feel extra appreciated.
Lucky for me today was an (extra) fun day in first grade! We began the day by doing a phonics egg hunt. Inside 200 plastic eggs I put pieces of paper with words on them. Students searched the room for eggs and when they were all found everyone returned to their seats to begin sorting. The objective was to have the most long i words since this was our phonics focus today. Although students only had to find the long i words they still had to sort through the different short and long vowels.
The students had fun with the egg hunt and I got a great idea at how the class had grasped the long and short vowel sounds.
Spelling Schedule
March 22, 2016
One thing that was really effected by this short week is the spelling schedule. Spelling is done on a strict 5 day regimen. The pre-test is always on the first day of the 5 day cycle and the final test is always completed on day 5. Usually day 1 falls on Monday and day 5 is on Friday. However, now the cycle will run Thursday-Wednesday.
In my opinion, I prefer spelling to go week by week and not in a specific numbered cycle. If it were up to me I would have used this week as a review week or fit everything into three days.
This can't really be done in this situation since 1. I am not the teacher so I don't make those decisions and 2. Spelling goes along with the reading series, so therefore you cannot change when you are doing a certain spelling list because it won't match to the rest of the material.
One thing that was really effected by this short week is the spelling schedule. Spelling is done on a strict 5 day regimen. The pre-test is always on the first day of the 5 day cycle and the final test is always completed on day 5. Usually day 1 falls on Monday and day 5 is on Friday. However, now the cycle will run Thursday-Wednesday.
In my opinion, I prefer spelling to go week by week and not in a specific numbered cycle. If it were up to me I would have used this week as a review week or fit everything into three days.
This can't really be done in this situation since 1. I am not the teacher so I don't make those decisions and 2. Spelling goes along with the reading series, so therefore you cannot change when you are doing a certain spelling list because it won't match to the rest of the material.
Easter
March 21, 2016
This week we only have a three day week due to the upcoming spring break. Both the students and teachers are excited. With St. Patrick's day and Easter falling so close this year it pretty much left only the three days this week to do Easter festivities. My co-op planned a few crafts, I picked a few books to read and I also am planning a phonics egg hunt on Wednesday.
Today we decorated the classroom while the students were at their special. This really put me in the Spring spirit. However, I must say it also made me realize how fast this semester is going and how soon graduation is coming.
This week we only have a three day week due to the upcoming spring break. Both the students and teachers are excited. With St. Patrick's day and Easter falling so close this year it pretty much left only the three days this week to do Easter festivities. My co-op planned a few crafts, I picked a few books to read and I also am planning a phonics egg hunt on Wednesday.
Today we decorated the classroom while the students were at their special. This really put me in the Spring spirit. However, I must say it also made me realize how fast this semester is going and how soon graduation is coming.
Sunday, March 20, 2016
Everyday Math
March 18, 2016
Well my first week has come to a close. I'd like to talk about Everyday Math since I have now seen it for a full week. It is definitely very different than what I was taught in elementary school, as well as what I taught in my last placement.
This week we covered geometry for thee days, and math machines for one day. The curriculum is set up for a 4 day week. At first I thought this a little weird, however, the more I thought about it the more I liked it. This gives you built in flexibility to extend one lesson into two days if you think your students could use the extra practice. You have the ability to catch up if you fall behind for unforeseen circumstances (class programs, fire drills, 2 hour delays, etc.). Or, you have the options to get to supplement with additional activities. This is what we did today. My teacher set up math stations for the students to rotate through.
Something else that I like is the constant review on old concepts. This keeps students' thinking refreshed. So far it seems as though there is time for review during each lesson and also on each homework page.
I am still learning this type of teaching and I'm sure I will have a pros and cons list by the end of this 8 week placement. However, right now I just wanted to discuss the positives.
Well my first week has come to a close. I'd like to talk about Everyday Math since I have now seen it for a full week. It is definitely very different than what I was taught in elementary school, as well as what I taught in my last placement.
This week we covered geometry for thee days, and math machines for one day. The curriculum is set up for a 4 day week. At first I thought this a little weird, however, the more I thought about it the more I liked it. This gives you built in flexibility to extend one lesson into two days if you think your students could use the extra practice. You have the ability to catch up if you fall behind for unforeseen circumstances (class programs, fire drills, 2 hour delays, etc.). Or, you have the options to get to supplement with additional activities. This is what we did today. My teacher set up math stations for the students to rotate through.
Something else that I like is the constant review on old concepts. This keeps students' thinking refreshed. So far it seems as though there is time for review during each lesson and also on each homework page.
I am still learning this type of teaching and I'm sure I will have a pros and cons list by the end of this 8 week placement. However, right now I just wanted to discuss the positives.
St. Patrick's Day
March 17, 2016
Happy St. Patty's Day!
I was pleasantly surprised to find out that Salem is a holiday celebrating school. Many school districts are no longer able to celebrate "religious based" holidays anymore. Not that St. Patrick's is, but since today was a holiday I am going to discuss the whole concept.
In elementary schools students are aware of the holidays going on, however, they are not aware of why they cannot celebrate in school. In my personal opinion I love holidays. I enjoy the crafts, I enjoy the tasty and creative treats, the happiness, the dressing up, the list goes on. I also think that holidays can present a great learning opportunity for students.
Happy St. Patty's Day!
I was pleasantly surprised to find out that Salem is a holiday celebrating school. Many school districts are no longer able to celebrate "religious based" holidays anymore. Not that St. Patrick's is, but since today was a holiday I am going to discuss the whole concept.
In elementary schools students are aware of the holidays going on, however, they are not aware of why they cannot celebrate in school. In my personal opinion I love holidays. I enjoy the crafts, I enjoy the tasty and creative treats, the happiness, the dressing up, the list goes on. I also think that holidays can present a great learning opportunity for students.
- Look into the history/background of the day
- Create learning activities based on the holiday
- Leveled readers
- Writing prompts
- Math problems with real world connections
Today we listened to Irish music, had a St. Patrick's themed writing prompt and the students were introduced to a vocabulary list with words that matched the holiday. The kids and teachers both enjoyed the day.
Thursday, March 17, 2016
Lesson Intermission
March 16, 2016
With such a large class I have noticed that most of the instruction throughout the day is whole group. This can be a challenge for 1st graders. I have noticed that my teacher has a great method of breaking up the lessons and getting the students out of their seats.
She has a few games that she will turn to. So far I have seen Sparkle (a spelling review game) and Around the World (a sight word or math facts game). What I really like about these are that they are reviewing skills in a fun way. Students are learning and they think they are just playing a game.
Another way she splits up the day is by transitioning the class back to the carpet and reading a book to them. In my opinion, students can not be read to enough (especially if they are not receiving this enrichment at home). A few times already she has let me do the read alouds!
This is definitely a great tool to keep in mind if I have a large class that gets antsy sitting at their desks too long.
With such a large class I have noticed that most of the instruction throughout the day is whole group. This can be a challenge for 1st graders. I have noticed that my teacher has a great method of breaking up the lessons and getting the students out of their seats.
She has a few games that she will turn to. So far I have seen Sparkle (a spelling review game) and Around the World (a sight word or math facts game). What I really like about these are that they are reviewing skills in a fun way. Students are learning and they think they are just playing a game.
Another way she splits up the day is by transitioning the class back to the carpet and reading a book to them. In my opinion, students can not be read to enough (especially if they are not receiving this enrichment at home). A few times already she has let me do the read alouds!
This is definitely a great tool to keep in mind if I have a large class that gets antsy sitting at their desks too long.
Tuesday, March 15, 2016
Day 2
I'm starting to get acclimated to my new school and I am learning the ins and outs of Miss G's classroom. I find myself comparing everything to my first placement(not in a bad way). I have to keep reminding myself that every classroom is different. One day (hopefully soon) I will have my own classroom and that will be different as well.
One thing I am really really going to miss is the access to technology. I was so spoiled for the past 7 months and I am now limited to an Interactive White Board (similar to a Smartboard, just a different brand) and 4 older model desktop PCs. However, I will make it work, I'm sure of it!
Even though I am not teaching fully yet I am still kept very busy throughout the day. I definitely appreciate this! At this point in my teaching journey I am past the point of wanting to observe and I want to be involved. It won't be long though until I am teaching the full days again!
One thing I am really really going to miss is the access to technology. I was so spoiled for the past 7 months and I am now limited to an Interactive White Board (similar to a Smartboard, just a different brand) and 4 older model desktop PCs. However, I will make it work, I'm sure of it!
Even though I am not teaching fully yet I am still kept very busy throughout the day. I definitely appreciate this! At this point in my teaching journey I am past the point of wanting to observe and I want to be involved. It won't be long though until I am teaching the full days again!
Hello Salem!
Today was my first day in my new school. Although I am in the same grade, these two placements could not be more different. First of all, I now have a class of 24, compared to my previous class of 9. I was anticipating to be overwhelmed with almost tripling my class size, however I must say I was not overwhelmed whatsoever. I was beyond impressed with how well behaved and independent the whole class was. I think I commented on this to my new co-op about 10 times throughout the day.
Another major difference is the demographics. The socioeconomic status of a huge majority of this class is very low. My co-op gave me the background stories of some of my students and I realized how naive I was to the reality of some student's lives. There are so many districts where this type of home life is the "norm" and that is so incredibly sad.
The students all seemed so excited to be at school and I am really looking forward to my next 8 weeks with them!
Another major difference is the demographics. The socioeconomic status of a huge majority of this class is very low. My co-op gave me the background stories of some of my students and I realized how naive I was to the reality of some student's lives. There are so many districts where this type of home life is the "norm" and that is so incredibly sad.
The students all seemed so excited to be at school and I am really looking forward to my next 8 weeks with them!
Closed Chapter
I said my farewells to my wonderful first grade class and co-op at St. Joseph School. I could write a sappy post about how sad I was, however, I decided I want to write about the most important thing I learned from my teacher.
"Use thumbtacks when putting up bulletin boards."
Seriously. Do this.
Within my first few weeks at St. Joe's I was putting up my very first bulletin board. I would staple everything on, step back, analyze how crooked everything was, pull out the staples and repeat.
Finally after 3 or 4 times of doing this she came out with a container of thumbtacks. She taught me the greatest lesson of putting everything in place with the thumbtacks and then you have the freedom to rearrange anything that's crooked. I must say that this decreased my time exponentially.
This lesson applies to more than just bulletin boards.
I learned to never think of your plans as "permanent". There is always something that can alter what you had in mind to do. Whether it be a fire drill in the middle of a science experiment, a 2 hour delay or a technology meltdown, there are always going to be variables in your plans. Be flexible. There is nothing you can do about those challenges you will face. Be open to moving around your daily schedule or weekly schedule at that. This will save you a lot of aggravation if you go in with an open mind. I learned in my 7 months at this school that there was not one single week, not one, that everything that was written out in my teacher's plan book was accomplished as it was "supposed to be".
I'm looking forward to the new lessons I will learn from my new co-op.
Onto Salem Elementary!!
"Use thumbtacks when putting up bulletin boards."
Seriously. Do this.
Within my first few weeks at St. Joe's I was putting up my very first bulletin board. I would staple everything on, step back, analyze how crooked everything was, pull out the staples and repeat.
Finally after 3 or 4 times of doing this she came out with a container of thumbtacks. She taught me the greatest lesson of putting everything in place with the thumbtacks and then you have the freedom to rearrange anything that's crooked. I must say that this decreased my time exponentially.
This lesson applies to more than just bulletin boards.
I learned to never think of your plans as "permanent". There is always something that can alter what you had in mind to do. Whether it be a fire drill in the middle of a science experiment, a 2 hour delay or a technology meltdown, there are always going to be variables in your plans. Be flexible. There is nothing you can do about those challenges you will face. Be open to moving around your daily schedule or weekly schedule at that. This will save you a lot of aggravation if you go in with an open mind. I learned in my 7 months at this school that there was not one single week, not one, that everything that was written out in my teacher's plan book was accomplished as it was "supposed to be".
I'm looking forward to the new lessons I will learn from my new co-op.
Onto Salem Elementary!!
Tuesday, March 8, 2016
Back to Observing
This week my co-op began to start taking subjects back. This is to make the transition easier for the students when I am gone. It is now to the point where she is teaching the majority of the day. I spent most of the day, except for centers and math, observing. I think this a great experience to get again. I was able to compare and contrast my teaching styles to hers. It was interesting to see again how she utilized whole group instruction vs small group instruction within the same lesson. I also found it rewarding when she would ask the students about content that I had previously taught and the students were able to recall the information quickly and accurately.
Although this had its benefits I must say that I definitely prefer teaching over observing. I walked around during the lessons to help students that needed it but it's still not the same. I am ready to start up instruction again in my next placement.
Although this had its benefits I must say that I definitely prefer teaching over observing. I walked around during the lessons to help students that needed it but it's still not the same. I am ready to start up instruction again in my next placement.
Monday, March 7, 2016
Weather
Today we finally had weather that was not close to, or below freezing. It was actually well above that temperature! The students were ecstatic to get outside and play during recess. For weeks we have been having indoor recess. The students had fun playing with Legos, and blocks and board games for a while...but, it was getting old.
I noticed a huge difference in their afternoon behavior after getting to go outside. I am a strong believer that kids need to burn off energy throughout the day. Today, they finally got to do that!! After the students came back inside they were surprisingly on task and ready to focus on the afternoon instruction. I'm really curious to see if this pattern will repeat the rest of the week since it is suppose to be so nice outside all week. (Fingers crossed!)
I noticed a huge difference in their afternoon behavior after getting to go outside. I am a strong believer that kids need to burn off energy throughout the day. Today, they finally got to do that!! After the students came back inside they were surprisingly on task and ready to focus on the afternoon instruction. I'm really curious to see if this pattern will repeat the rest of the week since it is suppose to be so nice outside all week. (Fingers crossed!)
4 More Days
March 4, 2016
It's really starting to hit me that I only have 4 more days in the classroom that I have been in since August. I only have 4 days left with the co-op that taught me more about teaching than I ever imagined I could learn. Only 4 more days with my wonderful students that I have watched grow in all subjects.
I understand that this 8 week placement was just part of my student teaching requirement;however, it became so much more than that. I find myself not wanting to leave. This is a just a step I have to take towards my goal of having my own classroom one day.
Graduation is in exactly 2 months. I have 8 weeks and 4 days left of student teaching. My PECT exams are passed. I am patiently awaiting jobs to be posted. Everything is getting very real and it is all happening faster than I thought. Ready or not....Chloe Stine is almost a real teacher.
It's really starting to hit me that I only have 4 more days in the classroom that I have been in since August. I only have 4 days left with the co-op that taught me more about teaching than I ever imagined I could learn. Only 4 more days with my wonderful students that I have watched grow in all subjects.
I understand that this 8 week placement was just part of my student teaching requirement;however, it became so much more than that. I find myself not wanting to leave. This is a just a step I have to take towards my goal of having my own classroom one day.
Graduation is in exactly 2 months. I have 8 weeks and 4 days left of student teaching. My PECT exams are passed. I am patiently awaiting jobs to be posted. Everything is getting very real and it is all happening faster than I thought. Ready or not....Chloe Stine is almost a real teacher.
Constellations
March 3, 2016
We continued our Space unit today! I turned the lights off and had all the children lay back on the carpet. I told them to envision it was a warm summer night and they were laying in the grass and looking up at the sky. I gave them about 2 minutes before turning on the lights. Each student shared something they saw in the sky. Many students shared similar answers, clouds, stars, the moon and someone even saw constellations. Her answer was my perfect lead into today's lesson. (Don't you just love when that happens!!)
After discussing what a constellation was each student had the opportunity to go to the chalkboard and take one of the constellation cards I taped there. We transitioned back to the Smartboard where we were about to virtually enter a planetarium. This was a great website I found and I was super excited that I could do this activity with my students. My goal was to have everyone find the constellation they had chosen in our virtual planetarium. I'm not going to lie; I was a little nervous that this would be too challenging and my lesson would turn into a flop. However, after consideration I decided to go through with it. It went better than I ever expected!
Lesson learned...it doesn't hurt to try something once. You'll never know if you don't try.
After that activity each student got paper, mini marshmallows and toothpicks to make a replica of their constellation. I was so pleased with this lesson, and this whole unit in general!
We continued our Space unit today! I turned the lights off and had all the children lay back on the carpet. I told them to envision it was a warm summer night and they were laying in the grass and looking up at the sky. I gave them about 2 minutes before turning on the lights. Each student shared something they saw in the sky. Many students shared similar answers, clouds, stars, the moon and someone even saw constellations. Her answer was my perfect lead into today's lesson. (Don't you just love when that happens!!)
Lesson learned...it doesn't hurt to try something once. You'll never know if you don't try.
After that activity each student got paper, mini marshmallows and toothpicks to make a replica of their constellation. I was so pleased with this lesson, and this whole unit in general!
Wednesday, March 2, 2016
Sarcasm
I am an extremely sarcastic individual. Since being in the classroom it has been a constant struggle for me to turn that sarcasm off. At least once a day I let it slip. Is this a big deal...no, it's not like I'm talking about profanity or anything of that sort. However, the issue is that my students have no idea that I am being sarcastic.
I am not exaggerating when I say that they take everything that comes out of my mouth completely seriously. This isn't a bad thing though. Student's should trust their teachers. What makes me nervous is that my use of sarcasm will weaken that trust bond I have worked so hard to form.
Many times I have caught myself when I am about to answer sarcastically to students and I switch my reply to an actual answer. Immediately after I give my sarcastic replies I feel so bad looking at the concerned and confused looks on my students faces. If I was with older students this would definitely not be as major of an issue, but first grade students just do not understand. I don't think I am the only one that struggles with this issue. I know that it is something I need to work on and I think in time I will be better at stopping the words before they come out of my mouth.
I am not exaggerating when I say that they take everything that comes out of my mouth completely seriously. This isn't a bad thing though. Student's should trust their teachers. What makes me nervous is that my use of sarcasm will weaken that trust bond I have worked so hard to form.
Many times I have caught myself when I am about to answer sarcastically to students and I switch my reply to an actual answer. Immediately after I give my sarcastic replies I feel so bad looking at the concerned and confused looks on my students faces. If I was with older students this would definitely not be as major of an issue, but first grade students just do not understand. I don't think I am the only one that struggles with this issue. I know that it is something I need to work on and I think in time I will be better at stopping the words before they come out of my mouth.
Tuesday, March 1, 2016
Frogs
I haven't posted awhile about a specific lesson I did so I decided to do that today.We concluded our life cycle unit today with frogs. We began by watching an interactive life cycle video that was paired with a review activity. Students then transitioned back to their desks. Step by step the students created life cycle hats. They all did such a great job at drawing and labeling each step (and later ordering them). I pre-cut most of the items for the hat but I did allow the students to cut out the eyes and tongue for their frog. I think there is a fine line between pre-cutting materials. Most of the time it is a time saver for the lesson itself. A huge plus is also that the final products will look like they are "suppose" to. However, I think when students cut out their own materials it makes the projects look so much more personal to the students. This project walked that fine line. I felt as though I prepared enough of the materials to keep the lesson in the time frame, but allowed them enough creative freedom.
The students (and myself) had so much fun with this activity. It was relaxed and laid back yet organized and well managed.
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