Hello,
1. How did Schmidt's chapter 11 inform your thinking about communication?
Schmidt outlined 10 effective tools for communication. Which are:
1. Proactive
2. Positive
3. Frequent
4. Clear
5. Basic
6. Attention grabbing
7. Appealing
8. Inclusive
9. Timely
10. Error-free
Each of these tools are outlined in the chapter and how to use them effectively. Being "proactive" is good because it explains that as teachers they need to be proactive with their students and their families. I also believe that "basic" is another important factor in communication. Keeping things basic is vital for the parents. Appealing is another factor that I found useful, such as keeping fonts legible including student artwork in your classroom and maybe in your website. Timely is another conversation starter that teachers need to be aware of. These are just some of the many communication starters that I found interesting and useful for the classroom.
2. From reading chapter 11, how will you be better prepared for parent teacher conferences?
I found that the Parent/Teacher conferences survival guide was very helpful. The tips given in the chapter were very relevant. The tips such as: being prepared, looking professional, making signs, picking my battles, and ending on an ascending note were all helpful tips for when I need to go through these conferences in the next few weeks.
Courtney
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Weekly Reflection 6
Hello,
This was my last week full time teaching. However, it was not a good week for me. I came to question if teaching is really for me. This is something that I am praying about and hope to find the answer during my second placement.
Monday:
The students were continually making noises and not paying attention to the final day of notes. I found it hard for me to really be patient with the students. I have to prep the students for the tests they have this week. This formal assessment will tell me know how I did teaching the material.
Tuesday:
Today, was just one of those days where from the moment you wake up you just want go to bed. The kids were giving me a headache from talking so much. It was very frustrating. I would say that the funniest thing is that my students wanted to know my first name, so I used that as motivation for them to stay on task. I told them they could not use my first name until they graduated from high school though.
This was my last week full time teaching. However, it was not a good week for me. I came to question if teaching is really for me. This is something that I am praying about and hope to find the answer during my second placement.
Monday:
The students were continually making noises and not paying attention to the final day of notes. I found it hard for me to really be patient with the students. I have to prep the students for the tests they have this week. This formal assessment will tell me know how I did teaching the material.
Tuesday:
Today, was just one of those days where from the moment you wake up you just want go to bed. The kids were giving me a headache from talking so much. It was very frustrating. I would say that the funniest thing is that my students wanted to know my first name, so I used that as motivation for them to stay on task. I told them they could not use my first name until they graduated from high school though.
Wednesday:
Today, I was able to help the principal fix the projector in
a meeting. It was very good for her to see me computer savy. Other than
that, I had a horrible day. Today, I am truly questioning if teaching is for
me. I realized that these students don’t want to do the work and do not care
what I think about their work ethic. It made me wonder, if they don’t care; why
should I? I guess I’m just getting really frustrated with telling them to stop
doing something and they keep doing it anyway. I feel like I can only repeat
myself so much. I don’t want to give detentions, because I know they won’t do
anything. The same student will just do the same thing tomorrow. I’m so tired
of repeating myself. I have woken up each day this week and not once have I
been excited to go to school. I want a job where I will be excited to go to
work. I don’t feel that right now and it kind of scares me to be honest.
Thursday:
The students were not as chatty today, mostly due to taking
the test. However, I am extremely overwhelmed with grading. It just keeps
piling up. I hope that I can get some work done this weekend.
Friday:
Today was a shortened day I was able to do a lesson where I read to the students but did not finish all of the directions for every class. They ate it up. I believe that no matter what age the students always want to be read to. I am more than excited to see what writing they come up with on Monday.
I am praying that this was just a bad week and not a feeling of despair that stays with me.
Courtney
I am praying that this was just a bad week and not a feeling of despair that stays with me.
Courtney
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Classroom Confidential 3
Hello
Chapter 3
I believe that the best quote is out of this chapter is:
"All behavior is motivated by one of two basic instincts: 1. To seek pleasure. 2. To avoid pain."(45)
I think that this is true, as in my class the students either act out to gain attention, seek pleasure or acceptance from their peers, and to avoid the pain of doing work. Or it is the complete opposite: the students will behave well to gain attention from the teacher mostly, not their peers, or they want to avoid the pain of failing.
Schmidt continues, "unfortunately, their motives often get lost in translation, and we (the teachers) simply see a troublemaker or a kid who won't try." I have dealt with this in my own classroom as two of my students in one of my periods do not want to do any task. They talk back when I ask them to stop talking, question every activity we do, and perpetually waste class time. I have had to send one them out in the class twice already in order to get through the material. My CT and I both talked to the student, but we haven't chewed him out. We continually ask him why he is doing what he is doing, but he keeps saying he is not sure. My CT asked me to just give him three warnings before putting him out in the hall again. I am going to try this on Monday and hope that it works. It could be very true that he does not know why he is doing what he is doing. However, to me it is clear he wants attention but just the wrong kind.
I found the signs of self-accommodation-ers very interesting as well. Knowing the signs of what they look like can better help me work through my classroom on how to help each student. Camouflagers were also informative on how they work and how to interact with them in the classroom.
Lastly, the second thing that stuck out the most was choice. I always try to give my students the power of choice in the classroom. I believe it makes them feel empowered and wanted in the classroom. I really enjoyed this chapter, as it was definitely useful for this week in the classroom.
Courtney
Chapter 3
I believe that the best quote is out of this chapter is:
"All behavior is motivated by one of two basic instincts: 1. To seek pleasure. 2. To avoid pain."(45)
I think that this is true, as in my class the students either act out to gain attention, seek pleasure or acceptance from their peers, and to avoid the pain of doing work. Or it is the complete opposite: the students will behave well to gain attention from the teacher mostly, not their peers, or they want to avoid the pain of failing.
Schmidt continues, "unfortunately, their motives often get lost in translation, and we (the teachers) simply see a troublemaker or a kid who won't try." I have dealt with this in my own classroom as two of my students in one of my periods do not want to do any task. They talk back when I ask them to stop talking, question every activity we do, and perpetually waste class time. I have had to send one them out in the class twice already in order to get through the material. My CT and I both talked to the student, but we haven't chewed him out. We continually ask him why he is doing what he is doing, but he keeps saying he is not sure. My CT asked me to just give him three warnings before putting him out in the hall again. I am going to try this on Monday and hope that it works. It could be very true that he does not know why he is doing what he is doing. However, to me it is clear he wants attention but just the wrong kind.
I found the signs of self-accommodation-ers very interesting as well. Knowing the signs of what they look like can better help me work through my classroom on how to help each student. Camouflagers were also informative on how they work and how to interact with them in the classroom.
Lastly, the second thing that stuck out the most was choice. I always try to give my students the power of choice in the classroom. I believe it makes them feel empowered and wanted in the classroom. I really enjoyed this chapter, as it was definitely useful for this week in the classroom.
Courtney
Weekly Reflection 5
Hello,
This week:
This week:
Monday was an interesting day. The students did not want to
stay on task. Every period was generally chatty. I had a headache all day. But
it seems like that is what teaching is all about. Sometimes the students didn't
want to stay on task. That is understandable. I remember not wanting to do work
at that age, but I try to make the lessons as fun as possible. I hope tomorrow is better.
Tuesday was very similar to Monday; the students talked
through every class. One thing that stuck out the most today, was that one
of my students loaned me her book that she suggested to me on Friday. I think
that goes a long way when you’re a kid and you trust someone with your
possessions. I told her I would try to finish the book before I leave. I also
found that even though you think you have a lot planned it is not always
enough. Most of the kids sped through the work I had planned for them.
Thankfully, I had a writing prompt planned for them to complete towards the end
of class. I found that sometimes you need a backup plan. I am excited to try
out the activities I have planned for tomorrow.
Wednesday
The students were so chatty today. They really did not want
to stay on task. I find that I am really struggling with finding fun
activities. However, the students are really working well with the material. It
is exciting to see their faces light up when they know the answer or when I joke with them.
Thursday
Today the kids were a lot better. I think it is because it's getting closer to the weekend. They were generally on task for the most
part. I believe it was because the notes were not very long. I had to change my
lesson plan at the last minute to catch the students up on vocabulary. I felt
we were lagging behind in that department and focusing too much on Grammar. I
am really excited for our games tomorrow and I know the kids will like them
too. I had a problem in my last class with the usual trouble maker. My CT
talked to him as I did and he really doesn’t know why he’s acting up just in my
class. Maybe it’s because he wants the wrong kind of attention, but I will
continue to work with him. I don’t want him out in the hall the entire time he still needs to be able to learn
Friday
Today, the students were very talkative. They loved the vocabulary games we played in class. However, they also could not keep their noise level down. My CT told one class, very loudly, that she would not ever play games with her after I leave ever again. It was a Friday and the students were squirrel-y because of this I was a bit lenient with the students on them being over hyper. They really wanted to read their Buckabee character stories and they were really fun to hear. I also made a project for the one period I can't teach vocabulary to because another teacher does.
This week the professional teaching standard that I applied to my lessons this week was Learning Environment, which states: "The competent teacher uses an understanding of individual and group motivation and behavior to create a learning environment that encourages positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation." I found that this was the case for this week as I really wanted to make a learning environment that was fun and engaging and I felt that I did well with that.
Courtney
Saturday, September 15, 2012
Classroom Confidential 4
Hello,
1. Describe how your understanding of culture was enhanced or changed by your reading of chapter 4 in Schmidt.
I feel that I have a decent understanding of culture. Schmidt's ideas and concepts of culture are merited. A few concepts that I found interesting are:
1. Describe how your understanding of culture was enhanced or changed by your reading of chapter 4 in Schmidt.
I feel that I have a decent understanding of culture. Schmidt's ideas and concepts of culture are merited. A few concepts that I found interesting are:
- "Great teachers reject the deficit model and recognize that all kids have personal strengths that spring directly from their families and the culture in which they were raised." (69)
- If a great teacher calls to do this then I am more than willing to recognize a student's strengths. This should be a natural thing to do as a teacher.
- "Through narratives, conversations, jokes, and direct instruction, he gives them access to the unstated rules and intricacies of the dominant culture and explicitly tells them how they can make it work for them." (71)
- Making it work for the students it a key factor, I believe, in introducing culture to the classroom. Giving access to these things is how the students will naturally adopt culture in the classroom.
- "Pay individual attention to your students. Greet each one personally as they arrive."(85)
- I think this is important because it was something that was never done for me. To be noticed by an adult in a room of other students is powerful. This is something I am working on even while student teaching.
- I also love the idea of reading aloud. I would like to try this during homeroom, but I know I will not be able to finish the book before I leave my placement. I definitely want to try this for my own classroom one day. I love modeling reading, it makes reading more fun for the student and the teacher.
- I also liked how he outlined the culturally inappropriate materials. These are important to remember and notice while teaching.
- It emphasis inclusion which is vital.
Weekly Reflection 4
Hello,
This week was probably my most enjoyable thus far.
Monday:
This week is anti bullying week so each day the students have something to wear or look forward to. Today, there was an assembly on bullying and how to prevent or defend yourself/others from bullying. I found that it was a bit juvenile for the age group that was present. The students were almost turned off from the prospect of sitting there for the entire assembly. I found that the kids, if they feel the presentation is above them in age, will turn away from listening to what you have to say. Today, I also worked with the students on reviewing for their chapter 1 test. On Thursday, I take over full time in the classroom. I am excited about this prospect.
Tuesday:
The students took a test today. They had posters to do on Chapter 1, they presented those to the class. My cooperating teacher wanted to get me into teaching a bit more so I was able to just go through her lesson plan as she had it outlined for today and Wednesday.
Wednesday/Thursday:
I started teaching full time. I administered notes and started reviewing for the vocabulary test the students have on Thursday/Friday. Notes went well. I made up a character named Buckabee, which all of the students took a liking to. They wanted to know what he was, but I told them I hadn't decided yet. Later on, I told them I would have a contest with a descriptive essay to see who could come up with the best description of Buckabee. The kids are really excited about that, because I offered a homework pass for the winner/participants. The students were having a lot of fun with that idea. On Thursday, I moved on to the next section of the notes and the students were pleasantly surprised with Buckabee showing up again. Thursday was team up against bullying and the students and teacher wore their favorite sports teams. The students were all interested to find I was a Sox fan.
Friday:
This week has taught me about Learning Environment, the fifth professional teaching standard. "The competent teacher uses an understanding of individual and group motivation and behavior to create a learning environment that encourages positive social interactions, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation." Today, the students had a test, notes, and homework to work through. My plan is to have a game every Friday that goes over the work for that week. However, in order to keep the students attention I promised them the game at the end of period. They were able to keep it together with their noise and comments. I found that I had made a learning environment that promoted social interaction with a team game and fun through learning. I really did have fun with my students this week; I believe that next week will be even better because I have fun challenging work for them to complete. The last day of bullying week was Spirit wear and my CT generously purchased a Arbor Park t-shirt.
I find that the more that I teach on my own the more I learn about my own teaching style. Knowing what kind of teacher I want to be will mold the way I learn with my students and how my students will learn with me.
Courtney
This week was probably my most enjoyable thus far.
Monday:
This week is anti bullying week so each day the students have something to wear or look forward to. Today, there was an assembly on bullying and how to prevent or defend yourself/others from bullying. I found that it was a bit juvenile for the age group that was present. The students were almost turned off from the prospect of sitting there for the entire assembly. I found that the kids, if they feel the presentation is above them in age, will turn away from listening to what you have to say. Today, I also worked with the students on reviewing for their chapter 1 test. On Thursday, I take over full time in the classroom. I am excited about this prospect.
Tuesday:
The students took a test today. They had posters to do on Chapter 1, they presented those to the class. My cooperating teacher wanted to get me into teaching a bit more so I was able to just go through her lesson plan as she had it outlined for today and Wednesday.
Wednesday/Thursday:
I started teaching full time. I administered notes and started reviewing for the vocabulary test the students have on Thursday/Friday. Notes went well. I made up a character named Buckabee, which all of the students took a liking to. They wanted to know what he was, but I told them I hadn't decided yet. Later on, I told them I would have a contest with a descriptive essay to see who could come up with the best description of Buckabee. The kids are really excited about that, because I offered a homework pass for the winner/participants. The students were having a lot of fun with that idea. On Thursday, I moved on to the next section of the notes and the students were pleasantly surprised with Buckabee showing up again. Thursday was team up against bullying and the students and teacher wore their favorite sports teams. The students were all interested to find I was a Sox fan.
Friday:
This week has taught me about Learning Environment, the fifth professional teaching standard. "The competent teacher uses an understanding of individual and group motivation and behavior to create a learning environment that encourages positive social interactions, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation." Today, the students had a test, notes, and homework to work through. My plan is to have a game every Friday that goes over the work for that week. However, in order to keep the students attention I promised them the game at the end of period. They were able to keep it together with their noise and comments. I found that I had made a learning environment that promoted social interaction with a team game and fun through learning. I really did have fun with my students this week; I believe that next week will be even better because I have fun challenging work for them to complete. The last day of bullying week was Spirit wear and my CT generously purchased a Arbor Park t-shirt.
I find that the more that I teach on my own the more I learn about my own teaching style. Knowing what kind of teacher I want to be will mold the way I learn with my students and how my students will learn with me.
Courtney
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Weekly Reflection 3
Hello.
Monday we did not have class due to Labor Day. Labor being one of the vocabulary words my students had, I was sure to incorporate it throughout the week.
Tuesday-
Tuesday was interesting. The students were very lethargic, I believe it was due to the long weekend. I was able to work with the students more as my CT asked me to start taking over vocabulary in addition to the D.O.L. I found that the vocabulary book issued to the students could be a bit more challenging for the students. I also was preparing to teach the entire day on Wednesday. I have a lesson planned in order to see where the students were at academically.
Wednesday-
I was observed today and I felt that I wasn't bad, but I do have a lot to learn. I found that 60 mintues of teaching time is quiet long, but it does leave a lot of time for instruction which is good. I was definitely working on Standard 6- Instructional Delivery, which states "the competent teacher uses a understanding of individual and group motivation and behavior to create a learning environment that encourages positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation." I have found that creating motivation is important when the students appear disinterested in the information. Dr. B.C. told me something that I found interesting: when the students aren't challenged then they're not having fun. I am a strong believer in having fun in the classroom. I believe that by playing the fly swatter game with my students based on their vocabulary and making it a bit more challenging by adding antonyms and synonyms the students had more fun. I am looking forward to challenging my students next week as I take over full time.
Thursday-
I spoke with my CT, and we outlined much of the upcoming weeks. It is still in the beginning stages, but I think that by rolling with the punches I can learn to think on my feet a bit more. I was able to bring in standards of planning for instruction (4) and collaborative relationships (9). We were able to gauge what the students needed and I was even able to ask if I could pick up the pace with their vocabulary. As, I believe the students are able to retain the vocabulary much faster than the pace they are learning the terms at.
Friday-
The students worked in the computer lab and were reviewing for a upcoming test. I found that the students like to work on projects that incorporate creativity. I definitely want to try to incorporate that in my own lessons.
This past week I have learned that if I'm not having fun, then my student's are probably not having fun either. I hope to incorporate this philosophy in my next week of teaching. Now that I know that it takes an exciting teacher to make a lesson even more exciting I want to see what I can do to push my students to the academic limit and how I can also learn in the process.
Courtney
Monday we did not have class due to Labor Day. Labor being one of the vocabulary words my students had, I was sure to incorporate it throughout the week.
Tuesday-
Tuesday was interesting. The students were very lethargic, I believe it was due to the long weekend. I was able to work with the students more as my CT asked me to start taking over vocabulary in addition to the D.O.L. I found that the vocabulary book issued to the students could be a bit more challenging for the students. I also was preparing to teach the entire day on Wednesday. I have a lesson planned in order to see where the students were at academically.
Wednesday-
I was observed today and I felt that I wasn't bad, but I do have a lot to learn. I found that 60 mintues of teaching time is quiet long, but it does leave a lot of time for instruction which is good. I was definitely working on Standard 6- Instructional Delivery, which states "the competent teacher uses a understanding of individual and group motivation and behavior to create a learning environment that encourages positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation." I have found that creating motivation is important when the students appear disinterested in the information. Dr. B.C. told me something that I found interesting: when the students aren't challenged then they're not having fun. I am a strong believer in having fun in the classroom. I believe that by playing the fly swatter game with my students based on their vocabulary and making it a bit more challenging by adding antonyms and synonyms the students had more fun. I am looking forward to challenging my students next week as I take over full time.
Thursday-
I spoke with my CT, and we outlined much of the upcoming weeks. It is still in the beginning stages, but I think that by rolling with the punches I can learn to think on my feet a bit more. I was able to bring in standards of planning for instruction (4) and collaborative relationships (9). We were able to gauge what the students needed and I was even able to ask if I could pick up the pace with their vocabulary. As, I believe the students are able to retain the vocabulary much faster than the pace they are learning the terms at.
Friday-
The students worked in the computer lab and were reviewing for a upcoming test. I found that the students like to work on projects that incorporate creativity. I definitely want to try to incorporate that in my own lessons.
This past week I have learned that if I'm not having fun, then my student's are probably not having fun either. I hope to incorporate this philosophy in my next week of teaching. Now that I know that it takes an exciting teacher to make a lesson even more exciting I want to see what I can do to push my students to the academic limit and how I can also learn in the process.
Courtney
Monday, September 3, 2012
Classroom Confidential 2
1. I have learned that great teachers build a culture of eptness through searching in the class. Some of the key points of eptness are:
I have found that these are just some a few things I need to work on myself as a teacher. I think that building a classroom of eptness is an important to becoming a teacher.
2. Three behaviors I will use are:
1. Expectations: I think that it is important to inform my students of the expectations early on in the year. I found that if the students are not expected to do anything then they will not.
2. Encouragement: I believe that students who are not encouraged will not believe in themselves. Without that belief it will be difficult to achieve in the classroom. I think that positive reinforcement is necessary from day one in the classroom. I think the best way to encourage my students is to tell them everyday what they are capable of doing. Encouragement is intertwined with expectations in this format.
3. Being a Model Learner: I believe that learning is important for any age. I love to learn and would love to share that experience with my students. I believe the best way to do that is through trying to learn new things with my students so that we can enjoy the process of finding something new in the classroom. I would love to have interesting facts of the day, or reading news clippings together.
Courtney
- Expecting to play the roles of learner and teacher.
- Share in making decisions in their learning.
- See problems as opportunities.
- Are willing to struggle to clarify their thinking and speaking.
I have found that these are just some a few things I need to work on myself as a teacher. I think that building a classroom of eptness is an important to becoming a teacher.
2. Three behaviors I will use are:
1. Expectations: I think that it is important to inform my students of the expectations early on in the year. I found that if the students are not expected to do anything then they will not.
2. Encouragement: I believe that students who are not encouraged will not believe in themselves. Without that belief it will be difficult to achieve in the classroom. I think that positive reinforcement is necessary from day one in the classroom. I think the best way to encourage my students is to tell them everyday what they are capable of doing. Encouragement is intertwined with expectations in this format.
3. Being a Model Learner: I believe that learning is important for any age. I love to learn and would love to share that experience with my students. I believe the best way to do that is through trying to learn new things with my students so that we can enjoy the process of finding something new in the classroom. I would love to have interesting facts of the day, or reading news clippings together.
Courtney
Sunday, September 2, 2012
Weekly Reflection 2
Week of August 27
Hello,
This week I kept a notation of what happened everyday in class. Below you will find my thoughts from the day and my commentary for what to expect for the next week.
---------
Monday, August 27th
-Today, I mostly worked on the DOL and planning with my cooperating teacher. The students were a bit talkative towards the end of the day, but that is understandable. However, I am quiet nervous about teaching next week. I am worried that the students will not warm up to me and my lesson will be a dud. I got a bit of feedback from my cooperating teacher and she said that I did fine with the DOL. She also gave me a few of the resources to begin building for my own teaching library. I am interested to see what tomorrow will bring.
Tuesday, August 28th
-Today, I made a seating chart in order to get better acquainted with the students in my classes. I also made copies for my cooperating teacher. I was also able to actually see my cooperating teacher begin teaching. I found out that my teacher wanted me to start my observation lesson on Friday so I could work some of the kinks out of the lesson. I am nervous about the first time teaching. I feel that as I get closer to actually teaching on my own it makes me anxious as I have not taught for over a year being abroad last semester. My cooperating teacher gave me time to plan during the day for my lesson on Friday and next week. So, I made a worksheet and the vocabulary game I have planed for the lesson. A few funny things that happened today: One of my students said, "The 90's were the good old days." He was born in 1999. Also, one of my students when asked to read, read with expression that is sounded much like a drama club try out. I think one of my favorite things about working with the 7th grade is the humor they bring to the classroom.
Wednesday, August 29th
-Today the students took notes, I worked on the DOL with the students, and I received more planning books so I can prepare to take over the classroom.
Thursday, August 30th
-Today, I realized there is a lot of repeating that happens. I have one class that I have to prepare for, which makes planning a bit simple. However, when observing it makes watching the same lesson over, and over a bit painful. I'm sure it will change when I'm in front and not all of the students are the same. Tonight is Open House. It will be interesting to meet the parents of my students. I have noticed that the students do look lethargic when listening. I talked my CT (cooperating teacher) about this; she said that that happens a lot in the classroom and sometimes you have to jar the students attention. That made me come to the question: How do I make Language Arts exciting?
Thursday, August 30th - Open House
-There were only about 30 parents who came out of the 150 students in the 7th grade. The parents listened to my CT tell them about the class, very few of them had questions. Most of the parents were very friendly. There was not much to the Open House itself, but it was more of a learning experience for me.
Friday, August 31st
I taught my lesson today. It went O.K. I guess. There are plenty of kinks I need to work out. The kids enjoyed the fly swatter vocabulary game. I found that I really need to work on classroom control. I also found that I tend to be timid in a classroom that I can not call my own. I talked with my CT about this and she said that her classroom is as much hers as it is mine. I think that knowing that will help me with my lesson next week. I will make the necessary changes for the next week.
---------
I hope to learn more about classroom management and how to keep the students engaged in the lesson. The major concept that I learned this week was that I do not like talking about the students. It seems to happen a lot among the teachers and I can't help but wonder what if my former teachers did this to me as a young 7th grade student. Considering how hard a time I had in Middle School another person talking about me is not what I needed. I found that I thoroughly enjoy eating in the classroom by myself instead of the teacher's lounge.
This upcoming week I hope to learn more about developing my own teaching style as well as implement Illinois professional standards #4 Planning for Instruction and #6 Instructional Delivery. This week, I am planning on learning a lot about myself, as well as my students.
Courtney
Hello,
This week I kept a notation of what happened everyday in class. Below you will find my thoughts from the day and my commentary for what to expect for the next week.
---------
Monday, August 27th
-Today, I mostly worked on the DOL and planning with my cooperating teacher. The students were a bit talkative towards the end of the day, but that is understandable. However, I am quiet nervous about teaching next week. I am worried that the students will not warm up to me and my lesson will be a dud. I got a bit of feedback from my cooperating teacher and she said that I did fine with the DOL. She also gave me a few of the resources to begin building for my own teaching library. I am interested to see what tomorrow will bring.
Tuesday, August 28th
-Today, I made a seating chart in order to get better acquainted with the students in my classes. I also made copies for my cooperating teacher. I was also able to actually see my cooperating teacher begin teaching. I found out that my teacher wanted me to start my observation lesson on Friday so I could work some of the kinks out of the lesson. I am nervous about the first time teaching. I feel that as I get closer to actually teaching on my own it makes me anxious as I have not taught for over a year being abroad last semester. My cooperating teacher gave me time to plan during the day for my lesson on Friday and next week. So, I made a worksheet and the vocabulary game I have planed for the lesson. A few funny things that happened today: One of my students said, "The 90's were the good old days." He was born in 1999. Also, one of my students when asked to read, read with expression that is sounded much like a drama club try out. I think one of my favorite things about working with the 7th grade is the humor they bring to the classroom.
Wednesday, August 29th
-Today the students took notes, I worked on the DOL with the students, and I received more planning books so I can prepare to take over the classroom.
Thursday, August 30th
-Today, I realized there is a lot of repeating that happens. I have one class that I have to prepare for, which makes planning a bit simple. However, when observing it makes watching the same lesson over, and over a bit painful. I'm sure it will change when I'm in front and not all of the students are the same. Tonight is Open House. It will be interesting to meet the parents of my students. I have noticed that the students do look lethargic when listening. I talked my CT (cooperating teacher) about this; she said that that happens a lot in the classroom and sometimes you have to jar the students attention. That made me come to the question: How do I make Language Arts exciting?
Thursday, August 30th - Open House
-There were only about 30 parents who came out of the 150 students in the 7th grade. The parents listened to my CT tell them about the class, very few of them had questions. Most of the parents were very friendly. There was not much to the Open House itself, but it was more of a learning experience for me.
Friday, August 31st
I taught my lesson today. It went O.K. I guess. There are plenty of kinks I need to work out. The kids enjoyed the fly swatter vocabulary game. I found that I really need to work on classroom control. I also found that I tend to be timid in a classroom that I can not call my own. I talked with my CT about this and she said that her classroom is as much hers as it is mine. I think that knowing that will help me with my lesson next week. I will make the necessary changes for the next week.
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I hope to learn more about classroom management and how to keep the students engaged in the lesson. The major concept that I learned this week was that I do not like talking about the students. It seems to happen a lot among the teachers and I can't help but wonder what if my former teachers did this to me as a young 7th grade student. Considering how hard a time I had in Middle School another person talking about me is not what I needed. I found that I thoroughly enjoy eating in the classroom by myself instead of the teacher's lounge.
This upcoming week I hope to learn more about developing my own teaching style as well as implement Illinois professional standards #4 Planning for Instruction and #6 Instructional Delivery. This week, I am planning on learning a lot about myself, as well as my students.
Courtney
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