Pre-Student Teaching (EDUC 362: Teaching Experience I) serves as the initial field experience for prospective student teachers and is completed the semester prior to student teaching.
This week was amazing in Mrs. Grimes's 4th grade class! We did a writing unit that jumps off of "Little House on the Prairie" (which they have been reading). The object of the writing activity was for them to think of a place that they would like to move to. They would have to tell why they wanted to move to that particular place, what they are going to do to get ready, how they are going to get there, and what life would be like. Last Thursday, I gave them graphic organizers to use for brainstorming and organizing their thoughts. On Monday, the kids wrote their rough drafts. I circulated the room, helping where I could and answering any questions. On Tuesday the kids continued to write, meanwhile Mrs. Grimes and myself pulled them aside one by one. In our mini-conferences with the kids, they read their stories aloud to us, then together we edited the stories. It was so great to sit with each kid and listen to and talk with them about their stories. On Wednesday, we continued writing and editing. On Thursday, I had a few stragglers for editing conferences, so I finished those then circulated the room and helped the kids finish their final drafts. Then today, we shared our stories together as a class. The kids came up one at a time and read their stories aloud. The rest of the class respectfully listened then applauded each reader. At the end, I shared my moving story with the kids (I think they appreciated that I wrote one along with them). We ended the 3 week experience with hugs and goodbyes. I was sad to be done in Mrs. Grimes's class. I really enjoyed getting to work with and learning from her. I loved coming up with the lessons and activities and I really enjoyed getting to know those kids. I told them that maybe after I'm done with my two-week subbing job, I'll go back for a visit (and get some observations done as well). Overall, it was an awesome experience!
I am glad to hear that you are having such a great experience in Mrs. Grimes class. I have to say that I like your idea of having the students talking about where they would like to move and what it would take to get ready to move. I think that it would be so interesting to hear your students stories and see all of the hard work that your students put into the stories.
I don't want to think about how sad I am going to be saying goodby to my class! I am glad you had a good expeience. Forget being a "student teacher" you were a teacher!
This week I continued with my 10 day solo teaching. I have been working on probability with the students. I have to say that this is a fun unit to go over with the students. It is great being able to use examples to help students understand the vocabulary and the ideas that are being presented to them. I have also had the students make vocabulary playing cards. Students on the back of large playing cards that I have printed out write sentences using their vocaculary and drawing a picture to match it. I found that the cards were a great way to see what the students were learning and their understanding of the vocabulary.
I am fortunate to have been there to watch students interacting with each other in their understanding of probability concepts. They really got it and they helped each other learn along the way. Thank you, April, for scheduling our Final Assessment conference with you and Mrs. Patton.
This week I really focused on learning how Mrs Hunt managed her class. Its hard when you tell a five year old to do something and they just look at you and do nothing. Patience is key. She will sit very quietly for several minutes while she waits for them to realize that she is waiting for them to quite down. I did one solo lesson this week. It seemed to go well. She said the biggest thing is disciplin but not to be too hard on myself becuase it will be that last thing that I master as a teacher. I am really starting to see the value of "not smiling until halloween" philosophy.
I could not even imagine what it must be like to working with 5 year olds. I could see your teacher's point of patience is key. I do have to agree that you can be a bit hard on yourself when it comes to your teaching.
This week was amazing in Mrs. Grimes's 4th grade class! We did a writing unit that jumps off of "Little House on the Prairie" (which they have been reading). The object of the writing activity was for them to think of a place that they would like to move to. They would have to tell why they wanted to move to that particular place, what they are going to do to get ready, how they are going to get there, and what life would be like. Last Thursday, I gave them graphic organizers to use for brainstorming and organizing their thoughts. On Monday, the kids wrote their rough drafts. I circulated the room, helping where I could and answering any questions. On Tuesday the kids continued to write, meanwhile Mrs. Grimes and myself pulled them aside one by one. In our mini-conferences with the kids, they read their stories aloud to us, then together we edited the stories. It was so great to sit with each kid and listen to and talk with them about their stories. On Wednesday, we continued writing and editing. On Thursday, I had a few stragglers for editing conferences, so I finished those then circulated the room and helped the kids finish their final drafts. Then today, we shared our stories together as a class. The kids came up one at a time and read their stories aloud. The rest of the class respectfully listened then applauded each reader. At the end, I shared my moving story with the kids (I think they appreciated that I wrote one along with them). We ended the 3 week experience with hugs and goodbyes. I was sad to be done in Mrs. Grimes's class. I really enjoyed getting to work with and learning from her. I loved coming up with the lessons and activities and I really enjoyed getting to know those kids. I told them that maybe after I'm done with my two-week subbing job, I'll go back for a visit (and get some observations done as well). Overall, it was an awesome experience!
ReplyDeleteI am glad to hear that you are having such a great experience in Mrs. Grimes class. I have to say that I like your idea of having the students talking about where they would like to move and what it would take to get ready to move. I think that it would be so interesting to hear your students stories and see all of the hard work that your students put into the stories.
DeleteI don't want to think about how sad I am going to be saying goodby to my class! I am glad you had a good expeience. Forget being a "student teacher" you were a teacher!
DeleteThis week I continued with my 10 day solo teaching. I have been working on probability with the students. I have to say that this is a fun unit to go over with the students. It is great being able to use examples to help students understand the vocabulary and the ideas that are being presented to them. I have also had the students make vocabulary playing cards. Students on the back of large playing cards that I have printed out write sentences using their vocaculary and drawing a picture to match it. I found that the cards were a great way to see what the students were learning and their understanding of the vocabulary.
ReplyDeleteI am fortunate to have been there to watch students interacting with each other in their understanding of probability concepts. They really got it and they helped each other learn along the way. Thank you, April, for scheduling our Final Assessment conference with you and Mrs. Patton.
DeleteIts great when they "get it" isn't it? Vocabulary game cards sounds like a great idea.
DeleteThis week I really focused on learning how Mrs Hunt managed her class. Its hard when you tell a five year old to do something and they just look at you and do nothing. Patience is key. She will sit very quietly for several minutes while she waits for them to realize that she is waiting for them to quite down. I did one solo lesson this week. It seemed to go well. She said the biggest thing is disciplin but not to be too hard on myself becuase it will be that last thing that I master as a teacher. I am really starting to see the value of "not smiling until halloween" philosophy.
ReplyDeleteI could not even imagine what it must be like to working with 5 year olds. I could see your teacher's point of patience is key. I do have to agree that you can be a bit hard on yourself when it comes to your teaching.
Delete