The Week of December 3

My almost last week of classes. It's the first week that my C.T. took back some classes. I'm not going to lie.. I felt a bit reluctant giving back the class. It's like they're my children.. I know, I probably should think that way, but I just can't help it. As I sat in the back of the classroom, I was able to take notes on things she does differently than I do. How does she manage the class, how does she teach this content, what is her routine, etc. Well, I've learned a lot in that past week, as well as had some time to just sit back and watch.. It's amazing how nice it feels to be off of your feet! :) 

This week, my students entered some "wintery" art in ABC's Weather Sketchers. We've been waiting to see if our school gets announced! The students created an acrostic poem using the word "SNOW" and then illustrated it. I thought it would be a difficult concept for them to understand, but some poems were REALLY good! :) Here's the link if you'd like to check out requirements to enter: 

http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=weather/photos&id=5793074

In some of my posts, I've mentioned an Officer visiting our class on behalf of a gang prevention program. Well, the program is over! The kids had a graduation ceremony at night time- I was the only fifth grade teacher there. The kids were so proud to be there. 15 of my 29 students showed up and I had 15 enthused, proud parents sitting on the bleachers, cheering for their students as they walked across the gym floor. It was a really great opportunity for me because I saw parents out of a regular setting, I got to converse with the officers of the program and I got to have some quality time with my principal. She thanked me for being there and we discussed future plans of potential employment. 

"Education is the ability to listen to almost anything without losing your temper or your self-confidence." Robert Frost

Schmidt

In Chapter 7, Schmidt encourages to bring in the community to the classroom. I think our school somewhat does that. Gang activity is a BIG deal in the community I'm in. We see the problem, and thankfully we are not conforming to the patterns that are beginning to set in stone. We are taking an active approach to the students making better choices. I cannot count the times when students have  came up to tell me something that is about to happen because they remembered what Officer Friendly said in the session. In addition to this, I began giving the students a prompt that says if you could change one thing about your community, what would it be? I have a variety of well written responses. :) 

In Chapter 12 of the book, it's reinforcement of why I became a teacher. As I read along, I felt normal. I thought I was the only one who felt overwhelmed or watched or the one watching, eager to do anything I can to better the learning of my students. One thing that has been happening a lot at my placement is the complaining from teachers. I hear a lot of comments like "If I were single..." it's discouraging at times but if Anne Brown can do it with four kids and mentor, so can I! I saw a lot of great things and decided that one day I want to be one of those great teachers, who changes the world, one student at a time. 

Eleanor Roosevelt said, "Life was meant to be lived and curiosity be kept alive. One must NEVER for what ever reason, turn his back on life." 

The Week of November 26

This week felt like it flew by. Over two months have passed in which I've had the whole class to myself. This upcoming week my teacher will be taking over Reading. It feels odd because I've finally gotten used to doing my guided reading groups. It's taken a lot of time and research to find the best methods, standard 2 states, "The competent teacher has in-depth understanding of content area knowledge that includes central concepts, methods of inquiry, structures of the disciplines, and content area literacy. The teacher creates meaningful learning experiences for each student based upon interactions among content area and pedagogical knowledge, and evidence-based practice." Sitting down and meeting with my small groups is one of the best way to get to know my students. I can also cater to their individual needs.

I feel more confident in all of my teaching. In Science, we began a new unit so I assigned a research project. I've never seen a group of kids more excited to do work. They've been visiting the    Computer Lab and taking turns using the in class computers. They are working hard and really into what they are doing.

In writing, I've been trying to get them to write more. For the past few weeks, I've had them create articles, make post cards and write me letters of places they think I should visit. As an educator, I believe it's important to have students connect on some level to their work. They have really gotten into their work, into self editing, revising and peer editing. I feel very successful.

In Math, we're starting the unit on Division. The students have found division to be very "easy" for now-- I've only done 2 lessons yet.

I'm really starting to feel withdrawn from my students. I only have 2 weeks left, but it feels like 2 days.  I'm excited to what will happen in the next few days.