Today was my unofficial last day of midtier. I didn't get my attendance record signed on my last day, so I showed up today ready to teach of course. Mrs. Roed's class was meeting in the computer lab so I assisted her by making some copies.
Mrs. Roed needed the copies delivered to the High School, so after making the copies I was ready to head out. Mrs. Roed announced that I was leaving and all of the students were upset :( A few of the students gave me hugs, high fives or a wave. I was sad to leave, but will be in touch with Mrs. Roed and the class. I truly enjoyed this experience and cannot wait to see where my adventures take me next!
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
10/27 Visitations and Last Day of Book Club
Today was my last day of Book club, and my last Thursday at West. It was a normal day, with the students working on their Hero essays and myself wandering around the classroom assisting them. I did a lot of one on one work with both 7th and 8th hours. Some students as usual were almost done with their outlines, while others were still struggling to decide who their heroes are. I remember specifically a boy named Colton who's hero is his Dog. I slightly chuckled when he said who is hero is, but I held back my laughter and attempted to assist him with his paper. I gave him some awesome ideas and he took off with his outline. His paper will be wonderful because he is truly passionate about his topic.
Another student was struggling to find her hero and it saddened me that she saw herself with no hero in her life. I struggled to help her choose a hero and we ultimately decided on her mother. She was still struggling with her outline at the end of the day, but at least we found her a hero and she felt comfortable with it. I personally could write a million papers about my heroes, but for her it was a painful process. Her family was split apart, and she seemed to have no positive role models to look up to. I tried to find the positives in her life and she tried to also look at the positives. I think this was a good practice for her. I was happy with my experience today as I felt like a teacher because I was able to help the students toward a finished product.
On a different note:
As I stated earlier in this blog two of my students from West passed away this past week. This was a difficult experience because I am a new teacher and I dont like to think that this could possibly happen to any of my future students. Mrs. Roed and Mr. Meier invited me to attend the viewings for both Riley and Chris and I gladly accepted the invitation. I didn't know if it was appropriate for me to attend the viewings, but i'm glad I decided to go. The details of the visitation I will leave out, but I will say I am glad I attended and I felt it helped both Mrs. Roed and Mr. Meier that I was there. I was a strong person to lean on, and I appreciate them inviting me.
Another student was struggling to find her hero and it saddened me that she saw herself with no hero in her life. I struggled to help her choose a hero and we ultimately decided on her mother. She was still struggling with her outline at the end of the day, but at least we found her a hero and she felt comfortable with it. I personally could write a million papers about my heroes, but for her it was a painful process. Her family was split apart, and she seemed to have no positive role models to look up to. I tried to find the positives in her life and she tried to also look at the positives. I think this was a good practice for her. I was happy with my experience today as I felt like a teacher because I was able to help the students toward a finished product.
On a different note:
As I stated earlier in this blog two of my students from West passed away this past week. This was a difficult experience because I am a new teacher and I dont like to think that this could possibly happen to any of my future students. Mrs. Roed and Mr. Meier invited me to attend the viewings for both Riley and Chris and I gladly accepted the invitation. I didn't know if it was appropriate for me to attend the viewings, but i'm glad I decided to go. The details of the visitation I will leave out, but I will say I am glad I attended and I felt it helped both Mrs. Roed and Mr. Meier that I was there. I was a strong person to lean on, and I appreciate them inviting me.
10/11 Foreshadowing (2nd Lesson)
This weekend I was informed I would be teaching my second lesson to the students in Mrs. Roed's classroom. I work all weekend, so I didn't get the email until Monday morning...awesome! I had to prepare my lesson in one day and have my lesson plan in to Mrs. Roed by the night before. I was extremely nervous about this lesson because of the lack of time I had to become comfortable with the topic. I arrived at West Intermediate with butterflies for the first time, and my nerves didn't calm down until Mrs. Roed assured me that everything would be fine. She is always good at calming nerves and letting me know that I am not expected to be perfect!
My lesson was about foreshadowing and I began by reading aloud to them. I was excited to read to the students because I got to read in a "scary" voice and they all followed along and used good listening practices. Before reading to them I gave them a handout and a definition of foreshadowing. They had a lot of questions and were initially confused, but over the course of the week they seemed to grasp the idea and wanted to put it to use in their own works.
After my reading the students were turned loose and got into groups and read the play aloud to each other. I have a few alterations I would make to this part of the lesson, but overall it went well. One of the things I would change is the group sizes. The class was split in half and the groups were just too big. Students also struggled to hear because they had to read over the other groups reading.
Overall the lesson welt well and I enjoyed sharing it with the students.
My lesson was about foreshadowing and I began by reading aloud to them. I was excited to read to the students because I got to read in a "scary" voice and they all followed along and used good listening practices. Before reading to them I gave them a handout and a definition of foreshadowing. They had a lot of questions and were initially confused, but over the course of the week they seemed to grasp the idea and wanted to put it to use in their own works.
After my reading the students were turned loose and got into groups and read the play aloud to each other. I have a few alterations I would make to this part of the lesson, but overall it went well. One of the things I would change is the group sizes. The class was split in half and the groups were just too big. Students also struggled to hear because they had to read over the other groups reading.
Overall the lesson welt well and I enjoyed sharing it with the students.
10/6 Hourglass
For book club we are reading a book called Hourglass. I was immediately interested in this book, and couldn't wait for the girls to read it. This week we all brought quotes from the book that we enjoyed and enjoyed some wonderful snacks. The girls LOVE this book, and many have already finished. I am glad they are so enthusiastic about reading and hope they bring even more girls to join book club. This entry is a bit short because most of the classes right now involve either observing or randomly assisting where i'm needed. A high school pre-student teaching student is also involved with helping out in the classroom so my job duties have drastically decreased. I enjoy having the high school student there with me, but at the same time she often times takes over and I am left to just watch. I am working on stepping in more so I can get the most out of this experience! I will keep you posted on this issue!
First Lesson 10/4
Today was the first time I taught in front of my classes. On any normal day in Mrs. Roed's class I would observe and assist where I am needed. Today I got to present a lesson plan I arranged and the kids really seemed to enjoy it. My lesson was about the ABCD's of writing and I presented it using a powerpoint presentation. I borrowed the powerpoint from one of Mrs. Roed's colleagues and it seemed to be very helpful to the students.
I was nervous about teaching in front of the class, but the students have always been respectful and paid attention and asked questions when I looked to them for answers. I presented the powerpoint about effectively reading and understanding a writing prompt. I taught the students how to breakdown a prompt so that they could get past the "fluff" and into the real question. I was very happy with my lesson, and while the students had lots of questions and confusion (this is normal for them) they worked together to make senes of the task in front of them.
I am proud of my first lesson and Mrs. Roed's evaluation expressed that I was successful :-D
I was nervous about teaching in front of the class, but the students have always been respectful and paid attention and asked questions when I looked to them for answers. I presented the powerpoint about effectively reading and understanding a writing prompt. I taught the students how to breakdown a prompt so that they could get past the "fluff" and into the real question. I was very happy with my lesson, and while the students had lots of questions and confusion (this is normal for them) they worked together to make senes of the task in front of them.
I am proud of my first lesson and Mrs. Roed's evaluation expressed that I was successful :-D
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
R.I.P Riley and Chris
Today is not one of my usual days to write for my midtier. It is a wednesday and I was informed this morning that two of my midtier students have passed away. I don't have much to say at this point as I have not been to West to fully experience the pain the students are feeling. I am trying to put on my typical brave face and hope they know everything will be alright...time heals pain.
10/20/11 Substitute
Today was a very different kind of day in Mrs. Rode's classroom; we had a substitute teacher. Mrs. Rode had a family commitment for the weekend and ended up taking Thursday and Friday off to prepare. I was interested to see how the class would go without her there to keep things in order and surprisingly it went very well. I was surprised when I got to the classroom and found that the sub was my age (maybe a few years older) and was a lot shorter and younger looking than me. The classes went smoothly, with the two of us walking around and assisting students with their worksheets and answering questions. The rest of the time was uneventful, but still as usual a great learning experience for me.
Monday, October 17, 2011
One-on-One 9/29
This week the students are reading a story called The Rise of the Red Chief. It is a cute story that the students have in their literature books. I have enjoyed watching and observing Mrs. Roed teaching this story and the reading techniques students need to master. One of the activities I enjoyed and hope to implement in my future classroom is to have the students make predictions about a story by the artwork that is on either the cover or a picture that goes with the story. In the students literature book each story has "cover art" and the students can make predictions about characters, plot and story line from this artwork. The students seem to enjoy this activity and like hearing their peers' opinons and ideas. Mrs. Roed always encourages her students to read their writing aloud to their peers; either in small groups or to the whole class. I like this portion of the class period because the students get practice reading aloud and this boosts their confidence with public speaking.
During the last hour of the day I got the opportunity to go in the hall and assist students who had missed class throughout the week. I helped them get caught up with their work, and tried to keep them on task. I was amazed at the struggle a few of the students had while reading the assigned pages. I was amazed that they were opposed to reading 4 pages of text and that it was that big of a deal. I had trouble encouraging them to read because I saw it as the easiest assignment ever. I will have to learn and work on a few ways to help students want to read.
Book Club:
During book club today we wer asked to bring a quote from the first 100 pages of Hourglass. I chose a quote that I thought represented the overall feelings of the main character, but the quote was also funny. One of the book club members Hailey was struggling to complete her required book summary about a book she read over the summer. Mrs. Roed asked me to help Hailey complete her summary and I gladly accompanied her to the library to begin typing. We worked on the summary and after a bit of a struggle we completed what she thought was a fair attempt. I later learned that Hailey often struggles with this type of assignment and that Mrs. Roed felt bad about asking me to help. I obviously took this opportunity as a great way to learn about working one on one with students and enjoyed the chance to help Hailey do her best.
The quotes the girls chose were all interesting, and its cool to see their individual personalities coming out of their shells. I can't wait for more opportunities at book club.
During the last hour of the day I got the opportunity to go in the hall and assist students who had missed class throughout the week. I helped them get caught up with their work, and tried to keep them on task. I was amazed at the struggle a few of the students had while reading the assigned pages. I was amazed that they were opposed to reading 4 pages of text and that it was that big of a deal. I had trouble encouraging them to read because I saw it as the easiest assignment ever. I will have to learn and work on a few ways to help students want to read.
Book Club:
During book club today we wer asked to bring a quote from the first 100 pages of Hourglass. I chose a quote that I thought represented the overall feelings of the main character, but the quote was also funny. One of the book club members Hailey was struggling to complete her required book summary about a book she read over the summer. Mrs. Roed asked me to help Hailey complete her summary and I gladly accompanied her to the library to begin typing. We worked on the summary and after a bit of a struggle we completed what she thought was a fair attempt. I later learned that Hailey often struggles with this type of assignment and that Mrs. Roed felt bad about asking me to help. I obviously took this opportunity as a great way to learn about working one on one with students and enjoyed the chance to help Hailey do her best.
The quotes the girls chose were all interesting, and its cool to see their individual personalities coming out of their shells. I can't wait for more opportunities at book club.
9/27
Today I learned how to work a Scantron grading machine. It is not rocket science, but I feel really cool and accomplished because it is one more thing I can say I know how to work. I often help with making copies and running small errands if Mrs. Roed really needs the help. She is always appreciative of my help and I feel like a valued member of her classroom.
Most days I arrive at West about 15 minutes early and get to sit in on Mrs. Roed's "team" planning hour. I enjoy listening to the teachers talk about problem students and how they are going to fix issues with students. This short observation period is a great way for me to learn about dealing with problem students in an actual classroom setting. I like hearing about the different issues the team is having with particular students because I can be on the lookout for those behaviors while I am teaching in Mrs. Roed's classroom. The other teachers on Mrs. Roed's team seem to enjoy hearing my "views" about students, but I try not to interrupt their meetings with unnecessary questions or opinions.
Most days I arrive at West about 15 minutes early and get to sit in on Mrs. Roed's "team" planning hour. I enjoy listening to the teachers talk about problem students and how they are going to fix issues with students. This short observation period is a great way for me to learn about dealing with problem students in an actual classroom setting. I like hearing about the different issues the team is having with particular students because I can be on the lookout for those behaviors while I am teaching in Mrs. Roed's classroom. The other teachers on Mrs. Roed's team seem to enjoy hearing my "views" about students, but I try not to interrupt their meetings with unnecessary questions or opinions.
Book Fair 9/20 and 9/22
This week was not a typical week at West Intermediate. Both days I worked the book fair in the library. The first day I sold 0 books, but the second day I sold a whopping 1 book. During my time in the library I read the book Guinness Book of World Records and Ripley's Believe it or Not. It was boring, but I now know how to work the Schoolastic computers and how to run a book fair if I ever encounter one in my years as an educator. Overall it was an uneventful week, but I always try to learn something from my experience!
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
8th Grade Dance 9/16/11
Today was not a typical midtier day. I volunteered to attend and help out with the after school dance that was held for the 8th graders. I was assigned the duty of "front door guard". Myself and the other midtier students at West were assigned different locations throughout the school. We were equipped with walkie-talkies and were lead to our individual spots. My job was relatively easy, but keeping the students away from their lockers; especially when "hair emergencies" were a huge issue was difficult. I was amazed at the amount of drama that goes on in a middle school dance. I saw at leas 5 girls leave the gymnasium crying and at least 5 boys be disciplined; one for "grinding" on Mrs. Roed. I had to laugh when I heard that story!
Overall the experience was fun and I learned a lot about crowd control. I am pretty good at manning the doors because I have grown up watching my Dad keep his schools under control. Thanks Dad :-D
Overall the experience was fun and I learned a lot about crowd control. I am pretty good at manning the doors because I have grown up watching my Dad keep his schools under control. Thanks Dad :-D
First Day of "Book Club" 9/15/11
Today was day 2 of my midtier experience. The classroom experience today was relatively straightforward. I did some running around and then listened to the lecture as I organized the bookshelves in Mrs. Roed's room. She really seems to appreciate the help, and I am happy to do anything she needs assistance with.
On Tuesday of this week Mrs. Roed told me about the "book club" she holds every year. I was invited to join her and the students after school every Thursday. The book club group consists of all girls ranging from 7th to 9th grade. Mrs. Roed has some 9th graders who loved book club so much they wanted to return, even though they are now in high school. The 9th graders add a very different dynamic to the group, as they are much more outspoken and comfortable with the group. The younger girls are all soft spoken and often get talked over by the 9th graders. Most of the time the group gets along wonderfully, but I can see both negative and positive aspects to the 9th graders attending book club. A positive aspect is that the younger girls will have friends when they reach the high school. A negative aspect is that the younger girls often feel their opinions aren't as important as the older girls; therefore they keep their thoughts to themselves. I really enjoy "book club" so far and think it is a really cool program for the girls to attend after school!
I found out we are reading a book called Hourglass. I am excited to begin reading and can't wait to see what the girls think of it!
On Tuesday of this week Mrs. Roed told me about the "book club" she holds every year. I was invited to join her and the students after school every Thursday. The book club group consists of all girls ranging from 7th to 9th grade. Mrs. Roed has some 9th graders who loved book club so much they wanted to return, even though they are now in high school. The 9th graders add a very different dynamic to the group, as they are much more outspoken and comfortable with the group. The younger girls are all soft spoken and often get talked over by the 9th graders. Most of the time the group gets along wonderfully, but I can see both negative and positive aspects to the 9th graders attending book club. A positive aspect is that the younger girls will have friends when they reach the high school. A negative aspect is that the younger girls often feel their opinions aren't as important as the older girls; therefore they keep their thoughts to themselves. I really enjoy "book club" so far and think it is a really cool program for the girls to attend after school!
I found out we are reading a book called Hourglass. I am excited to begin reading and can't wait to see what the girls think of it!
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Day 1 (Nerves and Excitement)
September 13, 2011
Today was day #1 of my midtier experience!
I was very excited to get dressed up, because my mom and I went shopping for "professional" attire for this experience. I will post a picture when I can of some of my choices :)
I have been placed in Mrs. Rode's 8th grade English classroom at West Intermediate Middle School. I will be attending and assisting in two of her classes for the next few months. The classroom is adorable, and offers a feeling of comfort and home. She is very focused on her students reading, and makes a point to encourage her students to read by offering a fully stocked library of YA books. Today I introduced my writing prompt:
The students generally liked the prompt and I felt I presented it well. I have a few mental notes I made, like being more focused on the students while I'm talking; rather than reading off the board. I am excited to read their responses and to get to know all of them! I learned from Mrs. Roed that it is important to always be walking around and observing the students while they write. This encourages them to get on task, but also makes you more available for questions. Overall my first day was exciting and full of new information and experiences :)
Today was day #1 of my midtier experience!
I was very excited to get dressed up, because my mom and I went shopping for "professional" attire for this experience. I will post a picture when I can of some of my choices :)
I have been placed in Mrs. Rode's 8th grade English classroom at West Intermediate Middle School. I will be attending and assisting in two of her classes for the next few months. The classroom is adorable, and offers a feeling of comfort and home. She is very focused on her students reading, and makes a point to encourage her students to read by offering a fully stocked library of YA books. Today I introduced my writing prompt:
English 8/ Mrs. Roed’s 7th and 8th Hour Classes
In-Class Writing Activity
Here is an excerpt from Oh The Places You’ll Go, my favorite book by Dr. Seuss.
"You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who'll decide where to go..."
— Dr. Seuss (Oh, the Places You'll Go!)
— Dr. Seuss (Oh, the Places You'll Go!)
Based upon this quote, it is fair to say that Dr. Seuss understood that the future is up to YOU. You have the power to control your own future, and you have been given all the tools to succeed.
In response to the previous passage, here are three questions to consider:
1) What are you looking forward to in the near future (within 1 year)?
2) What is something you are nervous about that will happen in the near future (within 1 year)? (Examples: getting braces, starting high school)
3) What is your favorite Dr. Seuss book? Why do you like it so much? If you haven’t read a Dr. Seuss book, please tell me about a book you enjoy(ed) as a child or young adult.
The Assignment:
Now that we have read the Dr. Seuss quote and looked at the questions I have a simple request. Please select only ONE of the three questions and answer it during class in the next fifteen or twenty minutes. The make the writing flow more easily, you make create your response in a letter written to me or to Dr. Seuss. In writing, please divide your response into paragraphs, write in complete sentences, limit your response to approximately one page- and let your creative juices flow! I look forward to reading your responses and getting to know all of you!
The students generally liked the prompt and I felt I presented it well. I have a few mental notes I made, like being more focused on the students while I'm talking; rather than reading off the board. I am excited to read their responses and to get to know all of them! I learned from Mrs. Roed that it is important to always be walking around and observing the students while they write. This encourages them to get on task, but also makes you more available for questions. Overall my first day was exciting and full of new information and experiences :)