Other Grade Level:
On March 12th, I switched from observing a first grade classroom to observing a fifth grade classroom. Mrs. Cindy Ware was gracious enough to allow me to visit her grade level and observe the environment. I also took into consideration additional activities as well as images in classroom.
Every morning after the announcements Mrs. Ware’s class does the “Problem of the Day”. This lesson consists of 5-6 small math questions. It helps the class get started and settled down to prepare for the day. I really think this is helpful for her 5th graders to have a better focus. While watching the students work, I noticed they treated it almost like a race. They were eager to get their questions completed. It almost seemed like they wanted their peers to think they were the smartest and knew how to do their math the best. This is such a great incentive to have for the students, it creates a situation that makes it fun to learn and do work. When completed, the students were allowed to show their work on the board if they got the right answer.
They were able to start the activity and knew to work individually. I appreciated how organized and neatly listed the instructions on the board were for the students. There is enough on the walls but not too much that it is distracting. I noticed how the 5th grade classroom was different from the 1st grade in that there was a cursive alphabet, instead of regular print. There were also fewer pictures and fewer colors than the 1st grade classroom. Mrs. Ware teaches math, so there were many multiplication and other math related posters on the wall. Her class is larger than my 1st grade teachers’ classroom and has more students. Each desk is lined up in rows facing the board and the calendar. The teachers’ desk is off to the side placed in front of the window. A round table next to the bookshelf and sink is located in the back wall. Everything is neatly placed away to keep from distractions.
Being in a different classroom was a fun experience. Having an opportunity to observe another classroom really did help me further determine which grade level I am interested in teaching. I find that the lower elementary grades are more interesting and fun whereas the higher elementary grades were pretty plan and boring. I love how Mrs. Worthen is colorful and creates an environment that makes learning fun. I hope that when I am a teacher my students will want to come inside my classroom and look forward to learning.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Teacher Duties:
On February 13th, I observed Mrs. Worthen’s first grade classroom while they had a bathroom and water break. She had just finished reading a story and the children seemed antsy so she asked the class so silently push in their chairs and line up at the door.
Like any school, it is important for the students to remain silent in the hall to not be disruptive to the other classes who are trying to learn. Luckily, the bathroom is located right next to Mrs. Worthen’s classroom. She asked me to allow 4 to 6 at a time enter the bathroom. This is a good idea to only allow a few in at a time so that they will not try to act up as much. Entering in groups for about 1 minute each, allowed the students enough time to get done what they needed to and then returns back in line.
I also observed how Mrs. Worthen likes to make sure the students feel like they have some power and control. In doing so, she creates responsibilities for the students to have charge of. There is an assigned line leader, door closer, and name taker. In order to withhold these responsibilities, you have to earn them by behaving well. This is a great incentive for the students because it promotes good behavior and examples responsibility.
I did, however, find it very surprising that Mrs. Worthen was able to excuse herself to the teachers’ restroom while her class was using the restroom or lined up in the hall. I am sure, that it took a lot of reinforcing and practice to be able to trust the students to not act up or goof around. Also, with me being there, supervising and leading them did influence their behavior. I think it is a risky decision, but it can lead to positive outcomes for your students. It gives them a chance to prove that they can be well behaved. Some teachers walking down the hall can commit and praise them.
I hope that when I am a teacher I will be able to have students who adapt to routines and do not act up. Implementing good behavior leads to a successful and well behaved class. Allowing a few students at a time to have control and freedom also creates a situation of responsibility. When the roles of the students are switched, they then know how important it is to act well.
On February 13th, I observed Mrs. Worthen’s first grade classroom while they had a bathroom and water break. She had just finished reading a story and the children seemed antsy so she asked the class so silently push in their chairs and line up at the door.
Like any school, it is important for the students to remain silent in the hall to not be disruptive to the other classes who are trying to learn. Luckily, the bathroom is located right next to Mrs. Worthen’s classroom. She asked me to allow 4 to 6 at a time enter the bathroom. This is a good idea to only allow a few in at a time so that they will not try to act up as much. Entering in groups for about 1 minute each, allowed the students enough time to get done what they needed to and then returns back in line.
I also observed how Mrs. Worthen likes to make sure the students feel like they have some power and control. In doing so, she creates responsibilities for the students to have charge of. There is an assigned line leader, door closer, and name taker. In order to withhold these responsibilities, you have to earn them by behaving well. This is a great incentive for the students because it promotes good behavior and examples responsibility.
I did, however, find it very surprising that Mrs. Worthen was able to excuse herself to the teachers’ restroom while her class was using the restroom or lined up in the hall. I am sure, that it took a lot of reinforcing and practice to be able to trust the students to not act up or goof around. Also, with me being there, supervising and leading them did influence their behavior. I think it is a risky decision, but it can lead to positive outcomes for your students. It gives them a chance to prove that they can be well behaved. Some teachers walking down the hall can commit and praise them.
I hope that when I am a teacher I will be able to have students who adapt to routines and do not act up. Implementing good behavior leads to a successful and well behaved class. Allowing a few students at a time to have control and freedom also creates a situation of responsibility. When the roles of the students are switched, they then know how important it is to act well.
A Little About Me
I am a curriculum student currently doing my field experience at Maddie Lively in Mrs. Brentnell's third grade classroom. So far I have only been into her classroom once this past Monday but i am very excited about the next few weeks. I have some experience last semester when I was at Twin City Elementary with Mrs. Worthen. In high school I enjoyed doing an internship with our local elementary schools and also working part time in a daycare for a part time job. I can not wait to see what the future has to offer me. I believe that education is my calling!
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