Today was my first day of being a teacher cadet for Mrs. Whartenby's class! Mrs. Whartenby was absent today, but her assistant teacher, Mrs. Cann, is very nice! Mrs. Cann had me help a student with his social studies project in the back of the classroom. I enjoy working one on one with students, and I have had lots of one on one experience with students through the Buddy System and tutoring. However, I do not have much experience handling groups of children, and I hope to gain more experience as I continue helping Mrs. Whartenby's class. The student I was helping was very shy, and he barely talked. Next time I come, I would like to try and make an effort to talk to the students and get to know them a little better. After we finished the social studies project, I spent the rest of my time observing the class. Today was a great day, and I can't wait to go back on Thursday!
Today was day 2 of my teacher cadet experience. Mrs. Whartenby was here today, and she introduced herself and told me what the class would be doing while I was with them. Today, Mrs. Whartenby took half the class in the back of the room and read to them about the geography of a city in Massachusetts. During the reading, she had to take a student into the hall and asked me to take over reading for her. After we read, I observed for the last 10-15 minutes of class. I was able to learn some students names today, and I discovered that I knew three of the students from when I helped out in their classroom in B. Bernice Young through the Buddy System program. I am glad that I was able to talk with more students today, and I was given more experience handling a large group of children.
At first, I felt very nervous when I was given the responsibility of taking over Mrs. Whartenby's group. But as I began reading, I felt more confident in myself. The one thing I would have done differently was I would have asked more questions throughout the reading. When Mrs. Whartenby came back, she would stop reading to ask the children questions about what she just read. Next time I am put in that situation, I will be sure to ask questions as I read to make sure everyone understands.
November 9th: Today was my third day of being a teacher cadet. Mrs. Whartenby asked me to help a student work on a social studies project in the back of the class while the other students took a math test. She told me he had trouble writing, and that I might need to write some of his sentences down on a separate sheet of paper so that he could copy them down on his paper. I helped the student think of things to write on his project, and I wrote his sentences first on another sheet of paper so he would not mess up when he wrote on his project. I enjoyed helping the student, and I was able to help him correct some of the mistakes on his project. He was very shy, and I wanted to talk to him, but I also didn't want my talking to disturb the students who were taking a test. Hopefully some of the shy students I have been working with will break out of their shells more as they get to know me.
November 15th: Today was my fourth day being a teacher cadet. The children were beginning a science lab today. The teacher told them that they were going to be geologists for a day and look at rocks. Each group was given a fake rock, and told to identify physical characteristics of the rock. Then they had to measure their rocks with a tape measure. Tomorrow they will be picking their rocks apart with a nail to see what they're made of. All I had to do today was walk around the room and make sure the kids knew what to do. Most of the kids knew what they were doing, so I spent a lot of the class time observing. I am hoping I'll have more to do on my next trip.
November 17th: Today the children were continuing their projects with the fake rocks. After they broke their rocks apart with the nail, they observed the contents and put some of the sandy gravel in a small container of water and examined it. The teacher talked to the students about the sand at the bottom of the container, and asked the students why the sand was at the bottom. Then the students poured a small amount of the water into a petri dish, and the teacher explained that there might be something left behind in the dish once the water evaporates. On Monday, the kids will look in their petri dishes to see if anything was left behind. The teachers asked me to walk around the classroom and see if anyone needed help. I passed out paper towels in case the students spilled the water from the container while pouring it out. After the science lesson, I walked around stapling the kids' math pages. I enjoyed talking to some of the students today and helping them with their science projects.
November 21, Day 6: The children were continuing with their rock projects today. They took out their petri dishes and saw that after the water evaporated, salt was left inside. The kids looked at the physical properties of the salt crystals and looked at different types of salt to see what kind of salt they had in their dishes. After looking at about 6 pictures, they concluded that they had kosher salt. I walked around today and passed out papers and materials. Mrs. Whartenby was absent, so Mrs. Cann was teaching with a substitute. I have not had much to do during the last couple of days, because I've mostly been walking around and observing and seeing if anyone needs help. I'm hoping I will have more to do after the rock unit.
November 29, Day 7: Today the children were taking a test, so Mrs. Whartenby had me grade homework assignments. The assignments were about common and proper nouns, and similes. I circled the wrong answers and wrote in the correct ones next to the students' answers. I was glad I had something to do today, but I was also a little nervous because I have never graded papers before, and I didn't want to make a stupid mistake. After I graded the homework, I observed for the rest of the class time.
December 1, Day 8: Last time I was in Mrs. Whartenby's class, the students were taking a quiz on their rock unit. Today, the students were moving forward with the rock unit and were looking at four different types of rocks. The students did the scratch test on each rock to see which one was the hardest. The scratch test is when the students scratch the rocks with their fingernails, a penny, and a paper clip to see how hard they were. After the scratch test, the students identified what types of rocks they had. I was observing again today and making sure everyone knew what to do.
December 13, Day 9: Today the teacher was going over a science study guide with the kids, and they reviewed for their quiz tomorrow. Then the students worked on a math worksheet. I just walked around and observed. I also talked with Mrs. Whartenby about my formal lesson, and she said she and Mrs. Cann will try to come up with a lesson for me by Thursday. I am so nervous for my formal lesson. I don't feel qualified to teach a lesson to a class of 3rd graders. The largest group I handled this year was a group of about 10 students, and that was only for 2 minutes. Some of the students in the class have behavioral issues, and I'm worried that they'll get bored quickly and start talking over me, or that no one will raise their hand. Hopefully all goes well. I'll see what Mrs. Whartenby and Mrs. Cann come up with on Thursday.
December 14, Day 10: Today the class took their science quiz, and I walked around helping some of the students. I was really nervous when the teacher said I could help answer students' questions about the quiz. I was trying to explain the questions to some of the kids in a way that didn't give them the answer, but I also didn't want to confuse them and be partially responsible if they got a bad grade. I think I might have confused one girl, because she looked like she didn't understand me, but she didn't say anything so I wasn't sure. I was very glad when the quiz was over, because the whole time I was walking around hoping no one had a question. Only a few kids asked me questions, and I think I did an okay job answering them. One girl kept asking me questions even though she seemed to know the answers and the teacher said she thinks it's just because she likes me so much. Mrs. Cann said she really likes me and talks about me a lot. I thought that was so cute! Sometimes when I leave, she and another girl will hug me. And before I walk out the door, the whole class will all say "BYYYE ABBBBY!" in unison. It's really cute!
December 15, Day 11: The class was observing different rocks and minerals today. They did a series of tests to identify which were rocks and which were minerals. I walked around observing and making sure no one needed help. Mrs. Whartenby said my formal lesson can be the lesson I am doing in Tomorrow's Teachers. She would rather me do this than an academic lesson. I feel pretty comfortable with teaching this lesson. However, I will have to make some adjustments for the elementary school class. I am a little nervous for next week because I will have to take my electronic baby into the class with me. Hopefully it doesn't cry and distract the 3rd graders. I'm sure they will all be asking a lot of questions about my baby on Monday.
December 19, Day 12: Today I received my electronic baby. When I walked into the classroom, the kids all though my baby was real. I told them it was a fake baby, and then they all asked me why I was carrying a fake baby. I explained to them that I am taking a parenting class and I need to carry the baby around and take care of it. After I answered their questions, they focused their attention back onto the teachers. I was very glad that they weren't distracted by the baby, and the baby did not cry at all. I was also glad that I only had to observe today, because I was able to stay next to my baby the whole time and listen for any crying.
December 20, Day 13: Today the class went to the library while I was there. I helped Mrs. Cann and the librarian organize books. The kids were interested in the baby again today. A bunch of kids kept asking me if I could make it cry, and one boy really wanted to see it cry or make some kind of noise. Just as I was about to leave the classroom at the end of the block, the baby started crying, and I heard a bunch of kids gasp and saw them turn their heads to look at it. The one boy was really happy he finally got to hear the baby cry. I had fun organizing books in the library today. I had a nice conversation with the librarian, and she said she remembered me from when I used to go to Fountain Woods. It was nice walking through the library and reminiscing about my childhood. That makes me sound so old. :)
December 21, Day 14: The class was taking a test today, and Mrs. Whartenby decided to let me work with a student and help him with his test. Usually he goes in the back of the room with Mrs. Whartenby and another group of kids who need special help on their tests. But Mrs. Whartenby said I could help him one on one. Unfortunately, I was not able to help him. This boy, Jaden, is nonverbal, and he barely speaks. I've worked with him before, and I don't think I have ever heard him talk. I read all of the questions out loud to him and I tried to explain them as best as I could, but it didn't look like he understood me. It seemed like he was struggling and just writing random things. And he wouldn't speak so I didn't know what he was struggling with. So I told Mrs. Whartenby that I didn't think I could help him and that I wasn't able to explain the questions to him. Mrs. Whartenby completely understood and she had me work with another girl while she helped the boy with his test. Mrs. Whartenby was very understanding about the whole thing, but I still feel really bad about it. I wish I was able to help Jaden and maybe explain the questions in a way he would understand. I just felt pretty bad because I want to become a teacher, and teachers are supposed to be able to help their kids and answer their questions, but I wasn't able to help Jaden on his test.
I find this to be the most frustrating part of being a teacher. Sometimes, we can't help all of our students. As long as you keep trying and never give up on them, they will remember how much you cared and that will stay with them forever.
January 3, Day 15:Today the class split up into stations, and I handled a reading station. I was a little intimidated to have a group to myself, but my job was very easy. All I had to do was read a passage out loud to the group, and they had to answer 3 questions about it afterwards. I was not allowed to help them very much with the answers, because the students were taking a performance test. No one seemed to have any questions, and the day went by kind of fast. I was glad that I was given more to do today, and it wasn't anything stressful like helping students on their tests. :)
January 4, Day 16: The kids were in their reading stations again today. I did not read out loud to them this time, because I came in after the kids had already finished the reading. Also, the group that came in after them told me they would rather read by themselves. I helped some of the students answering the questions after the reading. I felt relieved that I did not have to do much today. After all of the kids answered the questions, one of the girls started talking to me and telling me about a book she liked. Then she read part of it out loud to me. I am glad that many of the kids have warmed up to me and like to talk with me.
January 5, Day 17: Today the children began a new science unit. They finished learning about geology, and are moving on to chemistry. Mrs. Whartenby and Mrs. Cann had to leave class for about 20 minutes to go to a meeting. While they were out, the kids had to make posters about safety in a laboratory. Then they had to write down things they know and wanted to know about chemistry. I walked around and observed the students and made sure they knew what to do. I noticed that Mrs. Whartenby and Mrs. Cann let the students stand up at their desks if they are getting tired of sitting down. I think this is a very good idea, and I remember talking about it in Tomorrow's Teachers. One boy, Jamey, is always standing at his desk while I'm in class, and it seems to improve his mood and help him focus on his work more. I think it's really great that Mrs. Whartenby and Mrs. Cann allow the students to do this, because not many teachers allow it.
January 10, Day 18: Today the kids were working on their chemistry unit. They were given about 6 or 7 unknown chemicals, and they had to drop 6 drops of water on each chemical to see how it reacted with the water. Then they had to writ down their observations. Mrs. Whartenby had me work with a dyslexic boy named Ryan. Whenever the class was writing down observations, I would write them down on a white board on Ryan's desk so that he could see the letters easier and up close and then write them down on his paper. At first, when Mrs. Whartenby told me I would be working with Ryan, I was a little nervous because I have never worked with a dyslexic student before. However, the day went by really smoothly. I would write observations on Ryan's white board, and then he would copy what I wrote. Nothing much else happened. After their science lesson, I observed part of the math lesson.
Janruary 17, Day 19: Today the kids answered some questions about a science experiment they did last week and I observed the class. Then we went to the library. The librarian wasn't here today so Mrs. Whartenby checked out all of the students' books and then read some of Charlotte's Web to them. She asked me to scan one of the student's books with the scanner gun while she was busy. I've always wanted to try that. I am really nervous about giving my formal lesson on Friday. I am worried that the students will have a hard time of paying attention, or that my lesson won't be good enough, or that I won't be loud and firm enough to control the class if they do start getting distracted. I'll also be really nervous because I will have 4 people observing me. Hopefully everything will go smoothly.
January 18, Day 20: The students were taking a quiz today when I walked in. After their quiz, they logged onto the computers to take a math post test. I observed for the class period. I talked to Mrs. Whartenby and Mrs. Cann a little about my lesson. I am really nervous. I hope everything goes as planned. I am glad that Mrs. Whartenby is letting me use her projector to model the lesson. This way, it will be much easier for students to see what I'm doing. Only two more days to prepare!
January 19, Day 21: Today the students were continuing their chemistry project, by adding vinegar to unknown substances. Mrs. Cann had me go to the bathroom in the middle of the lesson to wash out some petri dishes for her. Then Mrs. Whartenby had me stamp some papers for her. I like doing small tasks like that on days where I am just observing, because it helps break up my time and gives me something to do. Today is my last day to prepare for my lesson. I am still nervous. Hopefully all goes well!
January 20, Day 22: Today was my formal lesson, and it went great! I was super nervous while I was waiting for Mrs. Francis to get in the classroom. While we were waiting, I passed out the bottle caps, magnets, and tiny pieces of paper to the students. Mrs. Francis arrived right as we finished, and then I pulled up my powerpoint. I was still really nervous, but once I started talking, I didn't feel nervous anymore. I realized that I was just talking to third graders and there was really nothing to be nervous about. Once I went over the first step and modeled it on the projector, the kids did the first step themselves. I was worried that I wouldn't be able to quiet them down when they finished, but when I clapped three times, they all snapped to attention and clapped back right away. Mrs. Whartenby and Mrs. Cann trained the students so that when they hear the teacher clap three times, they clap three times back to the teacher and stop talking. It felt so weird when I clapped and the class actually responded and listened. The lesson went great and the kids seemed to have a great time. They also enjoyed the worksheet with the word search that I printed out for them. I am so glad that everything worked out and the kids had a good time!
January 24, Day 23: Today was the last day of field experience. I saw Mrs. Cann and Mrs. Whartenby had my presents on their desks. They both said they really liked them. Today the kids continued working on their science experiments. I just walked around and watched them. I was really sad that today was the last day. Up until now, I was getting tired of field experience and I was ready for it to be over. I didn't think I would be sad on the last day, but I was. The kids were sad too. When I left they all said "Bye, Abby! We'll miss you!" And they all signed a card for me. :'( I'm really glad I got to do this experience.
Mine works! :D
ReplyDeleteToday was my first day of being a teacher cadet for Mrs. Whartenby's class! Mrs. Whartenby was absent today, but her assistant teacher, Mrs. Cann, is very nice! Mrs. Cann had me help a student with his social studies project in the back of the classroom. I enjoy working one on one with students, and I have had lots of one on one experience with students through the Buddy System and tutoring. However, I do not have much experience handling groups of children, and I hope to gain more experience as I continue helping Mrs. Whartenby's class. The student I was helping was very shy, and he barely talked. Next time I come, I would like to try and make an effort to talk to the students and get to know them a little better. After we finished the social studies project, I spent the rest of my time observing the class. Today was a great day, and I can't wait to go back on Thursday!
ReplyDeleteToday was day 2 of my teacher cadet experience. Mrs. Whartenby was here today, and she introduced herself and told me what the class would be doing while I was with them. Today, Mrs. Whartenby took half the class in the back of the room and read to them about the geography of a city in Massachusetts. During the reading, she had to take a student into the hall and asked me to take over reading for her. After we read, I observed for the last 10-15 minutes of class. I was able to learn some students names today, and I discovered that I knew three of the students from when I helped out in their classroom in B. Bernice Young through the Buddy System program. I am glad that I was able to talk with more students today, and I was given more experience handling a large group of children.
ReplyDeleteHow did you feel being given responsibility on your second day? Was there anything you would have done differently?
DeleteAt first, I felt very nervous when I was given the responsibility of taking over Mrs. Whartenby's group. But as I began reading, I felt more confident in myself. The one thing I would have done differently was I would have asked more questions throughout the reading. When Mrs. Whartenby came back, she would stop reading to ask the children questions about what she just read. Next time I am put in that situation, I will be sure to ask questions as I read to make sure everyone understands.
DeleteNovember 7th: ABSENT
ReplyDeleteNovember 9th: Today was my third day of being a teacher cadet. Mrs. Whartenby asked me to help a student work on a social studies project in the back of the class while the other students took a math test. She told me he had trouble writing, and that I might need to write some of his sentences down on a separate sheet of paper so that he could copy them down on his paper. I helped the student think of things to write on his project, and I wrote his sentences first on another sheet of paper so he would not mess up when he wrote on his project. I enjoyed helping the student, and I was able to help him correct some of the mistakes on his project. He was very shy, and I wanted to talk to him, but I also didn't want my talking to disturb the students who were taking a test. Hopefully some of the shy students I have been working with will break out of their shells more as they get to know me.
ReplyDeleteNovember 15th: Today was my fourth day being a teacher cadet. The children were beginning a science lab today. The teacher told them that they were going to be geologists for a day and look at rocks. Each group was given a fake rock, and told to identify physical characteristics of the rock. Then they had to measure their rocks with a tape measure. Tomorrow they will be picking their rocks apart with a nail to see what they're made of. All I had to do today was walk around the room and make sure the kids knew what to do. Most of the kids knew what they were doing, so I spent a lot of the class time observing. I am hoping I'll have more to do on my next trip.
ReplyDeleteNovember 17th: Today the children were continuing their projects with the fake rocks. After they broke their rocks apart with the nail, they observed the contents and put some of the sandy gravel in a small container of water and examined it. The teacher talked to the students about the sand at the bottom of the container, and asked the students why the sand was at the bottom. Then the students poured a small amount of the water into a petri dish, and the teacher explained that there might be something left behind in the dish once the water evaporates. On Monday, the kids will look in their petri dishes to see if anything was left behind. The teachers asked me to walk around the classroom and see if anyone needed help. I passed out paper towels in case the students spilled the water from the container while pouring it out. After the science lesson, I walked around stapling the kids' math pages. I enjoyed talking to some of the students today and helping them with their science projects.
ReplyDeleteNovember 21, Day 6: The children were continuing with their rock projects today. They took out their petri dishes and saw that after the water evaporated, salt was left inside. The kids looked at the physical properties of the salt crystals and looked at different types of salt to see what kind of salt they had in their dishes. After looking at about 6 pictures, they concluded that they had kosher salt. I walked around today and passed out papers and materials. Mrs. Whartenby was absent, so Mrs. Cann was teaching with a substitute. I have not had much to do during the last couple of days, because I've mostly been walking around and observing and seeing if anyone needs help. I'm hoping I will have more to do after the rock unit.
ReplyDeleteNovember 29, Day 7: Today the children were taking a test, so Mrs. Whartenby had me grade homework assignments. The assignments were about common and proper nouns, and similes. I circled the wrong answers and wrote in the correct ones next to the students' answers. I was glad I had something to do today, but I was also a little nervous because I have never graded papers before, and I didn't want to make a stupid mistake. After I graded the homework, I observed for the rest of the class time.
ReplyDeleteDecember 1, Day 8: Last time I was in Mrs. Whartenby's class, the students were taking a quiz on their rock unit. Today, the students were moving forward with the rock unit and were looking at four different types of rocks. The students did the scratch test on each rock to see which one was the hardest. The scratch test is when the students scratch the rocks with their fingernails, a penny, and a paper clip to see how hard they were. After the scratch test, the students identified what types of rocks they had. I was observing again today and making sure everyone knew what to do.
ReplyDeleteDecember 13, Day 9: Today the teacher was going over a science study guide with the kids, and they reviewed for their quiz tomorrow. Then the students worked on a math worksheet. I just walked around and observed. I also talked with Mrs. Whartenby about my formal lesson, and she said she and Mrs. Cann will try to come up with a lesson for me by Thursday. I am so nervous for my formal lesson. I don't feel qualified to teach a lesson to a class of 3rd graders. The largest group I handled this year was a group of about 10 students, and that was only for 2 minutes. Some of the students in the class have behavioral issues, and I'm worried that they'll get bored quickly and start talking over me, or that no one will raise their hand. Hopefully all goes well. I'll see what Mrs. Whartenby and Mrs. Cann come up with on Thursday.
ReplyDeleteDecember 14, Day 10: Today the class took their science quiz, and I walked around helping some of the students. I was really nervous when the teacher said I could help answer students' questions about the quiz. I was trying to explain the questions to some of the kids in a way that didn't give them the answer, but I also didn't want to confuse them and be partially responsible if they got a bad grade. I think I might have confused one girl, because she looked like she didn't understand me, but she didn't say anything so I wasn't sure. I was very glad when the quiz was over, because the whole time I was walking around hoping no one had a question. Only a few kids asked me questions, and I think I did an okay job answering them. One girl kept asking me questions even though she seemed to know the answers and the teacher said she thinks it's just because she likes me so much. Mrs. Cann said she really likes me and talks about me a lot. I thought that was so cute! Sometimes when I leave, she and another girl will hug me. And before I walk out the door, the whole class will all say "BYYYE ABBBBY!" in unison. It's really cute!
ReplyDeleteDecember 15, Day 11: The class was observing different rocks and minerals today. They did a series of tests to identify which were rocks and which were minerals. I walked around observing and making sure no one needed help. Mrs. Whartenby said my formal lesson can be the lesson I am doing in Tomorrow's Teachers. She would rather me do this than an academic lesson. I feel pretty comfortable with teaching this lesson. However, I will have to make some adjustments for the elementary school class. I am a little nervous for next week because I will have to take my electronic baby into the class with me. Hopefully it doesn't cry and distract the 3rd graders. I'm sure they will all be asking a lot of questions about my baby on Monday.
ReplyDeleteDecember 19, Day 12: Today I received my electronic baby. When I walked into the classroom, the kids all though my baby was real. I told them it was a fake baby, and then they all asked me why I was carrying a fake baby. I explained to them that I am taking a parenting class and I need to carry the baby around and take care of it. After I answered their questions, they focused their attention back onto the teachers. I was very glad that they weren't distracted by the baby, and the baby did not cry at all. I was also glad that I only had to observe today, because I was able to stay next to my baby the whole time and listen for any crying.
ReplyDeleteDecember 20, Day 13: Today the class went to the library while I was there. I helped Mrs. Cann and the librarian organize books. The kids were interested in the baby again today. A bunch of kids kept asking me if I could make it cry, and one boy really wanted to see it cry or make some kind of noise. Just as I was about to leave the classroom at the end of the block, the baby started crying, and I heard a bunch of kids gasp and saw them turn their heads to look at it. The one boy was really happy he finally got to hear the baby cry. I had fun organizing books in the library today. I had a nice conversation with the librarian, and she said she remembered me from when I used to go to Fountain Woods. It was nice walking through the library and reminiscing about my childhood. That makes me sound so old. :)
ReplyDeleteDecember 21, Day 14: The class was taking a test today, and Mrs. Whartenby decided to let me work with a student and help him with his test. Usually he goes in the back of the room with Mrs. Whartenby and another group of kids who need special help on their tests. But Mrs. Whartenby said I could help him one on one. Unfortunately, I was not able to help him. This boy, Jaden, is nonverbal, and he barely speaks. I've worked with him before, and I don't think I have ever heard him talk. I read all of the questions out loud to him and I tried to explain them as best as I could, but it didn't look like he understood me. It seemed like he was struggling and just writing random things. And he wouldn't speak so I didn't know what he was struggling with. So I told Mrs. Whartenby that I didn't think I could help him and that I wasn't able to explain the questions to him. Mrs. Whartenby completely understood and she had me work with another girl while she helped the boy with his test. Mrs. Whartenby was very understanding about the whole thing, but I still feel really bad about it. I wish I was able to help Jaden and maybe explain the questions in a way he would understand. I just felt pretty bad because I want to become a teacher, and teachers are supposed to be able to help their kids and answer their questions, but I wasn't able to help Jaden on his test.
ReplyDeleteI find this to be the most frustrating part of being a teacher. Sometimes, we can't help all of our students. As long as you keep trying and never give up on them, they will remember how much you cared and that will stay with them forever.
DeleteJanuary 3, Day 15:Today the class split up into stations, and I handled a reading station. I was a little intimidated to have a group to myself, but my job was very easy. All I had to do was read a passage out loud to the group, and they had to answer 3 questions about it afterwards. I was not allowed to help them very much with the answers, because the students were taking a performance test. No one seemed to have any questions, and the day went by kind of fast. I was glad that I was given more to do today, and it wasn't anything stressful like helping students on their tests. :)
ReplyDeleteJanuary 4, Day 16: The kids were in their reading stations again today. I did not read out loud to them this time, because I came in after the kids had already finished the reading. Also, the group that came in after them told me they would rather read by themselves. I helped some of the students answering the questions after the reading. I felt relieved that I did not have to do much today. After all of the kids answered the questions, one of the girls started talking to me and telling me about a book she liked. Then she read part of it out loud to me. I am glad that many of the kids have warmed up to me and like to talk with me.
ReplyDeleteJanuary 5, Day 17: Today the children began a new science unit. They finished learning about geology, and are moving on to chemistry. Mrs. Whartenby and Mrs. Cann had to leave class for about 20 minutes to go to a meeting. While they were out, the kids had to make posters about safety in a laboratory. Then they had to write down things they know and wanted to know about chemistry. I walked around and observed the students and made sure they knew what to do. I noticed that Mrs. Whartenby and Mrs. Cann let the students stand up at their desks if they are getting tired of sitting down. I think this is a very good idea, and I remember talking about it in Tomorrow's Teachers. One boy, Jamey, is always standing at his desk while I'm in class, and it seems to improve his mood and help him focus on his work more. I think it's really great that Mrs. Whartenby and Mrs. Cann allow the students to do this, because not many teachers allow it.
ReplyDeleteJanuary 10, Day 18: Today the kids were working on their chemistry unit. They were given about 6 or 7 unknown chemicals, and they had to drop 6 drops of water on each chemical to see how it reacted with the water. Then they had to writ down their observations. Mrs. Whartenby had me work with a dyslexic boy named Ryan. Whenever the class was writing down observations, I would write them down on a white board on Ryan's desk so that he could see the letters easier and up close and then write them down on his paper. At first, when Mrs. Whartenby told me I would be working with Ryan, I was a little nervous because I have never worked with a dyslexic student before. However, the day went by really smoothly. I would write observations on Ryan's white board, and then he would copy what I wrote. Nothing much else happened. After their science lesson, I observed part of the math lesson.
ReplyDeleteJanruary 17, Day 19: Today the kids answered some questions about a science experiment they did last week and I observed the class. Then we went to the library. The librarian wasn't here today so Mrs. Whartenby checked out all of the students' books and then read some of Charlotte's Web to them. She asked me to scan one of the student's books with the scanner gun while she was busy. I've always wanted to try that. I am really nervous about giving my formal lesson on Friday. I am worried that the students will have a hard time of paying attention, or that my lesson won't be good enough, or that I won't be loud and firm enough to control the class if they do start getting distracted. I'll also be really nervous because I will have 4 people observing me. Hopefully everything will go smoothly.
ReplyDeleteJanuary 18, Day 20: The students were taking a quiz today when I walked in. After their quiz, they logged onto the computers to take a math post test. I observed for the class period. I talked to Mrs. Whartenby and Mrs. Cann a little about my lesson. I am really nervous. I hope everything goes as planned. I am glad that Mrs. Whartenby is letting me use her projector to model the lesson. This way, it will be much easier for students to see what I'm doing. Only two more days to prepare!
ReplyDeleteJanuary 19, Day 21: Today the students were continuing their chemistry project, by adding vinegar to unknown substances. Mrs. Cann had me go to the bathroom in the middle of the lesson to wash out some petri dishes for her. Then Mrs. Whartenby had me stamp some papers for her. I like doing small tasks like that on days where I am just observing, because it helps break up my time and gives me something to do. Today is my last day to prepare for my lesson. I am still nervous. Hopefully all goes well!
ReplyDeleteForgot to mention I was absent on Jan. 12!
ReplyDeleteJanuary 20, Day 22: Today was my formal lesson, and it went great! I was super nervous while I was waiting for Mrs. Francis to get in the classroom. While we were waiting, I passed out the bottle caps, magnets, and tiny pieces of paper to the students. Mrs. Francis arrived right as we finished, and then I pulled up my powerpoint. I was still really nervous, but once I started talking, I didn't feel nervous anymore. I realized that I was just talking to third graders and there was really nothing to be nervous about. Once I went over the first step and modeled it on the projector, the kids did the first step themselves. I was worried that I wouldn't be able to quiet them down when they finished, but when I clapped three times, they all snapped to attention and clapped back right away. Mrs. Whartenby and Mrs. Cann trained the students so that when they hear the teacher clap three times, they clap three times back to the teacher and stop talking. It felt so weird when I clapped and the class actually responded and listened. The lesson went great and the kids seemed to have a great time. They also enjoyed the worksheet with the word search that I printed out for them. I am so glad that everything worked out and the kids had a good time!
ReplyDeleteJanuary 24, Day 23: Today was the last day of field experience. I saw Mrs. Cann and Mrs. Whartenby had my presents on their desks. They both said they really liked them. Today the kids continued working on their science experiments. I just walked around and watched them. I was really sad that today was the last day. Up until now, I was getting tired of field experience and I was ready for it to be over. I didn't think I would be sad on the last day, but I was. The kids were sad too. When I left they all said "Bye, Abby! We'll miss you!" And they all signed a card for me. :'( I'm really glad I got to do this experience.
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