Final Blog

Observations: I was really able to see how the kids behave when Mr. A had to leave for a meeting while the sub and I were left to keep the kids on task. They really are well behaved kids even without their usual authority. We had no problem keeping them on task and restraining the talking to a minimum. The true test was to see how they behaved when we went to play their math games with the first graders.They did not disappoint. Each group helped the first graders play the games just like they did when Mr. A was there. It was great being able to see how the 5th graders mentor the first graders while both age groups have fun.

Learning Experience: The biggest learning experience I encountered during my last week was taking control of the class when Mr. A was at a meeting at the district office. It was a lot of fun! Mr. A always gave me plenty of time each day I came to teach the class but it felt like I was in even more control once it was just me and the sub. I worked a few examples on the board for them then had them complete a page in their math workbook. Before we new it we were on our way to see the first graders and I was able to get great pictures of them playing the games together. Just by being in an elementary school for a few months I have encountered so many different learning scenarios that could only be experienced in the field. From going to the science lab, having a special needs child in my class, days with subs and of course Mr. A's incredible teaching style.

Reflections: I would not have wanted to do my field experience at any other school or with any other teacher. Oak Pointe was such a beautiful and welcoming school with so many opportunities for the students who go their. the administration does so much to get the students involved and recognize each and every one of them! I was simply amazed. I thought it was awesome how they had Friday assemblies to celebrate the students. They also do a positive behavior reinforcement program similar to or classy cash but htey call it Barrel Bucks. The way they make the students feel good about themselves must pay off because from seeing how well my class behaved it must be making an impact. Now on to Mr. A. I would have wanted any other CT. I liked the fact that he was a male teacher and it allowed me to see how they handle a classroom different than females and I loved it! He was much more relaxed them most elementary teachers but he still had complete control over the class. Being able to balance authority over the kids while making them really enjoy you as a teacher are tricky to juggle I would assume but Mr. A does it flawlessly.

Stories: Saying goodbye to the kids was so hard. As I left the room I told them that today was my last day and it caused and uproar. But as soon as I told them I would be coming back in a few weeks for an entire day they were ecstatic. I can not wait to spend and entire day with them and it will be difficult to say the final goodbye.

Week 7

Observations: Monday there was a sub in the class for about 45 minutes while Mr. A was in an IEP meeting. It was good to experience how the kids acted without the main authority in the room. Wednesday was my observation day and I felt prepared. I made up a worksheet to practice what Mr. A and I have been teaching them. They loved that I included their names in the math problems. I did mess up once during the formal observation just because I knew this lesson was for a grade. But regardless it is always fun to go in front of my class and teach them.

Learning Experiences: The day the sub came was a new experience since Mr. A never misses school. It was exciting that Mr. A left me in control of the class while the sub was there as supervision. I was able to teach them a short math lesson on my own and they practiced the concept in their workbooks. It was not too difficult to control them. They were well behaved but when things started to get a little rowdy all I had to say was quiet down or else there will be more math problems for them to work.

Reflections: My kids new that when Mrs. Jackson was coming that I was going to be graded. They were all so sweet and they told me that they would be extra quiet. After I finished I got hugs and they told me that I did such a good job. They are the absolute sweetest. They do not know that my last day is coming up and I do not want to have to tell them. Luckily I will be back on the 16th of May for an entire day!

Stories: No stories to really tell but it was a great week and I am so sad there is only one week left.

Week Six

Observations: This week I have been able to see how Mr. A acts around a different class than the one I'm normally with. It is funny because this different class is so different than my class! They are more reserved and do not have as strong personalities. It may be since I have only been around this class twice. I have noticed how Mr. A slightly changes the way he acts around these kids to accommodate the less outgoing group. I think that this quality to act depending on the type of class you have is crucial to bonding and communicating with your class well.
Also this week, this class that I do not usually see had math game club with the first graders. My 5th graders seem so young to me but its funny to see how they don' view themselves as young. They become like young adults when interacting with the 1st graders, its makes them feel responsible and I think it teaches them a great lesson to be role models for the younger kids.

Learning Experiences: The two days I went to field experience this week I was able to work one on one with the kids. It is something that I usually do not get to do. It's different than teaching the entire class at once because when i can speak with each individual I can figure out what they are struggling with and how I can help them. It feels great to help a struggling kids finally understand something and I can see how fulfilling teaching can be.

Reflections: I can not believe that there are only two weeks of field experience left. I have loved being apart of an elementary school again. There is always so much excitement, it's contagious! Being able to start my day at Oak Pointe every other day is so much fun! I feel like I have connected with the students by now so that it'll make it so hard to leave.

Stories: I've been recently finding out that I know a lot of the kids' older siblings or parents! It's too cool!

Week Five

Observations: This week I got to see more science in the classroom than before. It's exciting to see how much the kids enjoy learning about science especially since it was my favorite subject in elementary school. Mr. A makes it engaging and every kid gets to do something. When they get into groups to do experiments I have noticed which kids are the leaders and have the strongest personalities. These kids take charge and lead the experiment which is helpful for the more timid and less enthused students. They are good role models.

Learning Experiences: This week I was able to go into the science lab with the kids. Oak Pointe did a great thing by including a bright science lab for the kids. I was able to see what kind of experiments Mr. A can do to teach the kids since the space and equipment is available. He had one where the kids used cinnamon in water to model wind and currents in the ocean. It was great because all kids had an opportunity to participate in the lab. Afterwards Mr. A did an experiment while all the kids watched. He had them draw what they saw so the explanation was reinforced.

Reflections: I really like teaching the kids, especially when they all come on the floor and sit close while I explain their homework. This creates a more approachable environment compared to when I explain things up at the board. I have loved by experiences so far but if there was one thing I could add it would be having one on one time with the kids like other cadets say they have. I can not complain though, it is their high academic level as well as their maturity which does not require individual attention.

Stories: I don't really have any stories to tell this time but I am still having a blast and experiencing tons each and every field experience visit!

Week Four

Observations: I have noticed that the kids are finally understanding my schedule. I think they have noticed the pattern and made sense of that more so than my countless attempts at an explanation. They can not relate to A or B days so they have no clue what I am talking about. But now whenever I leave, the ones that have caught on always say see you....insert next day I come. They are such smart sweet kids. I love being able to go to the class every other day.
Learning Experiences: This week I had a few more opportunities than normal to experience what it is like as a teacher besides interacting and teaching the kids. While the kids were map testing I helped Mr. A with organizing papers to prepare for a math club he does after school. I also graded papers and checked homework. I really enjoy the variation of work Mr. A has me do. I feel like Mr. A is giving me a great opportunity to see what all different aspects of being a teacher is like.
Reflections: Being in a class where one of the students has autism is extremely eye-opening. I have never had to deal with something like that before, it gets me thinking a lot. This child's father comes in everyday to check on his son. It makes me sad when this student does not follow directions or do his work because it makes his father so concerned. His father's desire for him to do well is inspirational  But this child is so lucky to have a dad dedicated to his success. I don't see how to handles it, I know I would not be able to.
Stories: One little girl in the class came up to me and asked me when my birthday was. When I told her it was January 18th a huge smile light up her face and she squealed  "Oh my gosh Ms. S has the same birthday as me!" I'm not positive if  we indeed share the same birthday or not but regardless it was too cute.

Week Three

Week Three

Observations: I have gotten to know the kids and their unique personalities fully now. It's interesting to observe how their personalities reflect what they are good at and how they interact with the class. For example their is one very mature girl who loves to talk and share stories and be very social. It is clear now that she is stronger in the humanities and always says she dislikes math because it is harder for her. It is funny to see which kids take out their books once math lesson starts since they much rather prefer language arts. But as soon as they take out their books Mr. A realizes this and inconspicuously calls on them to get their attention to let them know that they should be paying attention.

Learning Experiences: This week was a good week for learning about and observing engaging ways to learning math. I was introduced to a club called Math Olympia that the kids play in order to win fake money to buy prizes all while practicing their math skills. It was such a cool idea because it actually got kids excited to solve math problems and it seemed like a lot of fun. They also have math board games that they play. This past week has showed me different ways to make a widely unpopular subject such as math much more interactive and engaging.

Reflections:  Being in Mr. A's class is so awesome. Its unpredictable and fun to be a part of. I love watching him teach as well as taking my own part in it. The kids are all so sweet, it has been great to be apart of their class and get to know them. Its funny to think back to the time when I was their age and how every little thing was so exciting. They are a hoot and sometimes make me want to be ten years old again.

Stories: There was a little argument between kids in the class one day. They were arguing over a pencil and would not stop. It was so nice to see one boy in particular stand up and help resolve the issue. That takes a lot for a 5th grader to stand up against his peers and this boy did. He was the mediator and obviously was respected by his fellow students enough that they both stopped their bickering.

Week Three

Week Three

Observations: What I have noticed about this class is that every body gets along so well. I was expecting in an elementary school class that there would be frequent arguments and bickering but I have yet to see that. It must be a combination of the level of children and the discipline stype that Mr. A and the school inforce. The students are respectuful of one another as well as their authroty. I also think that Oak Pointe Elementary has made an effort to create a sense of cummunity so that all kids treat eachother fairly. I tis amazing to see how well everything flows at this school.

Learning Expereinces: When Mr. A teaches and explains things its more like he is letting the students share what they know to help clarify for others. The kids will go up to the board to work the warm up math questions or when Mr. A goes up to expalin a problem he really lets the kids tell him step by step what to do to keep them involved. I have learned that these techniques keep the kids engaged and excited for math. Whenever I go up to the board I now know to use the same technique because that is what works best. Afterall Mr. A is the "Math Daddy".

Reflections: School has been so different now that I am not able to see my fellow teacher cadets everyday. It is bitter sweet becuase I do not get to see them but the sweet part is being able to be in an elementary class every other day. School is starting to feel almost over with the preparation for AP exams, recieving our graduation supplies, and the upcoming spring break!

Stories:  This past Thrusday was Pi day in Mr. A's class! He gave me an awesome Pi Day shirt to wear so that I would be matching the entire class as well as him. He incorportated pie into his lesson and tought the kids about finding the circumfrance, radius and, diameter and afterwards they got to have a slice. I read "Sir Cumference and the Dragon of Pi"to the kids. It was a fun way to to fimiliarize the kids with the terminology.