On monday I taught all the math sections for the 5th grade and was the only 'teacher' in the room...wow...it was a little intense! I got done with the first session and felt as though I had been really short and quick with the students. When Carole came in afterwards I told her that I felt as though my temper had risen. Once I started thinking about it, I realized that since I was the only teacher in the room (we have had 3-4 educators in the room all year and it has been wonderful) I really felt the push to confer with the kids quickly and efficiently. This meant that I tended to rush and wanted them to 'just get it'. While talking with Carole she said that this is why it is so important to have a good and purposefully planned conferring schedule so that you get to all the students throughout the week and as neccessary. Advice I will definitly take and work on.
TWS - DONE!!! Literacy at WWU - DONE!!! Special ED: Almost DONE!!!
I can not believe that this is my last week on Westerns campus
Next on the list: Christmas program... actually very excited for this. I am thrilled to see them perform! Then, Winterfest ~ my last day with the 5th graders and with Carole...bummer but exciting none the less
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
A Whole Day (almost)
Today I taught math, literacy and science. It was such a great experience. It was incredibly nerve-wracking but totally worthwhile and informative. I have to admit that I have battled with the idea that with this model it would be really difficult since the 5th graders are in different classes for these subjects. I was worried about being in a new class every subject and being able to adapt and adjust as necessary. Since I am comfortable with math and been in that classroom and with Carole the most I was less nervous about teaching math. I am also comfortable with the literacy classroom since I have been teaching more and more. The science classroom I had yet to teach in so this was a little nerve-wracking and considering I also developed the two lessons mostly on my own. The science teacher helped but all the materials were my responsibility. I couldn't believe it though, it went pretty smoothly for an intern teacher!
What was so great about it was that I was able to use my knowledge about the structure of math and literacy to inform what I did in science. This was a huge advantage and the science teacher, Tammy, even commented on it. I also did a short read-aloud in literacy to prep them for what we would be doing in science later today. This was great and made the transition into science much more smooth. I was also able to group the students in a purposeful way which felt great. I realized in science that since I had taught them all day my comfort level with them was even more personal and relaxed which I felt was great for all of us.
No, the day was not perfect. There were many things that I would do differently and will do differently. In math there is always a concept that I have my own ah-ha moments with. In literacy I should have taught bibliographies as a mid-teaching mini-lesson but will do tomorrow even though they have already been using website information. And in science, I should have been better prepared for the students that are pulled out in the other two classes. All in all though, I am proud of myself for making it through the whole day.....except for calendar math when I was watching a videotape of myself instead :)
What was so great about it was that I was able to use my knowledge about the structure of math and literacy to inform what I did in science. This was a huge advantage and the science teacher, Tammy, even commented on it. I also did a short read-aloud in literacy to prep them for what we would be doing in science later today. This was great and made the transition into science much more smooth. I was also able to group the students in a purposeful way which felt great. I realized in science that since I had taught them all day my comfort level with them was even more personal and relaxed which I felt was great for all of us.
No, the day was not perfect. There were many things that I would do differently and will do differently. In math there is always a concept that I have my own ah-ha moments with. In literacy I should have taught bibliographies as a mid-teaching mini-lesson but will do tomorrow even though they have already been using website information. And in science, I should have been better prepared for the students that are pulled out in the other two classes. All in all though, I am proud of myself for making it through the whole day.....except for calendar math when I was watching a videotape of myself instead :)
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