Blessing!!
It is amazing to know we only have two weeks left in our student teaching journey. Each week I have learned something new I will take takeaway and utilize in my future classroom. As my student teaching experience almost comes to an end it is more evident to me that not only will I teach children about artists and technique but I will also teach them how to be respectful, responsible, confident, take pride in their work, the list can go on and on. But most importantly I will help them know that they are cared for and important in my life and the lives of their classroom teachers. I have realized my students make me a better teacher! I find myself pushing myself to provide them with the very best lessons, different ways of learning a certain technique, and to make sure when they are in my classroom for those 40 minutes they feel valued, cared for, and enjoy creating art. They motivate me, inspire me, and teach me something new everyday!
I will miss their comments about how much they love art, certain projects, or when they make new discoveries; these moments melt my heart. I will miss the moments when they want to show me every step they take to finish their project, and their eagerness to learn and create masterpieces! I will miss their greetings in the hallway or in the lunch room. Above all, I will miss seeing them everyday and how their faces light up when they create something new and exciting! They have brought me so much joy!
At this time I am preparing my very last projects at Willow Springs and I will begin the transition of Ms. J teaching the students full time. I have completed my TPA project as well as my online education portfolio and have gathered all of my transcripts for the licensing process.
Thank you Mrs. Reiselt for your continued prayers, support, and encouragement.
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Sunday, April 14, 2013
Blog Post 7
Before the transition takes place, I would like to make sure that the projects I have introduced to the students are able to be completed. This way my cooperating teacher can make a smooth transition by starting the next project with them and I would help in any way she would like me to. I would love to continue my daily interaction with the kids. They are truly a great group of students and they have made my time there extremely enjoyable! :) I would also like to continue my communication with my cooperating teacher about the projects I have introduced and will be introducing. Our planning times have been very positive and consistent. I feel that since we have been working so well together the transition will be seamless for the students which is the most important aspect of the transition process.
I feel I have grown in so many areas, it is challenging to think of the greatest one. I would have to say the greatest growth experience has been building my confidence as a teacher. At times, in the beginning, I would think to myself, am I capable to teach these students, will I be able to show them how to complete a project successfully, can I provide them with a quality art education, do I have "it", and can I inspire them? I am now confident in answering YES to all of these previous doubts. My student teaching experience and especially the children are clear indications that I am capable of all this and more. It is amazing to see how far I have come! Another growing experience has been how I am more aware of what adjustments need to be made in my lessons in order for my students to succeed. It is all about trial and error, now I am able to foresee what should be changed in order for the kids to complete their projects in the best way possible, with the proper instruction and tools. I look forward to continue growing and learning!
I still need to complete part of Task 2 and Task 3 as well as edit my teaching clips on Moviemaker. Thankfully, one of my seminar classmates will be helping me with the editing portion because I am not very familiar with Moviemaker. I am fortunate that she offered to help me. It will be an extremely busy week because our portfolios will be due next week as well.
Mrs. Reiselt, you would be happy to know that two of the third graders from the class you observed last week told me they did the Jasper Johns number project at home. They drew the overlapping numbers, it made my day to hear them say that! I told them how happy I was to know they enjoyed it so much that they did it at home too. It was such an amazing feeling! Also you would be surprised to know that on Friday during a new second grade lesson, my cooperating teacher asked the music teacher to stay and watch me introduce my lesson because she thought it was great. The music teacher had stopped by to speak to my cooperating teacher before the 2nd grade class came in. As the the students came in the music teacher was about to walk out when my cooperating teacher said, "Would you like to stay and watch Miss Melendez, it's a really cool lesson." She stayed for the introduction and my demonstration. I thought that was such a great compliment from my cooperating teacher!
I feel I have grown in so many areas, it is challenging to think of the greatest one. I would have to say the greatest growth experience has been building my confidence as a teacher. At times, in the beginning, I would think to myself, am I capable to teach these students, will I be able to show them how to complete a project successfully, can I provide them with a quality art education, do I have "it", and can I inspire them? I am now confident in answering YES to all of these previous doubts. My student teaching experience and especially the children are clear indications that I am capable of all this and more. It is amazing to see how far I have come! Another growing experience has been how I am more aware of what adjustments need to be made in my lessons in order for my students to succeed. It is all about trial and error, now I am able to foresee what should be changed in order for the kids to complete their projects in the best way possible, with the proper instruction and tools. I look forward to continue growing and learning!
I still need to complete part of Task 2 and Task 3 as well as edit my teaching clips on Moviemaker. Thankfully, one of my seminar classmates will be helping me with the editing portion because I am not very familiar with Moviemaker. I am fortunate that she offered to help me. It will be an extremely busy week because our portfolios will be due next week as well.
Mrs. Reiselt, you would be happy to know that two of the third graders from the class you observed last week told me they did the Jasper Johns number project at home. They drew the overlapping numbers, it made my day to hear them say that! I told them how happy I was to know they enjoyed it so much that they did it at home too. It was such an amazing feeling! Also you would be surprised to know that on Friday during a new second grade lesson, my cooperating teacher asked the music teacher to stay and watch me introduce my lesson because she thought it was great. The music teacher had stopped by to speak to my cooperating teacher before the 2nd grade class came in. As the the students came in the music teacher was about to walk out when my cooperating teacher said, "Would you like to stay and watch Miss Melendez, it's a really cool lesson." She stayed for the introduction and my demonstration. I thought that was such a great compliment from my cooperating teacher!
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Blog Post 6
One of the most helpful technology classroom tools I have come encountered with has been the Promethean board at Willow Springs Elementary School. It is an extremely innovative and interactive board for the classroom; the students love it! It includes an immense amount of features that has and will continue to enhance my lessons and strategies to engage my students. My cooperating teacher has been doing a great job at showing me all of the features and how I can incorporate the Promethean board into my lessons. It is a very exciting tool and I have enjoyed using it and learning how to use the features. I have also found the ELMO very helpful as well. It is similar to a projector but smaller, I utilized it during an activity at Covington Elementary School. Fifth grade students worked in groups on a drawing activity and I used the ELMO to project their drawings on the screen. We were all able to view the drawings as a class. It is important to utilize technology in the classroom in order to provide students with an additional instructional technique that would fulfill their learning style.
I have completed the recording portion of the TPA project, however, I would like to record one more segment. Next I will be completing the first part of Task 2 which includes the videos I recorded with the students. As I look over the questions that need to be answered in the commentary section I become overwhelmed and stressed but I know it is important to answer one question at a time. It is important to pace myself and not rush through it. This project has been very challenging but it can be completed.
If possible, I feel it would be helpful to me to receive feedback on my philosophy of education. I would appreciate your opinion and feedback on what I have written.
- When answering questions during an interview we should refer to our student teaching experiences and always provide specific examples.
- It is important to always research, stay current, and make ourselves relevant. Also, it is vital that we keep in mind that we will always be evaluated no matter the situation.
I have completed the recording portion of the TPA project, however, I would like to record one more segment. Next I will be completing the first part of Task 2 which includes the videos I recorded with the students. As I look over the questions that need to be answered in the commentary section I become overwhelmed and stressed but I know it is important to answer one question at a time. It is important to pace myself and not rush through it. This project has been very challenging but it can be completed.
If possible, I feel it would be helpful to me to receive feedback on my philosophy of education. I would appreciate your opinion and feedback on what I have written.
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Blog Post 5
This past week has been eye-opening!
Everything I have been learning and experiencing during student teaching are the key components I need to be a quality teacher for my students. All of the research that we do, the lesson plans we type, the fun ways we think of engaging our students, the innovative techniques and strategies we try to implement, and all of the effort we put into each and every day is all for our students. The students, their education, and experience should always be our main priority and focus. When I think of what lesson I want to teach I think of the kids and ask myself many questions. Would they enjoy this, what would be a fun way to introduce certain material to them, how will I motivate them, guide, and inspire them? How will I teach them life lessons and right from wrong? As an art teacher, I only have students in the classroom for 40 minutes at a time, which is a very short period of time but my hope is that I will make a long lasting impact on their lives. There are so many takeaways but I feel that as teachers we need to continue learning and growing as educators not only for our benefit but for the benefit of our students.
I feel that as teachers we should use the learning process (formative assessment) as the greatest form of assessing student learning along with any summative assessments. It is important to correct for student mastery during this time because it would help them be better prepared for any future summative tests. A final test should not determine whether a student has achieved student mastery or not. Teachers should begin assessing student learning as soon as the content is being introduced to them. Any assignment that is completed, question that is asked, or any question that is answered should be used as an opportunity for remediation and correction and is a clear example of student learning.
I feel that students should also be graded on their efforts during class and progress throughout. I do not understand why grades have to be determined by numbers. (Percentages) Students should be provided with other opportunities in order for them to succeed; to experience academic success. When students know that their whole grade will consist of tests, many of them shut down and already feel defeated. Students should not feel defeated on the first day. They need to understand they are capable of achieving success and that their success will not only be measured by numbers.
I will begin the video portion of the TPA project this upcoming week. I am a bit nervous about it all but I am sure it will go very well. My CT has known about my project since my first week and she has been doing a great job at helping me along the way with resources and ideas. I will be meeting the 7th graders who will be a part of my project. I will be informing them about the video portion of it and how the project will include them.
At this time there is not anything I need help with or feedback on but I would like to thank my supervisor for her positive feedback she always provides me with during her visits, especially during her recent visit. She told me that quite a few of my students will remember my lesson on color mixing because of how I presented it. Also that some students will probably be excited to tell their parents about it when they got home. That is amazing to me! It was so great to hear her say that! Thank you Mrs. Reiselt! I always appreciate your written and verbal feedback.
Everything I have been learning and experiencing during student teaching are the key components I need to be a quality teacher for my students. All of the research that we do, the lesson plans we type, the fun ways we think of engaging our students, the innovative techniques and strategies we try to implement, and all of the effort we put into each and every day is all for our students. The students, their education, and experience should always be our main priority and focus. When I think of what lesson I want to teach I think of the kids and ask myself many questions. Would they enjoy this, what would be a fun way to introduce certain material to them, how will I motivate them, guide, and inspire them? How will I teach them life lessons and right from wrong? As an art teacher, I only have students in the classroom for 40 minutes at a time, which is a very short period of time but my hope is that I will make a long lasting impact on their lives. There are so many takeaways but I feel that as teachers we need to continue learning and growing as educators not only for our benefit but for the benefit of our students.
I feel that as teachers we should use the learning process (formative assessment) as the greatest form of assessing student learning along with any summative assessments. It is important to correct for student mastery during this time because it would help them be better prepared for any future summative tests. A final test should not determine whether a student has achieved student mastery or not. Teachers should begin assessing student learning as soon as the content is being introduced to them. Any assignment that is completed, question that is asked, or any question that is answered should be used as an opportunity for remediation and correction and is a clear example of student learning.
I feel that students should also be graded on their efforts during class and progress throughout. I do not understand why grades have to be determined by numbers. (Percentages) Students should be provided with other opportunities in order for them to succeed; to experience academic success. When students know that their whole grade will consist of tests, many of them shut down and already feel defeated. Students should not feel defeated on the first day. They need to understand they are capable of achieving success and that their success will not only be measured by numbers.
I will begin the video portion of the TPA project this upcoming week. I am a bit nervous about it all but I am sure it will go very well. My CT has known about my project since my first week and she has been doing a great job at helping me along the way with resources and ideas. I will be meeting the 7th graders who will be a part of my project. I will be informing them about the video portion of it and how the project will include them.
At this time there is not anything I need help with or feedback on but I would like to thank my supervisor for her positive feedback she always provides me with during her visits, especially during her recent visit. She told me that quite a few of my students will remember my lesson on color mixing because of how I presented it. Also that some students will probably be excited to tell their parents about it when they got home. That is amazing to me! It was so great to hear her say that! Thank you Mrs. Reiselt! I always appreciate your written and verbal feedback.
Saturday, March 2, 2013
Blog Post 4
The first week at Willow Springs is complete and I have learned new lessons and have enjoyed observing Ms. Jokubauskas' teaching style. Since I have been observing this week I have not been able to write a lesson and incorporate which practices I would utilize within the lesson. However I have been recognizing the best learning practices Ms. Jokubauskas incorporates into her lessons and writing notes on them. As I witness them I am testing myself by distinguishing which practices she is utilizing at the moment such as scaffolding, allowing time for students to practice, collaborating with colleagues, using interdisciplinary instruction, providing students time to correct incorrect ideas, using technology, engaging students in active learning, and using background knowledge. I have witnessed all of these learning practices everyday and I aspire to do the same. It has been great practice for me and the learning practices I have observed have been very successful! I have been taking the time to take pictures of projects she is currently working on with her students and projects she has done in the past that I hope to use in the future with my students. I feel very fortunate to have wonderful cooperating teachers!
As I develop my first lesson for the students at Willow Springs I will be sure to include the best learning practices I will be utilizing. I have been working on learning the student's names and connecting with them. Willow Springs is a close knit school and the students and staff have made me feel very welcomed. I will continue to work on these two goals during the next couple of weeks.
This past week has been refreshing! (New beginnings)
The most recent lesson I taught was at Covington School during my 7th week. I taught 1st graders about Joan Miro, a Spanish artist. A lot of his work was made up of a variety of lines and shapes. What made the lesson exciting for the students was that I was able make a connection between them and the artist. When students are able to make a stronger connection to the content on a personal level they enjoy it even more and they put more effort into their project. They learned that Joan Miro loved art when he was in school and began drawing at a very young age like they did. Through research I have found that when referring to where an artist is from it is important to show students where it is on a map. It provides them with a visual reference and Spain is no longer just a word to them it is something real. These two small adjustments made a significant difference in teaching the students about Joan Miro and their learning process.
I found the principal panel extremely helpful! It opened my eyes to what administrators look for in a prospective teacher. I learned to pay close attention to detail, it is important to go above and beyond because it may distinguish you from the 300-400 applicants, and we are expected to ask them questions as well. Above all it was very reassuring to know that our passion for students, enthusiasm, authenticity, heart, and overall character will set us apart from everyone else. Prospective teachers may look amazing on paper but if they do not have good character and love for children they will not get the position. I was happy to know those characteristics are at the top of their list and to know I posses them.
As I continue to work on my TPA project I may need my supervisor's feedback and help when necessary. My college supervisor would be surprised to know that my cooperating teacher has a Promethean board in her classroom. It is similar to a smart board but has many exciting features and the children love it! I cannot wait to incorporate it into my lessons! Here's to technology!
As I develop my first lesson for the students at Willow Springs I will be sure to include the best learning practices I will be utilizing. I have been working on learning the student's names and connecting with them. Willow Springs is a close knit school and the students and staff have made me feel very welcomed. I will continue to work on these two goals during the next couple of weeks.
This past week has been refreshing! (New beginnings)
The most recent lesson I taught was at Covington School during my 7th week. I taught 1st graders about Joan Miro, a Spanish artist. A lot of his work was made up of a variety of lines and shapes. What made the lesson exciting for the students was that I was able make a connection between them and the artist. When students are able to make a stronger connection to the content on a personal level they enjoy it even more and they put more effort into their project. They learned that Joan Miro loved art when he was in school and began drawing at a very young age like they did. Through research I have found that when referring to where an artist is from it is important to show students where it is on a map. It provides them with a visual reference and Spain is no longer just a word to them it is something real. These two small adjustments made a significant difference in teaching the students about Joan Miro and their learning process.
I found the principal panel extremely helpful! It opened my eyes to what administrators look for in a prospective teacher. I learned to pay close attention to detail, it is important to go above and beyond because it may distinguish you from the 300-400 applicants, and we are expected to ask them questions as well. Above all it was very reassuring to know that our passion for students, enthusiasm, authenticity, heart, and overall character will set us apart from everyone else. Prospective teachers may look amazing on paper but if they do not have good character and love for children they will not get the position. I was happy to know those characteristics are at the top of their list and to know I posses them.
- The greater the structure of a lesson and the more precise the directions on what is to be accomplished, the higher the achievement rate.
- Standards do not deprive you of creativity. Rather they form the base point from which to design the lesson.
As I continue to work on my TPA project I may need my supervisor's feedback and help when necessary. My college supervisor would be surprised to know that my cooperating teacher has a Promethean board in her classroom. It is similar to a smart board but has many exciting features and the children love it! I cannot wait to incorporate it into my lessons! Here's to technology!
Monday, February 18, 2013
Blog Post 3
I cannot believe I only have four days left at my current school which is bittersweet. I have loved my time spent there, my cooperating teacher has been the absolute best, I have learned so very much, and the students have been great as well. I feel good to know that I have fulfilled my past two goals and continue to learn from them and improve upon them. I have made the greatest efforts towards my lesson planning; making sure I have focused on including the district's art standards and most importantly I try to make my lessons fun and exciting for the students.The students have been really enjoying the lessons, when it is time to clean up they always mention that they wish art class was an hour long and they never want to leave. When I hear those things it truly makes me so happy and it warms my heart. I think to myself, "wow, they are really enjoying what I am teaching them and they are loving art more and more each time they come in. I have made some progress with those students who have had trouble focusing or accomplishing the project at hand. Through talking with my cooperating teacher and researching I have found that celebrating the small accomplishments has helped those students want to do more and stay focused. I have tried breaking up the steps for the project even more and I have witnessed that it has made a difference. The end result has been very positive for the student(s) and myself. I will continue to research other techniques and continue to utilize the ones I have put into practice. I am happy to have had the opportunity to work through this obstacle and provide these students with a feeling of success.
For the following two weeks I will be working on becoming familiar with the best practices for learning. As suggested by my supervisor, I will be including a section in my lesson plans where I will list 2-3 best practices I will be utilizing within my lesson. By doing this I will be more comfortable with the teaching language. I will be able to identify which practices are more successful, refer to them when speaking to colleagues, principals, or on an interview. I know I have been implementing quite a few if not all of them at some point in my lessons but now I need to work on integrating them into my teaching vocabulary. My second goal will be to become acquainted with my next cooperating teacher at Willow Springs. I will be sad to leave my current cooperating teacher but I am excited to learn from the art teacher at my second placement. Also learning about the next school's culture and meeting the students. I look forward to observing her teaching style and taking notes on what I like and which techniques I would like to implement in my future classroom.
This past week has been rewarding!
I have tried to provide the students with a clear plan for the day each time they come to art class. I find that stating the "art plan" for the day at the beginning of the class and after my demonstration of the project. It has been extremely beneficial for the students; they stay on task and I have noticed they have a clear understanding of what needs to be done to complete the project. Each grade has 3 classes and come to art class one after the other. During a 5th grade lesson, I did not provide the students with clear directions for the project. As a result I had many students ask questions about how to start the project and some stated they were confused. I took the time to provide those students with better directions and I made several adjustments when providing the next class with more of detailed "art plan". By doing this the students were able to accomplish a lot more and I had very few students ask about how to start their project. I now know that the more direction I provide and the more concise I am with those directions the students accomplish more and they feel confident about what is being asked of them. It has made the class run a lot smoother and their progress has been evident.
I would appreciate feedback on the best practices section I will be including in my next lesson. I do want to improve upon this aspect.
My college supervisor would be surprised to know that I have been observed by both principals of the schools I am currently student teaching at.
For the following two weeks I will be working on becoming familiar with the best practices for learning. As suggested by my supervisor, I will be including a section in my lesson plans where I will list 2-3 best practices I will be utilizing within my lesson. By doing this I will be more comfortable with the teaching language. I will be able to identify which practices are more successful, refer to them when speaking to colleagues, principals, or on an interview. I know I have been implementing quite a few if not all of them at some point in my lessons but now I need to work on integrating them into my teaching vocabulary. My second goal will be to become acquainted with my next cooperating teacher at Willow Springs. I will be sad to leave my current cooperating teacher but I am excited to learn from the art teacher at my second placement. Also learning about the next school's culture and meeting the students. I look forward to observing her teaching style and taking notes on what I like and which techniques I would like to implement in my future classroom.
This past week has been rewarding!
I have tried to provide the students with a clear plan for the day each time they come to art class. I find that stating the "art plan" for the day at the beginning of the class and after my demonstration of the project. It has been extremely beneficial for the students; they stay on task and I have noticed they have a clear understanding of what needs to be done to complete the project. Each grade has 3 classes and come to art class one after the other. During a 5th grade lesson, I did not provide the students with clear directions for the project. As a result I had many students ask questions about how to start the project and some stated they were confused. I took the time to provide those students with better directions and I made several adjustments when providing the next class with more of detailed "art plan". By doing this the students were able to accomplish a lot more and I had very few students ask about how to start their project. I now know that the more direction I provide and the more concise I am with those directions the students accomplish more and they feel confident about what is being asked of them. It has made the class run a lot smoother and their progress has been evident.
- For the effective teacher, recording what and how well students are doing is essential in assessing and helping each student reach maximum learning capacity.
- Classroom management consists of the practices and procedures that a teacher uses to maintain an optimum environment in which instruction and learning can occur.
I would appreciate feedback on the best practices section I will be including in my next lesson. I do want to improve upon this aspect.
My college supervisor would be surprised to know that I have been observed by both principals of the schools I am currently student teaching at.
Sunday, February 3, 2013
Blog Post 2
This upcoming week will feel very fast paced because I will be starting my 10 consecutive teaching days this Thursday, February 7th. I am looking forward to teaching full time!
As far as my goals from the past two weeks, I fulfilled one of the two. I wanted to be prepared for my very first two lessons and I feel they were both a success, however before the students walked in I felt extremely nervous and my mind went blank! As soon as I saw their smiling faces, my nerves disappeared. Both 2nd and 1st grade LOVED my lessons which made me very happy. My cooperating teacher gave me a lot of positive feedback and complimented my style of teaching. She loved my excitement! She said it was evident that the kids really enjoyed the lesson and had a lot of fun. It was very reassuring to know my cooperating teacher thinks I am doing very well. My other goal was to continue learning the student's names. I have learned the names of a few classrooms but I am still working on them. It is nice when I seem them in the hall and they say hi to me.
My goals for the next two weeks are to continue to put my best effort into my lessons because it shows in the student's work. It is important for me to incorporate the art standards into my lessons and make them enjoyable for the kids as well. It is so awesome when the kids say they love art or when they do not want to leave the classroom because they want to keep working on their project. It puts a huge smile on my face! My other goal is to continue researching behavior management strategies and techniques. There are a few students who I have trouble helping get on task and staying focused. They become distracted and I feel like I am not doing something right but my cooperating teacher was supportive by saying that that sort of thing happens from time to time and to not get discouraged.
The past week has been a blessing!
I learned that giving the students the opportunity to voice their ideas, knowledge, and interests is extremely positive and self motivating for them. Also having a positive attitude and being excited to see the students and about teaching radiates throughout the time spent with the students. I noticed that when my cooperating teacher or I relate a lesson to the student's lives or interests they become actively engaged. If they see that we are enthusiastic about the project and content they look forward to beginning the project and get excited about showing us their progress. Making it known to the students that everyone can create a work of art gives them confidence and a feeling of success.
My cooperating teacher always encourages the students to try their very best and always tells them they are capable of creating a work of art. If students seem uninterested or do not want to complete the assignment she speaks to them one-on-one which shows the student they matter and what they do in the classroom matters, I hope to continue to follow this particular expectation.
At this time I do not need help with anything specific but I do appreciate her feedback during her first visit. It was helpful in the aspect of how to prepare for her second visit. After her second visit I will be looking forward to her feedback on my TPA lesson and teaching style. My supervisor would be surprised to know that the assistant superintendent and principal have expressed interest in observing me during one of my lessons. My cooperating teacher spoke highly of me to them and agreed that they should take the time to observe me. It is very exciting to know they want to observe me which is an amazing opportunity, I feel very blessed!
Any advice on how to further prepare for their observations would be greatly appreciated.
As far as my goals from the past two weeks, I fulfilled one of the two. I wanted to be prepared for my very first two lessons and I feel they were both a success, however before the students walked in I felt extremely nervous and my mind went blank! As soon as I saw their smiling faces, my nerves disappeared. Both 2nd and 1st grade LOVED my lessons which made me very happy. My cooperating teacher gave me a lot of positive feedback and complimented my style of teaching. She loved my excitement! She said it was evident that the kids really enjoyed the lesson and had a lot of fun. It was very reassuring to know my cooperating teacher thinks I am doing very well. My other goal was to continue learning the student's names. I have learned the names of a few classrooms but I am still working on them. It is nice when I seem them in the hall and they say hi to me.
My goals for the next two weeks are to continue to put my best effort into my lessons because it shows in the student's work. It is important for me to incorporate the art standards into my lessons and make them enjoyable for the kids as well. It is so awesome when the kids say they love art or when they do not want to leave the classroom because they want to keep working on their project. It puts a huge smile on my face! My other goal is to continue researching behavior management strategies and techniques. There are a few students who I have trouble helping get on task and staying focused. They become distracted and I feel like I am not doing something right but my cooperating teacher was supportive by saying that that sort of thing happens from time to time and to not get discouraged.
The past week has been a blessing!
I learned that giving the students the opportunity to voice their ideas, knowledge, and interests is extremely positive and self motivating for them. Also having a positive attitude and being excited to see the students and about teaching radiates throughout the time spent with the students. I noticed that when my cooperating teacher or I relate a lesson to the student's lives or interests they become actively engaged. If they see that we are enthusiastic about the project and content they look forward to beginning the project and get excited about showing us their progress. Making it known to the students that everyone can create a work of art gives them confidence and a feeling of success.
My cooperating teacher always encourages the students to try their very best and always tells them they are capable of creating a work of art. If students seem uninterested or do not want to complete the assignment she speaks to them one-on-one which shows the student they matter and what they do in the classroom matters, I hope to continue to follow this particular expectation.
- Greet your students as they enter the classroom. One of the most successful techniques is to meet and greet your students at the door as they enter the classroom or line them up in an area for your greeting and instructions before entering the classroom.
- If you do not structure your classroom, the students will structure the classroom for you.
At this time I do not need help with anything specific but I do appreciate her feedback during her first visit. It was helpful in the aspect of how to prepare for her second visit. After her second visit I will be looking forward to her feedback on my TPA lesson and teaching style. My supervisor would be surprised to know that the assistant superintendent and principal have expressed interest in observing me during one of my lessons. My cooperating teacher spoke highly of me to them and agreed that they should take the time to observe me. It is very exciting to know they want to observe me which is an amazing opportunity, I feel very blessed!
Any advice on how to further prepare for their observations would be greatly appreciated.
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