Week 5; September 26-30

I rate this week a 4. 

• Observe: This week, I taught two more folk dances, one to 2nd grade and one to 3rd. It went much better than I expected, and thankfully I remembered all the movements for each.

• Reflect: I taught a 1st grade lesson in which the students played the glockenspiels up and down. I did not think through the process enough before teaching it the first time, and had the five students playing the glockenspiels facing the students who were not. This made it confusing when they rotated (because they had been viewing it backwards). It went much better in the other lessons though. This taught me to think through processes with more detail

• Focus:  A short-term goal is to begin teaching a global unit for 3rd grade next week, aligning with completing the global awareness aspect of my portfolio.

• Be Productive: I suppose I always feel like I could use my free time more wisely, i.e., more portfolio work and less “me” time.

• Have Courage:  My CT suggested I be more animated with the kindergarteners. It wasn’t because I was apprehensive but just because I wasn’t thinking about it. I’ll work on being more fun and interesting for them.

• Begin Anew: Getting ready to teach edTPA lesson 3!

My advice would be to do a little something for your CT and administrators to let them know how much you appreciate their support. A note, candy, a gift card, etc. to let them know you are grateful for this experience.

Standard 1e, “Teachers demonstrate high ethical standards.” I have definitely tried to be aware of making sure that I am always being fair and respectful towards students. Specifically, I have tried to be aware that I would still be willing to call on and choose students to participate even if they struggle with their behavior. Sometimes it is hard to find a balance between bringing inappropriate behavior to students’ attention but still giving them a chance to participate. I have also asked my CT specific questions about students in order to have an awareness of whether behavior is a result of a poor attitude or perhaps an extension of a very difficult home life, as these require different responses to behavior. 

Standard 2a, “Teachers provide an environment in which each child has a positive, nurturing relationship with caring adults.” I am now building relationships with students, and it is very sweet that many of the kindergarten and first graders are hugging me as they leave the classroom. Many of these students receive their only emotional support at school. Although I want to always maintain a professional relationship with them as their authority, I also want to nurture them as much as possible. 

Standard 3b, “Teachers know the content appropriate to their teaching specialty.”For my edTPA, I am teaching the four instrument families of the orchestra. I have done research for the woodwind lesson that I taught this week to make sure that I was prepared in case a student asked a question.

Standard 4c, “Teachers use a variety of instructional methods.” I have definitely had an opportunity to build this standard through edTPA lessons. I have incorporated activities that utilize visual, aural, and kinesthetic assessments. I have incorporated technology into the past two lessons, and next week, students will take a virtual quiz on their iPads. 

Standard 5a, “Teachers analyze student learning.” I continue to analyze student learning, especially for my edTPA lessons. This shapes how I plan future lessons and revise lessons throughout the week as I teach them multiple times. 

I am now working on my global awareness lessons and classroom management interest survey for a student I have selected. I am continuing work on my edTPA learning segment. I have almost completed my website and resume, and I have completed the demographics brochure. 

Week 4-September 19-23

I rate this week a 5. 

• Observe: I taught my first edTPA lesson to fourth grade, and it went really well!

• Reflect: I taught fifth grade, which was very similar to a choir rehearsal, because they are preparing for the December program. I was really grateful for the preparation I’d had for teaching chorus in Secondary! I realized that it is really important to listen to the students and to revise the rehearsal procedures depending on their performance. I felt the most out of my comfort zone with this lesson than with any other, but I am looking forward to more opportunities to become more efficient in teaching choir. 

• Focus:  My short term goal this week was heavily focused on edTPA and formatting my lessons correctly, aligning with the long term goal of having my edTPA completed by the first of November. 

• Be Productive: More time rehearsing the music for fifth grade, so I could be more confident in teaching it. Less time staying up too late for “free” time. 

• Have Courage:  There have been a few instances when a student approached me and said another student did something to them (stuck out their tongue, pushed them, etc.). When they are transitioning and another class is waiting on me, I really don’t know what to do other than say “I’m sorry,” and send them on their way. Although this should probably be addressed, there have been a couple times I have not been able to address it and am a little unsure how to do so.

• Begin Anew: For next week, I definitely need to have my 2nd edTPA lesson formatted and materials prepared. Also, I need to be physically and mentally prepared for the 220 kids I will teach on Monday. 

I collected data for the edTPA assessments. The data revealed that perhaps I’m teaching a bit above the students’ level. My learning unit is on the orchestra, and many of the students had not even seen a violin before. I just want to make sure I am teaching high enough for them to learn new material but not give too much new information for them to grasp. 

My advice to fellow ST’s would be to keep the main focus of the student teaching experience to invest in the lives of the students. Also, to encourage the faculty with whom you work, especially your CE. Even a little note or a small gift can be a great encouragement. 

Standard 1a, “Teachers lead in their classrooms.” Today was “College Friday,” where we were able to wear a college t-shirt and talk about the college we attended to the students. This is especially important for students in the area which I am teaching,  a high poverty district. I have had many opportunities to lead in this class throughout my first full week of teaching this week. I have collected data and planned/revised lessons based on this data. I have also worked to create and maintain an orderly classroom where each student feels safe in their learning environment. 

Standard 2c, “Teachers treat students as individuals.” I really strive to not show partiality to students in any way. I convey high expectations for each student but keep in mind that students are at different places in their lives and have different skills and talents. Sometimes it is a huge accomplishment just for a repeating kindergartener to be able to stand in the circle and participate in the dance. Yet is is very important to recognize that student for his or her achievement. 

Standard 3d, “Teachers make instruction relevant to students.” It is possible to grow in this standard while teaching even the most seemingly unlikely lessons. For example, I taught half-note pulse with a game that required students  standing in a circle, bouncing a ball to the pulse, bounce passing the pass to another classmate, and singing a song. This group activity incorporates the 21st century life skills of leadership (students leading/being in charge of themselves), adaptability, and social responsibility to 2nd grades-while having an awesome time too!

Standard 4a, “Teachers know the ways in which learning takes place, and they know the appropriate levels of intellectual, physical, social, and emotional development of their students.” This week, while teaching full-time, I have become aware of several students who have needs including mild autism/Aspberger’s, anxiety, and ELL students. This knowledge really helps me be aware of how to specifically interact with these students in order to create the most productive and comfortable learning environment possible. 

Standard 5a, “Teachers analyze student learning.” I have the opportunity to teach each of my edTPA lessons five times. I taught the first one this week, and the fourth time was today. I chose to teach some of the concepts differently because of data I had collected and analyzed.

I have started (and almost finished) my website, my edTPA lessons and commentaries, my resume, the school improvement plan, and the leadership/collaboration project.

I definitely appreciate Dr. Soja’s continued feedback questions on my edTPA lessons.

Week 3; September 12-16

• Observe: This week, I taught 4th grade community (folk) dancing. My CT and I were both pleasantly surprised at how smoothly it went, although it was my first experience with community dancing. It was also great to see smiles and laughs on the kids’ faces.

• Reflect: There is a kindergarten class that is very difficult to manage behaviorally. Mrs. Deaver and I agreed to team-teach this class until we established firm discipline and guidelines for them. I taught them on Wednesday, and I learned that I can (and should) use a firm and stern voice to correct disrespectful behavior. Sometimes, this is difficult for me, because it is not my personality. However, many of these children receive no guidance at home and to not provide it for them would be doing them a disservice. 

• Focus:  I began working on my edTPA lessons this week, and have completed three of them so far. I am preparing so far in advance since I only see these kids once a week.

• Be Productive: I am not exactly sure what I could have spent less time doing, but I feel like I can never spend enough time on portfolio work!

• Have Courage:  When I was teaching kindergarten, I was a bit apprehensive concerning how to manage the class behavior. When I was not firm enough, Mrs. Deaver stepped in to discipline. I am very grateful she did, and I learn from watching and listening to her classroom management.

• Begin Anew: I definitely need to be comfortable with the flow of all six lessons for each grade I will teach next week. So, I plan to rehearse/practice the sequencing quite a bit this weekend.

I would rate this week as a 5.

 This week, I gathered information for the three students for which I will adjust my lessons for edTPA. This will help/is helping me to add/adjust activities for my learning segment in order to accommodate these learning needs.

I would advise my fellow STs to begin work on edTPA lessons and commentaries as soon as possible. Although it is a bit overwhelming to begin these this early in the semester, ultimately it is beneficial because it allows time to revise lessons and feel more comfortable with the process.

Standard 1d, “Teachers advocate for schools and students.” This week, I have had much practice with classroom management. Both schools at which I teach are PBIS (positive behavior intervention and support). Teachers are encouraged to correct behavior through positive jargon (such as “be kind,” instead of “don’t be unkind,” “I should only hear silence,” instead of “don’t talk”). Also they are encouraged to ask students questions in order to correct behavior. For example, in a 4th grade class, a student told another one to shut up, and I responded, “Was that kind?” This prompts students to consider their own behavior and its outcomes. 

Standard 2d, “Teachers adapt their teaching for the benefit of students with special needs.” This week, I have worked on revising and creating activities of my learning segments for a student with a reading deficit and an ESL student.

Standard 3c, “Teachers recognize the interconnectedness of content areas/disciplines.” This week, I have taught a fourth grade lesson that acknowledges the three patriotic holidays that were this week (Patriot Day, Anniversary of The Star Spangled Banner, and the Anniversary of the Constitution). We sang two patriotic songs, but before singing I asked the students what they knew about each of those days, and I filled in missing information. This connected history and music. 

Standard 4b, “Teachers plan instruction appropriate for their students.”

I have been gathering teaching materials for the six different grade levels that I teach each week. My CT has given me wonderful resources, and the Internet has a plethora of information. Collecting student data also helps to plan appropriate instruction.

Standard 5a, “Teachers analyze student learning.”

Something that I am really enjoying about teaching elementary music is that I teach the same lesson as many as seven times. Each time, I have opportunity to revise the process and teaching approach. It is very rewarding to see evidence of my teaching improving as I teach it multiple times, realizing ways that I can explain or demonstrate concepts more efficiently, and seeing the students grasp the concept better. Continually analyzing teaching ultimately results in greater student achievement.

This week, I have mostly focused on the first two edTPA lesson plans, as well as the commentaries for task one. 

I would definitely appreciate a short meeting with Dr. Soja after seminar on Monday regarding my edTPA lesson plans. I just want to make sure I am beginning on and staying on the right track and covering all aspects of edTPA. 

Week 2; September 6-9

I rate this week as a 5.

Observe: I taught fourth grade this week, and it went really well. I felt even more relaxed and natural in front of the students than I expected. Also, my CT and I agreed that my teaching improved throughout the week.

Reflect: I am definitely learning a lot about classroom management and how to react/not to react to certain behaviors in the class in order to maintain order and structure.

Focus: This week, I talked in detail with my CT about my lessons for the edTPA learning segment. I will actually write all five of those next week so that I can begin teaching the segment on September 20. This aligns with the long-term goal of completing edTPA by the beginning of November.

Be Productive: I have begun many aspects of the portfolio, but I of course could work even more on things that could be completed right away (the website and demographic info, for example).

Begin Anew: For next week, I must be prepared to teach kindergarten, second, and fourth grades. This is eighteen classes total. I have been observing and inquiring for information about the students that I will focus on in edTPA. For advice to my fellow ST’s, make sure to keep your focus on serving and teaching the students. When I feel overwhelmed with portfolio requirements, I remember the most important reason for this experience—to teach and love the students with whom I come in contact each day.

Standard 1a, “Teachers lead in their classrooms.” I have not been working in depth to build this standard; however, I have been collaborating with my CT in order to use data to contribute to the learning and ability of students and to maintain an orderly classroom. I am sure much more growth will take place concerning this standard when I assume full control of the classroom.

Standard 2c, “Teachers treat students as individuals.” Since I began teaching full classes, I have had opportunity to build this standard. Although I have become aware of students with more extensive learning needs, I still strove to have high expectations for each student.

Standard 3c, “Teachers recognize the interconnectedness of content areas/disciplines.” This is definitely a standard I have been working to build as I construct my lessons for next week. I will be incorporating a bit of history into my lessons in order to recognize Patriot Day.

Standard 4g, “Teachers communicate effectively.” After teaching the lesson several times, I learned more effective ways to communicate the expectations to the students in language that was developmentally comprehensible. It really helped their success.

Standard 5a, “Teachers analyze student learning.” The first time I taught the lesson, it was a bit tricky to juggle thinking through the order of the lesson, convey the information effectively, focus on each individual students’ abilities, AND correct/scaffold them. I definitely think I improved in this area throughout the week.

It would be wonderful if I could meet with Dr. Soja next week after seminar in order to go over the edTPA in relation to my learning segment to begin on the 20^th.  

Week 1; August 29-September 2

I would rate this week as a 5.

I have been able to prepare and plan a fourth grade lesson for me to teach to four classes next week.

I observed my CE throughout the week teach a total of thirty-seven classes of students. I especially focused on her classroom management (her approach to correction, which students required more attention, which behaviors she took class time to correct and which she ignored, etc.). I will definitely use these observations to shape my classroom management for these students.

A short-term goal I have is to teach the entire fourth grade next week. This aligns with my long-term goal of teaching my edTPA learning segment to these fourth graders. I decided to teach them first in order that I could have the longest amount of time to teach them and get to know them. I hope this will achieve the most successful learning segment possible for my portfolio but most of all for the benefit of the students.

I have begun working on many aspects of the portfolio. I need to make sure that I continue increasing this time each week, as my classroom teaching becomes more involved.

The first logical step is to practice teaching my fourth grade lesson in order to teach it as smoothly as possible. Regarding mental clutter, I think it will be helpful to keep a schedule of what I need to work on regarding the portfolio, and when. There are many aspects, so sometimes it feels overwhelming just to look at the list.

Regarding advice to share with other student teachers, I would say just to make the most of every opportunity to speak to the students and/or parents and encourage them. Even something as simple as a thirty second chat in the hallway can really brighten a student’s day. You may be the only person who has taken a genuine personal interest in that child all day.

Regarding Standard 1, my experiences helped to build 1e, “teachers demonstrate high ethical standards.” I had the opportunity to be a part of the Exceptional Classroom and to hold the hand of one of the children during the fire drill. I made an effort to nurture this student, show her fair treatment, and give her respect.

Regarding Standard 2, my experiences helped to build 2e, “Teachers work collaboratively with the families and significant adults in the lives of their students.” Although I have not been able to do this extensively, I have had the opportunity to meet many parents and grandparents who come to pick up their children. I have made an effort to take a personal interest in them and their children.

Regarding Standard 3, my experiences helped to build 3d, “Teachers make instruction relevant to students.” Many components of the lesson I have written for fourth grade incorporate 21^st century life skills.

Regarding Standard 4, my experiences helped to build 4f, “Teachers help students work in teams and develop leadership qualities.” My lesson incorporates students working together in order to achieve the proper sound for the song they are playing and singing.

Regarding Standard 5, my experiences helped to build 5a, “Teachers analyze student learning.” This week, I have written down as many names of the students as possible and have made note of strengths and challenges which I observe. I hope to use these analyses to shape future lessons and have already shaped my fourth grade lesson based on some of these observations.

I have started the school improvement plan analysis/reflection, I have begun research for the leadership collaboration project, I have a complete resume, and I have created a website skeleton.

My CE and I appreciate Dr. Soja’s prompt responses to provide clarity to our questions regarding the portfolio.