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 20th.
Chrysalis!
ReplyDeleteWhat a busy week! I'm glad that both you and your CT feel like your teaching is improving. I'd love to know what specifically you feel has improved the most. It sounds like your classroom management might be what you're happiest about. Can you be specific about what types of behaviors you've been attempting to extinguish by ignoring, and the ways that you've been addressing the behaviors that simply MUST be addressed in class? I'd love to hear more about that!
I really loved your "Focus" statements! I think to keep with "Be Productive" you could work a bit on the classroom management project. Which student might you want to work with specifically. Your CT's guidance can be really helpful here too! I also think your advice from "Begin Anew" is perfectly on target! It is all about the students that you're teaching. The other elements tend to fall into place nicely when your plans are student-focused. But, this semester's workload is overwhelming no matter which way you look at it. Way to stay on top of it, and maintain a great perspective!
1a: as you prep your edTPA lessons, you may find you're able to address this.
2c: what pieces of evidence/information/anecdotal write-outs can you provide that documents how you've addressed this?
3c: I'm so glad that you're working toward some interdisciplinary work. Most elementary general music teachers do A LOT of this, and it really is beneficial for students. The more ways that they can connect what we all teach, the more likely it is for them to remember it. You may have a student who doesn't really connect to music, but is really interested about Patriot Day, who you "grab" with your lessons!
4g: Developmental hopscotch is a game that all music teachers play when we teach multiple ages in a day. Sometimes, it's so hard to switch language and concept ideas throughout the day. Just switching up from K to second grade is a monumental switch!
5a: I'm glad this is improving.
We can absolutely meet, and I will do everything I can to help out with edTPA today! Keep up the good work!