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.