Week 9; October 24-28

I rate this week as a 4. 

Observe: I was able to practice classroom management strategies in some challenging situations (described below). 

• Reflect: My focus student had trouble in class this week. I will meet with him next week and discuss the reason behind some of his inappropriate behavior and possible ways to improve it. 

• Focus:  I have a “portfolio map” with everything that is still outstanding for me to complete, and the date on which I plan to complete it.

• Be Productive: Honesty time again. Less media.

• Have Courage: I wrote a conduct letter to a student for the first time this week. It was for him repeatedly not following directions and disrespecting another student, despite multiple warnings. Discipline is difficult for me; especially when I know the student has a difficult home life, which impacts their behavior. This boy has a difficult home life, and it honestly makes me just want to adopt him and give him support. Afterwards, I was a bit apprehensive about whether I should have written the letter. I just hope that he receives guidance from his teacher and that the letter prompts him to change his behavior. I never want to discipline in a way that beats a child down, I just want to manage behavior in a way that ultimately helps the student. These are challenging situations. 

• Begin Anew: It’s especially challenging teaching the lessons for the first time on Mondays, because I teach nine classes in a row, with only a fifteen minute break after the seventh class. So, I just need to be focused and ready to teach all brand new lessons on Monday. 

Advice: Embrace moments to encourage students and show that you care about them. You may just be the only person that shows them that all day.

Standard 1c, “Teachers lead the teaching profession.” Now that I have been teaching full time for six weeks, I have built relationships with many of the faculty members. I have had conversations with some of the homeroom teachers and other travel teachers regarding specific students and how to accommodate them. Since they are experienced, I ask what they do in certain situations. I discuss what I have done and ask for their feedback. I enjoy learning from them and implementing the strategies to benefit the students. 

Standard 2a, “Teachers provide an environment in which each child has a positive, nurturing relationship with caring adults.” There have been two injuries in the classroom that have resulted in students crying. In both situations, I consoled the kids and tried to be funny to get their minds off their injuries. It really warms my heart when I have the opportunity to comfort a student who is sad, and they cheer up. 

Standard 3c, “Teachers recognize the interconnectedness of content areas/disciplines.” This week, I taught a lesson on Dance Macabre, by Saint-Saens. In this, we discussed that the composer was from France and how to pronounce his name (that in the French language the endings of words are not usually pronounced). We also viewed France (where the music was written) on Google Earth. We discussed the unique way in which music could be shared and enjoyed among different cultures. 

Standard 4g, “Teachers communicate effectively.” In the final edTPA lesson this week, we did review and post-assessment. In the review, I gave students much opportunity to discuss the information and ask any questions. I also asked them a lot of open ended questions regarding the material. We reviewed by viewing pictures, reading facts aloud (displayed on the board), and listening to audio clips. 

Standard 5c, “Teachers function effectively in a complex, dynamic environment.”  A part of this standard is understanding that change is constant. This past week, there have been many surprises in the classroom, including but not limited to—broken A/C in the classroom, yellow jackets flying around the room during third grade Veterans’ Day music rehearsal, a bleeding lip (and many tears) because of a body collision in kindergarten, a smushed finger (and many tears) because of a body collision in first grade, a first grader who would not leave the classroom (conduct letter), a first grader who would did not follow directions throughout the class period (another conduct letter), a kindergartener who wet his pants and the carpet during class, and a third grader with emotional/anger management problems screaming shut up in another student’s face. As a teacher, it is essential to be aware that unexpected, challenging situations can happen at any time. The best way to learn how to handle these situations is for them to occur, to work through them, and to reflect on any ways they could have been handled better. I think I’ve had enough surprises and growth with this standard this week. No more surprises, thank you. 

As far as support, I just want to make sure that I am on track with how to impact the School Improvement Plan. 

Week 8; October 17-21

I rate this week a 5. 

• Observe: I was delightfully surprised at how well the edTPA percussion lesson went this week. The students improvised on drums to accompany a song from Panama, and went really awesome. 

• Reflect: I will be more prepared with the processes of the activities in the lessons, specifically for kindergarten.

• Focus:  I’m completing my commentaries to finish my edTPA segment. I’m also recording my screencasts this weekend to complete my technology portfolio component. 

• Be Productive: To be honest and vulnerable, I spent too much time on media this week. I’m sure none of you can relate. :) 

• Have Courage: There are always those instances a few times each week where I am apprehensive about whether I was too strict/not strict enough with management in the classroom. 

• Begin Anew: Be prepared to teach final edTPA lesson—post-assessment!

Data: Informal assessment revealed that my Friday first grade class needs more practice with singing in their head voices. 

Advice…don’t procrastinate. If you have already procrastinated, stop procrastinating stopping your procrastination. 

Standard 1d, “Teachers advocate for schools and students.” I am really making a specific effort to incorporate the jargon used in the Positive Behavior Intervention and Support system at Spindle Elementary. There are about 10 different phrases that teachers should incorporate into their teaching. For example, teachers should tell students to “be proactive” if they want them to be responsible. They should tell students to “synergize” if they want them to work together. This is part of my school improvement plan, and it is my goal to use this language at least once in every lesson. 

Standard 2b, “Teachers embrace diversity in the school community and in the world.” After students were playing the drums with “Al Tambor,” a student raised her hand and shared that she spoke Spanish and understood the song. Then, I encouraged her to share the translation with the class, emphasizing how it was really awesome that she understood the Spanish lyrics and that music was allowing us to connect with another culture. 

Standard 3c, “Teachers recognize the interconnectedness of content areas/disciplines.” All of third grade is rehearsing Veteran’s Day music for an upcoming opportunity for them to sing at the Rutherford County Salute to Veterans. In each lesson, we discuss what it means to be a veteran versus active duty,  why we express gratitude for those who serve in the military, and sacrifices that military members make. Their music lessons therefore connect with topics of history. 

Standard 4d, “Teachers integrate and utilize technology in their instruction.” For edTPA this week (fourth grade), students took a virtual quiz on their iPads, on www.quizizz.com. It’s user friendly, free, and students really seem to enjoy it. It provides immediate feedback to teachers and students. I highly recommend it.”

Standard 5c, “Teachers function effectively in a complex, dynamic environment.” As I mentioned, fourth grade took a virtual quiz. In one class, I was specifically aware of a student who comprehends at a first grade level. So, I sat/stood near her and sometimes would explain the meanings of the words in order to ensure her understanding as best as possible. This strategy is called comprehension monitoring. 

Dr. Soja, thanks for all your support. :D

Week 7; October 10-14

I rate this week a 5. 

• Observe: I was animated with the littles when I told a story to complement their cows song. I was also animated with the story “Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything.” My CT was pleased and even giggled during my teaching. 

• Reflect: I had to remove a few kindergarteners from the lesson. At the end, one of them came up to me and apologized, and I melted. This made me realize that even if I have to correct a student, if they improve their behavior, I should try to emphasize this. 

• Focus:  Short term goals for this week were completing four professional development activities, aligning with the long term goal of completing professional development for my portfolio. 

• Be Productive: I should have done more portfolio work this week. 

• Have Courage: I was apprehensive about giving a class a honeycomb (which is earned for good behavior for the entire class); so, I didn’t give them one. Afterwards, I felt as maybe I was too strict and should have given them one. Although there was some excessive talking and not following directions, there are two students in that class that really struggle, and I want to make sure I am holding them to high expectations, yet not being too strict. 

• Begin Anew: Our week has been beginning on Tuesdays because of Labor Day holiday, but this week I will begin teaching new lessons on Monday of each week. Monday is our most hectic day as well, so I need to make sure I am comfortable with each grade’s lesson and the back-to-back transitions (seven in a row). 

Standard 1a, “Teachers lead in their classrooms.” I was able to tell a story to kindergarteners that complemented their lesson. The story was on Carl who loved cows, and his journey as a Spindle student, who graduated from RS Central High and went on to college. Even with the littles, high school graduation can be promulgated. 

Standard 2d, “Teachers adapt their teaching for the benefit of students with special needs.” I have communicated with the homeroom teacher of the class to which I am teaching my learning segment in order to specifically find out what accommodations she makes for the students with IEPs. Strategies to implement include: allowing the student with ADHD to complete assessments in a private, quiet area; and having the student sit in the front of the classroom. For lower readers—reading written questions/directions aloud, providing visual aids, lowering written assessment vocabulary two grade levels, and allowing students to work in partners.

Standard 3a, “Teachers align their instruction with the North Carolina Standard Course of Study.” I am of course incorporating literary instruction into my edTPA learning segment. This week, students will specifically focus on identifying and describing. This will require knowledge of and correct use of discourse taught throughout the segment thus far. 

Standard 4f, “Teachers help students work in teams and develop leadership qualities.” This week, fourth grade participated in a game in which they identified instruments of the orchestra. They worked in teams and competed for the highest scores. 

Standard 5b, “Teachers link professional growth to their professional goals.” This week, I was able to attend professional development seminars. Topics included: reaching students who are in high poverty, web page design, technology integration, and drumming in the music classroom. 

My advice to student teachers is to be authentic with the students. When I was teaching third grade this week, I made a mistake that was very noticeable to them. I just giggled a little, and when I did, most of them did too. Most all the time, students are the ones being corrected by the teachers. When they see that teachers make mistakes too and are willing to admit them, they can relate to you. It definitely closes the gap and allows bonding with the students. 

I would definitely appreciate feedback from Dr. Soja regarding my Standards notebook when she comes to observe on Monday.

Week 6; October 3-7

I rate this week a 4. 

• Observe: I taught a global lesson to third grade on the music of China. They played rhythms on the glockenspiels and xylophones to accompany a song sung in Sichuan. It went much better than I expected, and one of the students said, “It was really fun today!”

• Reflect: The procedure for one of the second grade activities did not go very smoothly the first time. It was an activity to music, but we needed to practice more before I put the music with it. It definitely improved as the week went on. 

• Focus:  A short term goal is for me to take the information from the interest survey and begin implementation of a behavior plan, aligning with completing a plan that improves the behavior long-term (and completing this aspect of the portfolio). 

• Be Productive: I used to use the planning time we had more wisely. Now I find myself spacing out during these blocks of time. Sometimes, I feel like my head is spinning off and I need a mental break. But I just want to be aware that I am not spending too much time in “Chrysalis land,” because I have a tendency to do that.

• Have Courage: Still working on being more animated with the littles. 

• Begin Anew: Next week, because of teacher workdays, there is one day that we need to teach material as a stand-alone lesson. So I just need to prepare these lessons and be prepared to teach them on Tuesday. 

Standard 1c, “Teachers lead the teaching profession.” Each Wednesday, all of the travel teachers meet together. This week, I had a conversation with the other teachers about how it was important to incorporate life lessons (such as appropriate social conduct and morals) into the lessons, even if it meant pausing the lesson to reinforce this information. Usually I just sit quietly during these meetings, but I was glad to have conversation and collaborate with the other teachers this week.

Standard 2b, “Teachers embrace diversity in the school community and in the world.” This week, I taught a lesson to third grade that incorporated global awareness. Students orchestrated a song from China sung in Sichuan. I displayed a map, marking where they lived and where the song was sung. At the beginning and end of the lesson, I reminded them that music was unique because it could be enjoyed all over the world. Students also learned the meaning behind the song, purpose of singing the song, as well as read the English translation. 

Standard 3b, “Teachers know the content appropriate to their teaching specialty.” This week, I had to do some research regarding parts of the brass instrument for my edTPA lesson. I also had to do some research to explain about the Sichuan dialect in China, as well as the purpose of the Chinese song the students orchestrated. 

Standard 4d, “Teachers integrate and utilize technology in their instruction.” This week, I taught a lesson on the brass family and used assessment on www.quizziz.com, where students completed a virtual assessment on their iPads. 

Standard 5a, “Teachers analyze student learning.” I am continuing to analyze student learning as I teach each grade’s lesson multiple times throughout the week. Each time, I realize something that could have been done more efficiently in order for students to achieve maximum learning. 

My advice to student teachers would be to take some personal time and to make sure you are getting enough rest. I have already been sick twice this semester, and it is especially challenging to teach long days when you’re sick. So just take some “you” time sometimes. 

And my CT and I are great with Dr. Soja’s support.