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.