Moving Forward...

Week Of Friday Feb 24th, 2017

Level of Difficulty: Yes

Observe

This week I have a lot of regrouping and rebuilding to do. There are some holes in my classroom and I have to fix them.

Reflect

I have certainly reflected upon many things this week. The most important part of this week was getting my mind right and being prepared (which honestly neither were prepared). I know I can do this, I just have to get in the groove. All I can say is everybody pray for me. This is just a time to build my grit and be more thorough and organized. I won’t let negativity distract me and I won’t let anything steer the ship in a wrong direction. I just need to focus.

Focus

Focus for last week would have been great for this week, but it didn’t happen. Just have to prove to myself I can do this.

Be Productive

I have been productive this week with writing, but not as productive in the classroom. I know what I need to do to hopefully prevent any miscommunications with my students. Just have to get in there next week and do it.

Have Courage

Courage is needed. Have to keep moving forward regardless of anything. Like I said, I know I can do this.

Begin Anew

Thorough explanation of expectations (this has not went well and needs to change), making sure students have clear instruction and know what to do, and be confident like I was in January.

Data

Started a post it “ticket out the door” in math to use as my own assessment of the day. I want to make sure students are on the same page before advancing. This has proven effective.

ADVICE

New Teachers: Classroom management, great and thorough planning, and always have a back up. If you see a lesson is tanking, STOP, regroup, and reteach.  Don’t just push through.

Standard 1 1A: Teachers lead in their classrooms

Honestly can’t think of one for this one for this week. I know what needs to be done, just have to build on this starting Monday.

Standard 2: Teacher creates a safe and loving environment for their students.

Had two students break down on me this week in math. I understand kiddos, I know how stress can be. With both, I told them it is ok if they don’t understand or if they got the wrong answer. It is how we gather our courage and work together to fix it that matters. THIS is why I love teaching. THIS is why I wanted to be a teacher in the first place. We worked it out and I think that built their confidence in me as a teacher and as a person they can trust. Little victories like this over shadow any other thing that happens throughout the week.

Standard 3: Teachers know the content they teach in the classroom

I continue to learn HOW to teach some of these standards. I know the content for myself, but learning how to convey that to a 9-10 year old is different and it goes SO fast. I have found some great resources for this.

Standard 4:B: Teachers plan instruction appropriate for their students

Working with the Lead teacher over 3-5 next week on this. I am hoping to create more rigor and creative thinking in my future lessons. Right now I just want a solid week of solid instruction.

Standard 5: Teacher Reflect on their Practice

Daily videos have helped me keep track of things a bit more. They also help me show evidence or lack thereof to use as I continue down the road.

Dr. Parker, I am sure I will text you a lot next week. Just want to make some changes that stick this week in hopes of moving forward.