Blog 9

Week Of Friday:  OCTOBER 10/27

Level of Difficulty: 4

Observe:

This week, I feel like I am getting more of an understanding of using data, seeing student growth or misunderstandings in real time as well as how to handle each little detail of every lesson and every day. My students are still working very well for me, aside from a few who are always bickering. I am seeing what works best for me as well as the best ways I can serve my students. I am a big softie so this year I have learned it is ok to say no, not right now or drop it! Haha! My students are ok and so am I. Many times, it has been a relief because you may have those students who have repeat behavior that you may not want to deal with everyday. Many of my students are aware that I am in charge as much as my CE but they still think they may be able to get away with a little more. I have learned to be serious Mr. Abee but also silly Mr. Abee.  Students respond well when I am in joke mode, but I have to balance it so they are not thinking it is always play time.

Reflect

I am contemplating what will happen and what I am getting into with the 4th grade class. It will be great, but I am coming to the realization more and more that I am going to be teaching VERY soon. No more “help” from my CE, no more unexpected occurrences that I typically don’t handle (those legal things that our CE handles or the emails we don’t know about.) I will be doing it ALL in full swing. I am thrilled but nervous.  I have a GREAT support team though so I know it will work out fine. The students I will work with are…..how do you say…...a  little salty? There are some MAJOR classroom management strategies that I will need to implement and that is my FIRST priority.  

I am also reflecting more and more on how to be a great leader, facilitator and planner for my classroom. My CE and I have really been trying to strategize each week and know exactly what students need during instruction as well as remediation. It has been a good week for this.

Focus

This coming week I will focus mainly on NC check in benchmarks.  Getting students ready for the test Wednesday and Thursday. I will also focus on completing my video and other portfolio components so I can get in the job ASAP!

Be Productive

Next Friday is a teacher workday, so we will get a lot of planning done hopefully for the next quarter for the 4th grade ELA block. I will also talk with the teacher who is leaving to get some ideas of how each student learns and what to expect. I plan to spend some time in the classroom as soon as I can to get to know them and to get them used to me being in there.

Have Courage

Have courage to continue on and to know that this is going to be great! Also to pass my tests that are coming up!!

Begin Anew

I am going to use Google forms this week to track data from students. If you haven’t tried this, I think it is a great tool. You can list the goals or questions for your students to reach and they can fill out the forms or you the teacher can. When you have it complete, you can download the Spreadsheet as your data.  Boom already done, no need to create the sheet or add the numbers.

Data

See above! Also, I have been using Flipgrid and other assessment tools to really hone in on students understanding and pulling them throughout the week if they are still unclear.  My CE is teaching me how to know what to go over with them and how to track their process.

ADVICE

Student teachers need to be consistent and solid. It is a lot to remember, but when you are able to plan, track data, deliver great lessons and see what you need to tweak from day to day or student to student, it makes it easier on you and more effective for your class.

Standard 1 1A: Teachers lead in their classrooms

I will lead a short tutorial this week for School of Ed to show how Flipgrid is used and how easy it is to track data and excite kids for learning.

I am also continually building my community in the classroom and school: Working on the garden, making new friends in K-4th and helping other teachers within my school on projects and parent nights (and student council)  Everyone have a great week!!