9/13/2011

Today I got two new students. I don't know why I got both of them, but they ended up in my class after Mr. Jones asked me if it was OK. There are 31 students in my class now and I figure it will get bigger still. They both seem like good kids and I'm not worried but the classroom is pretty small and more desks makes it hard to get around, but I like them all so much and want to help them as much as I can. They are still pretty chatty and the transitions don't go smoothly, but I'm working on that and I'm starting to make them be responsible for their actions and learning in school.

9/12/2011

Today I gave a re-assessment to the students on math concepts that we have been studying. I gave them the firs assessment a week and a half ago then concentrated on the areas they need help in like double and triple digit multiplication and double and triple digit division. When I gave the quiz again I was so happy to see how many did so much better. It was a great day to see that all the work they do and I try to help them get better at is worth it. They did so good and I couldn't wait to tell everyone and to show them as well.

9/9/2011

Today I was nervous to do my first lesson on Microbiology. I can't believe how much fun it was. We talked about germs and what kinds of germs there are. Then I had found a fun web site for kids and it had two to five minute articles that the computer would read out loud to them. This was fun because the kids didn't have to be sick of hearing me the whole time. We listened to one on the 5-second rule. One on washing their hands after going to the bathroom and one more ear wax and what it's for. Then we talked about Archaea and what they are. It was great! They pretended to be all grossed out, but I know they liked it. And...I'm pretty sure all of them washed their hands with soap before lunch today!

9/2/2011

As they are getting more comfortable being with me and the class they have been getting a little more noisy. Sometimes they don't hear me when I ask them to quiet down so I wrote recess on the board and said if they don't quiet down I will make a mark and they will have to stay in from recess for that many minutes. It seemed to work pretty fast as no one wants to miss recess for any amount of time. I know that I am new so I am going to have to practice at getting their attention but I feel sometimes every transition is so hard to get them settled down.

9/8/2011

Today a girl came to me and said that a boy threw a ball at her and hit her in the head. So, I went out and asked him if he did and he told me that he had, but she keeps poking him in the back. I realized that part of the story was left out so I told him to apologize to her but that it was OK to tell her to stop poking him in the back. He seemed fine with that and went off to tell her and continue playing soccer on the field. I need to remember that I might not hear the whole story unless both parties are present.

9/5/2011

I realize it's important to talk to them as older elementary students and not as little kids. They are pretty amazing with the things they know and can do. They also are still willing to please and want to do what their teacher wants them to do. I really like these kids and think they are so great! It's fun to joke with them and they know that I am joking. The only thing is if I am in the middle of a lesson and say a joke about myself or something I saw they all want to tell me something they saw or did as well.

8/31/2011

Today I learned that if I'm in a hurry than things don't turn out as well. I need to relax and do things as they come so that things run smoothly. I was trying to put a poster on the wall and used the staple remover too fast and pinched my finger which then left a blister that hurt for over a week. Next time I will take the poster down as time permits.

9/1/2011

I noticed that one boy in my class gets overwhelmed when I assign the math classwork. I have told him if he gets to 10 instead of 20 or if he does seven of them he can be done. This seems to help him get some done instead of just sitting there not starting with the amount that is just too much for him. I'm glad I have the resource background that I do to know how to help those who struggle to get work done. I have to work on helping those who get all the work done fast and we are still waiting for others to finish.

What a great day!

Today was a great day because we did the new common core math and the students had to finish my story problems I gave them without using the common algorithm. They could draw a picture or make a chart - whatever worked for them. As they were working I walked around and picked a few to come show us what they did. They all wanted to share and it was fun! Then at the end of the day they all brought things to make their bridges. I saw some artistic bridges. The day before I gave a little history on bridges in a center so I did it three times. I thought who care about bridges and the history. But today I recognized some of the bridges I showed them and asked who used some of the information they learned to make their bridge and several raised their hands. It made me feel good.

Things I've learned after one week of teaching.

A few things I wanted to tell myself about what to do and what not to do.

1. Make sure they know the rules from the beginning. If they don't do a procedure the way I like it then have them do it again, and again if needed.

2. When doing an activity such as coloring the continents then cutting them out and gluing them to a balloon, don't pass the balloons out until they have done the other work.

3. Don't allow coloring during class book read. When I'm reading they should be doing nothing but listening.

4. Practice the rules every day at the beginning.

5. Don't worry about being a friend, just teach them and prepare them for Jr. High.

Had a great time this summer relaxing, going to the gym, and my one trip to Moab. We went river rafting and to Arches to see Delicate Arch. The funniest thing that happened is we got a flat tire right after we stopped to help someone else with a flat tire.

The last semester

I am getting ready in a week and a half to start my student teaching. I'm nervous and excited all at once. Hopefully, I get the hang of it and all my schooling will be worth it.

New to this

I'm hoping that I'll be able to figure out how to add gadgets and how they work. This seems like it can be a lot of fun and educational too!