I tell my students to try new things in the classroom and not to be afraid - so this is my attempt to practice what I preach! I have been inspired by some video clips I have watched lately regarding the lack of technology used by educators in the classrooms. I did NOT want to be guilty of this, yet I have to admit that I have a small voice whispering "You don't know how to ....you will mess up...." I respond with - I don't know how YET and I will mess up (and that is how I will learn!)
I am glad I live in a time when I can connect with people around the world and learn with them. I will continue to be an optimist and look at technology as a tool. I love teaching, so I am grateful to have more tools with which to support others on their journey of learning.
Denice
Great idea, Denice :) I had a good first week! I am enjoying being close to home because with the kids, it is just a relief to not have to wake them at 5:30 everyday! I was welcomed very warmly at Greenville by the staff and children! I am hoping to get a year-long placement there, rather than have to switch schools mid year. The principal is trying to help me make that happen :) I was wondering if anyone else shared any of my feelings this week......I felt I did TOO much and feel like I intimidated my teacher. My personality is very take-charge, but I truly curbed it this week! lol! I just went into the room and helped a lot because I did not want to just sit and take notes. She did later tell me that she is easily intimidated, so I felt better knowing that it isn't that I was over-bearing, but I still was wondering if anyone else deals with that with their CT. I am just very comfortable in the classroom, so I am not afraid to guide a lesson or do a morning meeting, etc. I feel that we are co-teaching when we are in field experience, but maybe my teacher doesn't feel the same????
ReplyDeleteI had a wonderful first week. This was my CT's first week back, so I was still able to see how she gets to know the students and hear her introduce the way she does certain things in the classroom. I found out that all of Northeastern's teachers are reading a book called The Love and Logic of Teaching. My CT told me it was wonderful and it talks a lot about the things she belives about classroom management. I have begun to read my copy of the book and it is a really good read! I have learned a lot from it already and I have only read the first two chapters. I am excited to return to class and write some of my first lesson plans. I am also excited to return to my field experience and teach my first lesson.
ReplyDeleteAshley-That is great that you feel so comfortable in the classroom, but just remember that you are still a guest. I just try to make sure I keep open a clear line of communication with my CT. If I am not sure of what she is comfortable for me to do, I just ask her. We keep a notebook communicator that we can write each other notes back and forth.
ReplyDeleteRemember that we are not there to show them necessarily what we know right now, we are there to learn from them. They did not have to have an IUE student in their classroom, but it is a privilige they have given to you. It may be surprising what you can learn by 'just taking notes.' There is something new to learn everyday if you are trying to find it. The first week I always try to hang back a little bit more and observe to get a feel for the school, CT, and the students. I found it makes my field experience better and I step on alot less toes.
Also, I do not consider this period as necessarily co-teaching. I think we should be doing our class requirements and whatever else our CT is comfortable with. Afterall, it is the CT's classroom, not ours. We have just been welcomed by our CT's to learn with them in their environment. My best advice is to slow down and only do what your CT is comfortable with you doing.
Thanks for sharing your new found book with us Chelsea! I am going to check that out. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the posts - I enjoy hearing about your experiences. I will talk with you about that book, Chelsea!
ReplyDeleteAmy, thanks for your thoughts. I totally agree with what you are saying, and I wish I had started out that way. I have tried to talk to her about it, but she never seems to have time to do so. I just tried to be a little more laid back on Thursday and Friday :) I definitely was open to learning from her and observing, but I also tried to help out when she seemed stressed or preoccupied with preparing the next lesson. I think I have it set in mind that it is co-teaching because my CT for student teaching made it clear that that is how she handles it. I worked with her for a week and it just worked well that way. Also, my last CT had been that way also. I need to remember that they are all different :) Thanks :)
ReplyDeleteI'm really going to like this year. I'm looking forward to the tutoring, since it has already paid off for me. The student needs it and has responded well. The CT likes the class orderly, and my lessons have a bit more movement and hands on experiences in them. Still trying to get that magic fit between the two, but I think it's all going to work out.
ReplyDeleteI am really enjoying my field placement! My CT is an amazing teacher and I am so excited and feel truly blessed to have been given this wonderful opportunity to learn from her and the students. She is very easy to work with and has allowed me to step in and help out, which is really nice! My students are just adorable and so eager to learn! I have been given the opportunity to watch my CT teach from the Basal on a daily basis, she HATES it and is currently working to improve how she can deliver the material. She has asked for my input and help on this project, so I am excited to work with her to try and do what we can to make their reading time a bit more bearable for the students! Ninety minutes of what is supposed to be uninterrupted reading time is not an easy task to complete with Kindergarten students.
ReplyDeleteI really like her classroom management style, the way she speaks and works with the students, and her classroom activities and games. She is a firm believer in learning through doing and through play/motion. She is very creative and passionate about what she does and I am so excited to get to work with and learn from her this year! I know class time is important, but I just keep thinking how much I am going to miss being in the classroom this week!
Ashley I just want to click "like" on you post:)
ReplyDeleteI am excited about my placement this year. I am in a Kindergarten classroom for the entire school year! I feel like this placement is a great fit for me. My experiences have been great so far. I look forward to getting back into the classroom where I can learn more about the students and myself. I wish I could have been in the classroom this week because four students moved out of the classroom and three new students were going to move in. It will be interesting to go back and see how everyone has adjusted to the move.
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