Field Experience - December 19, 2013

Yesterday was a pretty busy day for me! I helped with a counting and matching worksheet.  Some kids needed more help than others.  Each student had the counting part pretty much down, but the matching of the capitol and lower case letter was a bit challenging for a few.  When they were done with the worksheet I went around and corrected and checked their work and then they were able to go to their literacy center. While the students were at their literacy center I helped Mrs. Ball with a few things she was behind on. Each student made a plate for his/her parent or guardian. Mrs. Ball wanted each child to sign a Christmas card to go on the plate. So I let them choose which card they wanted then the signed it, and then I sealed it in enveloped and taped it on their plate. They were so excited to give their parents a gift for Christmas. I was so happy to be apart of their Christmas experience!

Yesterday, November 14, 2013, was our first all day field trip at the elementary! As soon as we arrived at the school the front office ladies asked us to deliver papers to all the teachers, they were very happy to receive that paper because they only get paper once every 9 weeks. We also had to make sure they signed and every teacher got the correct amount of paper. As soon as we were done with that we went to our class rooms. The children were so excited to see me! They couldn't believe I was going to be there all day with them. The day was all backwards because they had the book fair going on and Santa was there for pictures. So Mrs. Ball just put on a movie on punctuation while all of the kids were settling in. After all the children got back in class I got to actually help "teach" a little center. The kids were making turkeys and then had to write a sentence on what they wanted to eat for Thanksgiving. When we were through with that we went to lunch. Each student has a special job in the classroom. One kid has to hold the basket for lunch and pass the silverware out. After lunch we went to the library, and they got to watch a movie. They really enjoy movie time because its a time for them to just settle down and not have to work for a little while. While I was there I experienced a little boy who was trying to steal a toy. Mrs. Ball was very calm and didn't draw a lot of attention to the situation. But it was his fifth time, so she did have to get the principle involved this time. At the end of the day is when the assistant teacher, Mrs. Shelley, does the children's folder to take home that shows their parents their behavior. A blue means very bad, and a green means very good. The children get to choose their own crayon and which color they THINK they were. There is also a key at the bottom of the page that tells the parents what the kid had trouble with that day. Whether its not staying in your seat, or talking to much. After all of that was done and the room was picked up it was time to go home. They were all excited for that. Yesterday really made me realize that, that really could be me in 5 years! It was a great experience!

Yesterday was a very busy day for me! The teacher had to start the day off differently because the computers were down. She started with centers. Some kids were painting, some kids were counting by 10's, and some kids were matching the numbers to their words. When they were done with their worksheets they got to go their centers. Mrs. Ball has really fun centers for the kids that gets them excited to finish their work sheet and go to their center. They each have their own special job at each center that they take pride in doing! They get really excited being in control! Today was definitely a switch up for me! I really enjoyed seeing them work hard!

Yesterday I started out really great. When I arrived at the school the class was up learning their sight words. Mrs. Ball has great ideas and tricks that really stick with the kids when they are learning how to spell! They stay interested and focused. I got to help a lot one-on-one yesterday. Some students just needed little help with their "b's" and "d's". Once they finally get it they get so excited and I love to see that! One thing I didn't notice is how much the assistant actually helps the teacher. With that many little kids in one class, you really do need a little help. It really benefits the students also I feel. I am very excited to see where this year leads me as I think about the teaching field!

3rd week

Yesterday, October 2, 2013, in Mrs. Balls class the students were learning about counting, adding a missing number, and writing their numbers. Mrs. Ball uses "pointers" which are little red and yellow circles, to help the students get a "hands on" with what they are doing. They can look and see 9 pointers and the teacher said "add 1" and they see there are 10 and not 9. The teacher and the students keep me pretty busy. I love seeing their little faces, it brightens up my day! Cant wait for next Wednesday.

2nd week

Yesterday, Wednesday September 25, 2013, was the start of our 2^nd year of Field Experience. We started at North Central Elementary. I was assigned to Mrs. Crystal Ball, a Kindergarten teacher. Her “theme” is chevron and polka dots. She definitely put a lot of effort into her room. It is bright, cozy, and welcoming. I absolutely adore her students. They look up to her, and I love that I can experience their Kindergarten year with them. She has the best exercises that keep the children interested in what they are learning. Somehow she manages to keep everything in order. She makes me feel like part of the class, and I’m so excited to see what this year has to bring!

Its a new year!

This is the start of my second year of Teacher Academy. I am looking foward to starting field experiences and sharing this experience with you all!