I can now countdown the days I have left at Dixie Bee Elementary School on one hand. I am sad to see my experience there come to an end, but I have learned so many lessons and gained a lot of new ideas from the entire staff. This week, I was able to observe lessons in two different classrooms. I highly recommend that any field student or student teacher observe in a variety of classrooms as every teacher is unique in the way that they approach learning, discipline, and management. Make sure to take plenty of notes to put in your teaching toolbox!
On Monday morning, I observed Mrs. Bennett's 4th grade gifted and talented classroom. She was presenting a review lesson in mathematics. There was a total of 24 students. 22 students were learning from the 5th grade math book while the other 2 students were independently working from a 6th grade book. Mrs. Bennett opened the review, which she referred to as "Blast from the Past," by asking the students to state the objectives from the unit. This is an important aspect of the newly implemented RISE document. The students completed problems on their individual whiteboards while Mrs. Bennett had a student volunteer demonstrate how to solve the problem on the classroom whiteboard. I really enjoyed the method she used to catch the students' attention. She introduced the volunteer like they were on a game show by saying, "Ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce.... She is our math model. She enjoys reading, ice cream, and longs walks on the beach." Then, if the student correctly solved the problem, the 'audience' would clap and applause.
Mrs. Bennett implemented a reward system for good behavior in her classroom. If the students are hardworking and quiet, the class earns a marble in a jar. When the jar is completely filled, they may choose a special reward, such as, an ice cream social, a movie after school, or pizza for lunch. Individual students may also receive rewards for providing additional help or good grades. They earn a star sticker on a chart. When the chart is covered, they may choose from the following list: a healthy snack or drink, a free homework pass, or 5 marbles in the class jar. I really like this approach to rewarding students as they are able to choose what they want and can contribute to the whole class in their decision.
On Monday morning, I observed Mrs. Bennett's 4th grade gifted and talented classroom. She was presenting a review lesson in mathematics. There was a total of 24 students. 22 students were learning from the 5th grade math book while the other 2 students were independently working from a 6th grade book. Mrs. Bennett opened the review, which she referred to as "Blast from the Past," by asking the students to state the objectives from the unit. This is an important aspect of the newly implemented RISE document. The students completed problems on their individual whiteboards while Mrs. Bennett had a student volunteer demonstrate how to solve the problem on the classroom whiteboard. I really enjoyed the method she used to catch the students' attention. She introduced the volunteer like they were on a game show by saying, "Ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce.... She is our math model. She enjoys reading, ice cream, and longs walks on the beach." Then, if the student correctly solved the problem, the 'audience' would clap and applause.
Mrs. Bennett implemented a reward system for good behavior in her classroom. If the students are hardworking and quiet, the class earns a marble in a jar. When the jar is completely filled, they may choose a special reward, such as, an ice cream social, a movie after school, or pizza for lunch. Individual students may also receive rewards for providing additional help or good grades. They earn a star sticker on a chart. When the chart is covered, they may choose from the following list: a healthy snack or drink, a free homework pass, or 5 marbles in the class jar. I really like this approach to rewarding students as they are able to choose what they want and can contribute to the whole class in their decision.
I also had the opportunity to observe in the art room during the 5th grade encore time. I recognized several students from my field experience last year in Mrs. Ralston's 4th grade classroom. The activity that the students completed was very enjoyable and can be easily differentiated for any classroom. The 5th grade students used cardstock paper and materials including crayons, construction paper, ribbons, buttons, and stamps to create trading cards. The students were simply instructed to create a piece of artwork that reflects their interests and personalities. When they finished a card, they were allowed to trade with the teacher or another student. The student teacher that is completing her experience in the art room showed me her trading card binder from her past field experiences. Each card was unique and personal and included the name of the artist and year it was created.
When I begin my next placement at Carolyn Wenz Elementary School, I plan to introduce this activity during my first week. The trading cards will allow me to quickly learn about the students' interests. I will begin a binder and collect trading cards at the beginning of each school year.
When I begin my next placement at Carolyn Wenz Elementary School, I plan to introduce this activity during my first week. The trading cards will allow me to quickly learn about the students' interests. I will begin a binder and collect trading cards at the beginning of each school year.