7:10 am: arrived at school. Had lots of stuff to take in for a "fiesta party" today.
7:10-7:50am: reviewed lessons for the day, organized materials that would be used today, etc
7:50-8:04am: took attendance, student lunch selection - emailed cafeteria, pledge to American Flag, class pledge, answered a "bazillion" questions about what time the party started, etc etc etc, tried to get students settled and started on morning work,
8:05-9:00am: observed reading group today. Am thinking that I need to become a reading specialist....small groups limited to 6, nice-quaint room with all the amenities, quiet, no "unusual smells"....yep, I need to check into that!
9:00-10:00am: Math centers with 40+ students. Took away place value dice from one group that insisted on throwing them at each other, assisted another group with 2 digit/3 number addition strategies, broke up argument between group who couldn't decide who would go first, sharpened 48 pencils, negotiated 40+ student maze - trying not to step on hands and other body parts
10:00-10:15am: bathroom break - monitored bathrooms sending in 2 at a time in an effort to prevent yesterday incident of writing on the bathroom wall with "unknown" substance.
10:20-11:09am: delivered students to resouce: PE today. Made phone calls home as requested by notes received that morning, organized LA worksheets for the year-separating by theme/story so they could be filed. Cleaned up math center materials, pencils, papers, etc, straightened desks, put books away, made sandwich for lunch, took a tylenol cold tablet for scracty throat and cough.
11:10am: picked up students from gym...spoke to PE teacher about students who misbehaved in class today....gave mini-lesson on how to conduct self in gym and how to walk in a line to the cafeteria....one student forgot lunch box, so sent back to room to get it(oops, forgot their lunch number cards today, so I'll need to avoid the cafeteria cashier who will not be happy).
11:20am: student spilled HOT mashed potatoes on bare legs at lunch table. Rushed student to sink for cold water, applied ice pack, dried tears, and replaced spilled potato order.
11:30am: ate lunch...while watching 24 students chew with open mouths, screaming across the table to be heard over the roar of the other classes at lunch.
11:40am: served iced cream (student birthday today) to 24 students - one bowl at a time.
11:45am: left cafeteria - back to classroom for Lang Arts (and math test unable to give at 9 am due to lack of time). Sent student to nurse to check for 2nd degree burns - filled out incident report.
11:45am: math test
12:15pm: spelling test - 25 words - repeated 2 times and used in sentences. One student mis-numbered paper, so had to repeat list for 3rd time to check mistake.
12:40pm: collected spelling tests - stretch
12:42pm: language arts test on story of the week.
1:18pm: collected LA test. Lined up students for recess - sent outside with partner teacher
1:20pm: set up fiesta party food, decorations, arranged artifact table.
1:40pm: students in from recess - tried to play game using questions from social studies as a review before test. Game ended prematurely due to fight between 2 students.
2:05pm: Social Studies test on Mexico.
2:25pm: lined up students to go to partner teacher room for fiesta party
2:35pm: began trying to serve food...cake, chips and salsa, juice to 48 students who thought they were at "BK" and could have it their way!
2:45pm: served last student
2:55pm: collected trash, packed up, distributed report cards, answered another "bazillion" questions...tried to get students to settle down to wait for dismissal bell.
3:00pm: dismissal by pods....walked my class and next door class students to bus (32+students). At bus parking lot, heard screaming from behind. Student cut finger on vegetable can (was in book bag for art-not turned in). instructed student to apply pressure to wound (with napkin in pocket from fiesta party). Took student to nurse - again (ps...missed bus), called home to come pick student up, cleaned up fiesta party, met with parent of injured student, disinfected 48 student desks and chairs, filed year's worth of LA worksheet papers organized earlier, changed date and resource for Monday, planned with other teachers for next week's lessons, sharpened pencils, erased white board, organized social studies test thrown on desk in haste to get to party, organized spelling test, LA test, math test - to take home and grade, filled away books on Mexico and replaced with books on China - country for next week, checked back door, checked turtles, turned off light.
6:00 pm.....HOME - survived week 4! 4 more to go! (but who's counting)
(6:50pm....99 degree fever - croup-like cough!!!)
Friday, September 24, 2010
Friday, September 3, 2010
Week 1 reflection
I survived week 1 of the new school year! I came home today with a sore throat and the sniffles! Just my luck! I'm sure some little person has shared their germs! I am exhausted! I spent all week teaching...staying up until 12 or 1 am writing lesson plans...getting to school at 7 to make copies (ahead of the other teachers)...staying at school until after 5 pm! Welcome to the life of a teacher (especially a 1st year teacher who has no lessons from last year to pull from) Unfortunately, my partnership teacher doesn't have any either as this is her first year teaching 3rd grade! So...we are learning the curriculum together...
But I had a great time! I'm exactly where I want to be and I have a nice long 3 day weekend to plan for next week's activities! 7 more weeks......
I've posted a picture of my first writing assignment and display I made in the hallway!
But I had a great time! I'm exactly where I want to be and I have a nice long 3 day weekend to plan for next week's activities! 7 more weeks......
I've posted a picture of my first writing assignment and display I made in the hallway!
Sunday, August 29, 2010
First Day of School
Wow! The first day of school was an exciting day for the students and the teachers! I had butterflies in my stomach as I entered the classroom. I took a look around at the work that we had accomplished over the last 2 days. The desks were all lined up; all of the books and materials were in their respective places. Yes, we were ready!
My observation revealed that I was unprepared for the amount of supplies that arrived on the first day. Many of those supplies were delivered by the parents and not the students. Of course each of those parents wanted to speak to the teacher (who most had already met during the open house, just 2 days before). I frantically unpacked each plastic grocery bag and carefully sorted composition books, crayons, notebook paper, boxes of pencils and tissues, 3-ring binders, glue sticks and bottles of hand sanitizer into organized piles. I now know that 24 students times "classroom supplies" equals the top area of 7 student desks! Luckily for us, we had planned for the students to spend the first hour on the carpet (not at a desk); which gave me time to find a better place for all of those materials. Because of this observation, I am lead to prepare a better method of collecting supplies in my classroom. I'm thinking a labeled tote for each item, in an assembly line format, would ease the chaos of that collection process. This is significant because many teachers face this day without a second set of helping hands!
In between my sorting job, I was recording transportation changes. "I'll pick "Billy" up today, since it's the first day of school". It sounds so simple. However, it's a transportation nightmare for a teacher who has already prepared the list of "car riders" and "bus takers"! I have since concluded that an "adult volunteer" in the classroom on the first day of school is an absolute necessity.
I know that the first day is a hard for the students as well. Most are still in "summer vacation mode". Their routines and sleep and eat habits have been disrupted. I learned that it is important to establish the ground rules on the first day, from the first hour. Schedules have to be followed and manners have to be re-taught. I believe the importance of these first day activities lead the way to a successful school year. We spent a significant amount of time discussing and practicing the daily procedures. Math and Comprehension assessments were completed and ability groups were defined so that relevant instruction could begin.
I focused on establishing who I was in the classroom; as a person of authority, to be respected and obeyed; because very soon, I will be the teacher!
My observation revealed that I was unprepared for the amount of supplies that arrived on the first day. Many of those supplies were delivered by the parents and not the students. Of course each of those parents wanted to speak to the teacher (who most had already met during the open house, just 2 days before). I frantically unpacked each plastic grocery bag and carefully sorted composition books, crayons, notebook paper, boxes of pencils and tissues, 3-ring binders, glue sticks and bottles of hand sanitizer into organized piles. I now know that 24 students times "classroom supplies" equals the top area of 7 student desks! Luckily for us, we had planned for the students to spend the first hour on the carpet (not at a desk); which gave me time to find a better place for all of those materials. Because of this observation, I am lead to prepare a better method of collecting supplies in my classroom. I'm thinking a labeled tote for each item, in an assembly line format, would ease the chaos of that collection process. This is significant because many teachers face this day without a second set of helping hands!
In between my sorting job, I was recording transportation changes. "I'll pick "Billy" up today, since it's the first day of school". It sounds so simple. However, it's a transportation nightmare for a teacher who has already prepared the list of "car riders" and "bus takers"! I have since concluded that an "adult volunteer" in the classroom on the first day of school is an absolute necessity.
I know that the first day is a hard for the students as well. Most are still in "summer vacation mode". Their routines and sleep and eat habits have been disrupted. I learned that it is important to establish the ground rules on the first day, from the first hour. Schedules have to be followed and manners have to be re-taught. I believe the importance of these first day activities lead the way to a successful school year. We spent a significant amount of time discussing and practicing the daily procedures. Math and Comprehension assessments were completed and ability groups were defined so that relevant instruction could begin.
I focused on establishing who I was in the classroom; as a person of authority, to be respected and obeyed; because very soon, I will be the teacher!
Thursday, August 12, 2010
New Beginnings.......
On one insignificant Wednesday morning in March, 51 years ago, I was born. Ironically, on a Wednesday morning, 6 days from now, I will embark on a new beginning! It took a huge amount of courage and a giant leap of faith,(to some...a decision made by an insane woman in the midst of a mid-life crisis) to leave a good paying and comfortable job to become an unemployed teacher! The University really should consider giving "students" my age, CPL (credit for prior learning) for the real life teaching I have already done...raising 2 children, teaching many lessons in VBS and SS, and many, many Cub Scout activities and Boy Scout Merit Badges. However, the thought of having a classroom of my own, without the experience of this student internship semester, scares me to death! So, I understand the importance of this next step. Even now, I begin to doubt my own ability! How do you get started? What sentence comes after "Welcome to my class"? How do you decide what to teach when? Do you start on page 1 of the book (or is there a book!)? I've spent the last 2 years in methods courses learning "how to...", but for some reason, can't remember a single thing! It's like singing a solo and forgetting the first word....but I know it'll come to me, as soon as the music starts! (or at least I hope it will)
OK....so now that the panic attack is behind me....fasten your seat belts because the next 16 weeks is going to be an incredible ride! The first 8 weeks will be fast and furious as I work deligently on the 21st century teaching project...as it is due, the day before I leave for Kuwait! The last 6 weeks will be spent in a foreign country in an all boy classroom of ELL students! What an adventure!! What an opportunity!! Stay tuned.....here we go..........
OK....so now that the panic attack is behind me....fasten your seat belts because the next 16 weeks is going to be an incredible ride! The first 8 weeks will be fast and furious as I work deligently on the 21st century teaching project...as it is due, the day before I leave for Kuwait! The last 6 weeks will be spent in a foreign country in an all boy classroom of ELL students! What an adventure!! What an opportunity!! Stay tuned.....here we go..........
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Walking in the shoes of an English Language Learner……..
I have a new and deeper understanding of what it must feel like to be an English Language Learner. I recently spent 22 good days (24 total) as a Spanish Language learner in a country that speaks very little English. Simple phrases came easy…hola, como estas, donde esta el bano, cuanto cuesta, gracias, con mucho gusto, no entiendo…..you know those important words that can get you through the day….hello, how are you, where is the bathroom, how much does it cost, thank you, you’re welcome (Costa Rica’s version) and I don’t understand. The vocabulary words are easier to remember when knowing them is crucial to your daily needs!
There were times in those 24 days that I thought I would scream if I didn’t talk to someone in English. There were also times that I wondered if I had a brain at all as I struggled to stay focused and concentrate on what was being said around me. I had a million questions that I would have liked to ask and didn’t because I didn’t have the vocabulary….To make that conversation just took too much effort!!
The 5 students who went on this adventure with 2 professors seriously thought we were some kind of psychological experiment for the University! It was definitely a test of Brian Cambourne’s Conditions for Learning (7 or 8….depending on what website you read). We were “Immersed” in the culture, the language, and the family life. We were saturated with content, context, feelings, sights, sounds and tastes in every aspect of our day. We had “demonstrations” in class, at our family homestays, in restaurants, etc. Many times I resorted to a game of charades with my families so that we could converse! We knew that the teachers at CPI had high “expectations” for our learning…as they sometimes refused to speak any English…insisting that we only spoke Spanish in the classroom. Although, this was very frustrating, this strategy worked. It forced us to use the vocabulary and other resources we had at our fingertips. Problem solving became our “responsibility” as we worked through our language barrier, took charge, and became accountable for our own learning. We approached and passed ZPD’s daily in our language class. I’ll never forget a moment during the last week in Monte Verde, we were having a great conversation with Jackie (our teacher) about losing things….keys specifically….She told this funny, funny story about a time when she locked herself out of her house. We laughed so hard….but the amazing – ah ha – moment was that she told that story completely in Spanish….and I understand what she said!!!! We celebrated those “ah-ha” “approximation” moments almost daily. We also had the opportunity to “practice” what we were learning…sometimes more practice that I actually wanted! We had “feedback” from our teachers and fellow classmates…and support from each other!
I believe that all of Cambourne’s conditions were present and that those principles are applicable to learners of all ages….and all subjects! I learned some things about my own style of learning too! I need to see, hear, write and repeat before I can comprehend. I also need to apply and the content needs to be relevant! When those stipulations were met….the language was easier. I’ve learned some strategies that I will use in my future classroom…..which was the primary reason for my trip!
I loved Costa Rica and could not have picked a better place to go for 24 days! The country is breathtakingly beautiful. The people live simple lives and care deeply for one another. I am inspired by their dedication to preserve the flora, fauna, and wildlife…and their desire to make the whole country a better place to live! I applaud their commitment to be a carbon free country and their commitment to education. There is a “surprise of the day” every day just around the corner in Costa Rica~
There were times in those 24 days that I thought I would scream if I didn’t talk to someone in English. There were also times that I wondered if I had a brain at all as I struggled to stay focused and concentrate on what was being said around me. I had a million questions that I would have liked to ask and didn’t because I didn’t have the vocabulary….To make that conversation just took too much effort!!
The 5 students who went on this adventure with 2 professors seriously thought we were some kind of psychological experiment for the University! It was definitely a test of Brian Cambourne’s Conditions for Learning (7 or 8….depending on what website you read). We were “Immersed” in the culture, the language, and the family life. We were saturated with content, context, feelings, sights, sounds and tastes in every aspect of our day. We had “demonstrations” in class, at our family homestays, in restaurants, etc. Many times I resorted to a game of charades with my families so that we could converse! We knew that the teachers at CPI had high “expectations” for our learning…as they sometimes refused to speak any English…insisting that we only spoke Spanish in the classroom. Although, this was very frustrating, this strategy worked. It forced us to use the vocabulary and other resources we had at our fingertips. Problem solving became our “responsibility” as we worked through our language barrier, took charge, and became accountable for our own learning. We approached and passed ZPD’s daily in our language class. I’ll never forget a moment during the last week in Monte Verde, we were having a great conversation with Jackie (our teacher) about losing things….keys specifically….She told this funny, funny story about a time when she locked herself out of her house. We laughed so hard….but the amazing – ah ha – moment was that she told that story completely in Spanish….and I understand what she said!!!! We celebrated those “ah-ha” “approximation” moments almost daily. We also had the opportunity to “practice” what we were learning…sometimes more practice that I actually wanted! We had “feedback” from our teachers and fellow classmates…and support from each other!
I believe that all of Cambourne’s conditions were present and that those principles are applicable to learners of all ages….and all subjects! I learned some things about my own style of learning too! I need to see, hear, write and repeat before I can comprehend. I also need to apply and the content needs to be relevant! When those stipulations were met….the language was easier. I’ve learned some strategies that I will use in my future classroom…..which was the primary reason for my trip!
I loved Costa Rica and could not have picked a better place to go for 24 days! The country is breathtakingly beautiful. The people live simple lives and care deeply for one another. I am inspired by their dedication to preserve the flora, fauna, and wildlife…and their desire to make the whole country a better place to live! I applaud their commitment to be a carbon free country and their commitment to education. There is a “surprise of the day” every day just around the corner in Costa Rica~
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Day 23 -24 Last weekend in Costa Rica
We left early Saturday morning for the 4 hour ride from Monte Verde to San Jose. What a culture shock! I think we were all overcome by the noise and busy lifestyles of the city! We vistied the National Theatre and the National Museum. Both places were very interesting.
We had dinner at a favorite place....we had been to before! The food was wonderful and we sat around sharing some of our stories of the 3 week adventure. I think Costa Rica has a special place in all of our hearts.....
The country is so beautiful! The people live simple lifestyles; where the phrase of the day is "Pura Vida"....pure life!
Our plane departed at 12:30 Costa Rica time for Fort Lauderdale and our connecting flight landed safely in Myrtle Beach around 9:40. It made for a very long day of traveling. Walking out of the airport was like walking into a sauna...the heat and humidity was oppressive! Yep....we were home! I'm already longing for the cooler temperatures of the cloud forest, the quiet nights, and the fruit drinks!
We had dinner at a favorite place....we had been to before! The food was wonderful and we sat around sharing some of our stories of the 3 week adventure. I think Costa Rica has a special place in all of our hearts.....
The country is so beautiful! The people live simple lifestyles; where the phrase of the day is "Pura Vida"....pure life!
Our plane departed at 12:30 Costa Rica time for Fort Lauderdale and our connecting flight landed safely in Myrtle Beach around 9:40. It made for a very long day of traveling. Walking out of the airport was like walking into a sauna...the heat and humidity was oppressive! Yep....we were home! I'm already longing for the cooler temperatures of the cloud forest, the quiet nights, and the fruit drinks!
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