Week of Reflection: (list the date of the Friday for week just completed)
- Rate your overall experience of the week: 1-Very difficult | 5 – Great week
This week was MUCH better than last week! I would give it a 5. It was a really good week. The only thing that would have made it better was if we didn’t have some bumps in the road with severe behavior this week, but my C.E. and I calmly took care of it and we had a behavior turn around. It was great!
- Seven questions to end your week:
- Observe: What pleasant surprises / accomplishments did I achieve this week?
I taught ⅔ subject areas, and it went well! Next week is my first full week of instruction, and I am excited!
- Reflect: What lessons did my work/experiences teach me that I will build upon next week?
This week, we experienced some really bad behavior issues. We had bad issues with stealing, we caught several lying, and it didn’t matter what we did as far as clipping down and silent lunch-- they wouldn’t listen or stop talking. This week I found my classroom management and teacher voice. I’m not a yeller, I don’t get super mad or anything, but we had a serious talk about how disappointed I was in their behavior and that we were not going to spend the rest of the year like this. The next day, it was like you flipped a switch. Behavior was so much better. I hope it lasts!
- Focus: How are my short-term efforts and my long-term goals still aligned?
Next week I will begin teaching full time, and I will also be teaching my Task 4 re-engagement lesson. These short-term goals are majorly aligned with my long-term goals: pass edTPA and finish student teaching strong.
- Be Productive: What could I have spent more or less time doing?
I was actually pretty proud of myself this week as far as not spending too much time on my phone, and really pacing myself with lesson planning. The teacher workday helped so much!
- Have Courage: How did apprehension and indecision impact what I did and didn’t do?
This week rather than worrying about whether or not I should clip the kids up or down for something, I finally have become confident enough to know when clipping up or down is appropriate in a situation. Not just that, but also giving out silent lunch. At first I felt a little mean because I just want to love them and be sweet, but I realized that a part of loving them is not allowing them to do things that they shouldn’t-- like lying and stealing.
- Begin Anew: What is the first logical step(s) for next week? What mental clutter can I clear?
Next week I am so excited to be teaching character traits, and to have students apply their knowledge of character traits to themselves. We are going to be covering greedy vs. grateful and kind vs. mean (along with other character trait topics.) I am ready! I think it’ll be great for these particular kids!
Adapted from: Cernoff, M. (2013, August 7). 7 Questions to End Your Week With. . Retrieved July 21, 2014, from http://www.marcandangel.com/2013/08/08/7-questions-to-end-your-week-with/
- What were some data you analyzed this week and how did it help inform your instructional decisions?
I analyzed my Task 4 data, and the students did better than what I thought they would!
- What is one piece of advice you can share with other student teachers?
Stand up for what is right-- even if it’s hard. If you know that one of the most well-behaved kids in your class that you just adore did something wrong, it’s not the end of the world to punish them. We all make mistakes and rules need to apply to everyone-- not just some. Go with your gut when it comes to classroom management!
- NC Teacher Candidate Standards (be sure to reference activities from your lesson plans to solidify your answer)
Pick an element from standard one of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.
1. a. Teachers lead in their classrooms. This week I really started finding my “teacher voice.” I’m
loving it!
Pick an element from standard two of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.
2. d. Teachers adapt their teaching for the benefit of students with special needs. I sat down with the EC teacher this week, and we are going to start a behavior plan for my student with an IEP, as a part of his IEP. This is separate from the behavior plan I already started. This plan will be to help this child with his functional goal stated in his IEP!
Pick an element from standard three of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.
3. c. Teachers recognize the interconnectedness of content areas/disciplines. This week, I planned for integration or math and reading for Monday’s math lesson! We will be reading a book about addition.
Pick an element from standard four of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.
4. f. Teachers help students work in teams and develop leadership qualities. My CE and I cracked down on bullying, stealing, and lying this week. It’s not an option for these kids to be mean to each other in this classroom!
Pick an element from standard five of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.
5. a. Teachers analyze student learning. I analyzed my Task 4 data and some phonics data this week, to see if my kids were getting the math and getting the r blends. I was pleasantly surprised.
Other:
What components of your portfolio have you started to complete?
I began videoing clips for my portfolio video and continued taking behavior plan data.
What support does your clinical educator need from your university supervisor?
Nothing that I know of!
What support do you need from your university supervisor?
N/A
I am glad you had a great week and that you found your teacher voice! Now that the class has had a reset, make sure you are consistent each day and reinforce what you told students. I am glad to see this was a great week. Onward and upward!
ReplyDeleteMegan,
ReplyDeleteI too have had to deal with behavior this week. I totally feel you when you talked about at first it feels like you are being mean, but you are so right you don't need to be sweet and nice all the time to be the best teacher for these students. It sounds like you have a great start with your edTPA lessons! Goodluck this next week as you teach your re-engagement and begin your full time instruction. I know you will do great and I can not wait to hear how it all goes!