3.3.17

Week of Reflection: 3.3.17

  

• Rate your overall experience of the week: 4
• Seven questions to end your week:
• • Observe
    This week, I was pleased at my students' performance on their division quiz. They struggled with it at first, but most of them ended up scoring A's and B's after we did corrections. And even then, the mistakes they were making were silly. So, they understand the concept and content. It seems they just are not taking the time to work carefully. So I'll definitely use that to drive my instruction this next week.
    
    
  • Reflect
    I learned very quickly this week that teaching is half content, half delivery. Going off of last week's comments, I can have the dullest content to teach and students will love it if I present it in an exciting enough way. Same goes for integration. We don't teach Science and Social Studies much, but there are always ways to make it fun and fit it in.
    
    
  • Focus
    I am still pulling lots and lots of materials off of different websites and resource books. Specifically, I am trying to pull materials and activities that are tied to specific standards. That way I know I am not going to run the risk of teaching something that is not specifically for my students.
    
    
  • Be Productive
    I believe I could have spent more time focusing on my edTPA this week, because the due date is rapidly approaching. However, part of that time was spent developing lessons that I knew would align with what I wanted to do. But I will definitely take more time going into next week to write my commentaries and such.
    
    
  • Have Courage
    This week, I was very nervous to begin teaching my edTPA lessons. In fact, there were several unforeseen circumstances (recording issues) that occurred during one of my lessons. So I may need to adjust accordingly.
    
    
  • Begin Anew: What is the first logical step(s) for next week? What mental clutter can I clear?
    Next week, I think the best way to begin my week will be to walk into school with a positive attitude. There are only 4 full weeks of student teaching remaining, and it is a very exciting feeling to have accomplished teaching this far. I already know I will miss teaching, but I am excited to be where I am.

• What were some data you analyzed this week and how did it help inform your instructional decisions?
  This week, I looked at several students' DIBELS data in preparation for a Tier 3 meeting. Student A had made tremendous growth while receiving fluency and comprehension services. Student B received the same services with Student A, but Student B did not grow. Student B has been stagnant for several years, and tends to have poor behavior while receiving fluency services with Student A. That has allowed us as a team to reallign our priorities for both Student A and Student B's sake.
  
  
• What is one piece of advice you can share with other student teachers?

Appreciate your grade level! I have found that not only my CE, but my grade level does so much to help me become the best teacher I can be. It is one of the best teams to be on and I'm so thankful to work with the best.

• NC Teacher Candidate Standards (be sure to reference activities from your lesson plans to solidify your answer)
• • Standard 1
    This week, I helped my grade level plan our EOG Parent Night. Township Three is making a big push to help parents prepare their students for EOG testing, and our grade level is hosting our parents in a review of Math and ELA concepts commonly found on the 4th grade EOG.
    
    
  • Standard 2
    Yesterday, I had a good conversation with my students about the future and how what we do today matters tomorrow. This was in preparation for an ELA quiz, which some students were less than pleased about. I wanted to have this conversation to remind them that having a good attitude can determine their future.
    
    
  • Standard 3
    I have been searching for and using resources that are strictly aligned with NC Standard Course of Study. In my math groups, I have begun to use a multi-step word problem packet that is strictly aligned with 4.OA. It has been helping them with morning work so far, so I'm pleased this far.
    
    
  • Standard 4
    I've been using Plickers every week for vocabulary, and not only have students been loving it, but I am noticing trends in their vocabulary quiz grades when we do/do not use Plickers that week.
    
    
  • Standard 5
    In my lesson plan reflections, I've found recently that a simple "Objective met" or "objective not met" will help me determine plain and simple whether or not I need to reteach/reroute my instruction. It has helped me to see plainly whether or not I did what I needed to do.
    
    
• Other:
• What components of your portfolio have you started to complete?
  I've been grabbing student work, as well as making copies of parent involvement and logging professional development opportunities
• What support does your clinical educator need from your university supervisor?
  None at this time
  
  
• What support do you need from your university supervisor?

None at this time