Blog 9

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- 5 great week
• Seven questions to end your week:
• • Observe: What pleasant surprises / accomplishments did I achieve this week? My CE received an email from Gaston county schools asking if I would be a good candidate for an early contract. Also, I passed edTPA which is a huge accomplishment for me.
  • Reflect: What lessons did my work/experiences teach me that I will build upon next week? This week, I learned that the more prepared I am, the better the whole day will go. Next week, I will continue to be as prepared as possible when teaching.
  • Focus:  How are my short-term efforts and my long-term goals still aligned? My short term goals are to complete each week and note my growth throughout each week. This is aligned to my long term goal of graduating and becoming a teacher.
  • Be Productive: What could I have spent more or less time doing? I could have spent more time planning next weeks lessons and less time preparing materials that my TA could prepare for me.
  • Have Courage:  How did apprehension and indecision impact what I did and didn’t do? Up until this point, I have mostly been calling on students who have their hand in the air. This week I noticed that when I randomly select the students, they are engaged in the lesson and listening to ensure they don't miss something.
  • Begin Anew: What is the first logical step(s) for next week? What mental clutter can I clear? Next week, I will try to finish my lesson plans early in the week so I can dedicate the end of the week to working on my portfolio.

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? The students were tested again on their sight words and I was able to see which ones my students know in a snap and the ones they need more support on. I gave the students snap word cards in their binders so at down times, they can take these out and practice.
• What is one piece of advice you can share with other student teachers? Ladies, most of the hard work is behind us so lets finish strong!

• 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.
• 1A- By having my students stop throughout the day and take small brain breaks, I am demonstrating leadership in my classroom because the students listen whenever I have them sit back down and they know I will let them know when we have another. Another way I have been demonstrating leadership in my classroom is through the use of black tickets. If a student receives one of these during my teaching, they have to go cool down at their desks before rejoining the group.
• 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. 2D- Differentiation in my lessons are focused on what my students individual needs are and how I can meet them while teaching content. I have found multiple strategies to support and challenge students during lessons.
• 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. 3A- By aligning each of my lessons with the NC standard course of study, I am showing evidence of knowing the content I am teaching.
• 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. 4C- Teachers use a variety of instructional methods in their classroom. In my classroom, I have students use the SMARTboard during lessons, other math manipulatives, and working with groups and partners. I created a SMARTboard game where students had to sort upper and lowercase letters.
• 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. 5A- By reflecting on my lesson plans each week and changing my lesson plans accordingly to reflect my students needs, I am meeting this standard.
• Other:
• • What components of your portfolio have you started to complete? Classroom website, video cutting, and final touches to philosophy.
  • What support does your clinical educator need from your university supervisor? None
  • What support do you need from your university supervisor? None