Blog 13

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 a five. This week was the week I began handing back the classroom to Ms. Stone. It is a very exciting moment but I am also very sad about leaving my kids on Wednesday.
• Seven questions to end your week:
• • Observe: What pleasant surprises / accomplishments did I achieve this week? This week, during my math instruction, the principal and Mr. Joey Clinton (the executive HR director for Gaston County) walked in. Mr. Clinton pulled me into the hall and offered me an early contract with Gaston County for the 2019-2020 school year. He mentioned that jobs will be open after the holidays. Turning in my portfolio this week was a relief but I will feel much better after presenting this Thursday.
  • Reflect: What lessons did my work/experiences teach me that I will build upon next week? Next week, I have three days with these kids. I want to push them as far as I can academically so they can achieve their goals and remember that I am an adult who cares for each and every one of them.
  • Focus:  How are my short-term efforts and my long-term goals still aligned? My short term efforts are completing and revising sections of my portfolio. This aligns with my long term goal of graduating on December 15th.
  • Be Productive: What could I have spent more or less time doing? I could have spent more time working on my video this week, but wanted to make sure I had portfolio components in order. This weekend and the beginning of next week, I will work on the video for my portfolio presentation in order to have it in by Wednesday morning at the latest.
  • Have Courage:  How did apprehension and indecision impact what I did and didn’t do? I was unsure how much I should assist since I am leaving next week, I don't want the kids to be shocked when there is one less person able to help them. I assisted when I saw assistance was needed or when the TA was out of the room.
  • Begin Anew: What is the first logical step(s) for next week? What mental clutter can I clear? I am checking every component of my portfolio to ensure I have all of the requirements needed to pass EDUC 450.

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? This week, Ms. Stone and I sat down and discussed students who may need a tier two intervention at this time. I realize that each child has different needs and that I need to plan future instruction with this in mind.
• What is one piece of advice you can share with other student teachers? Don't stress this week! We are two weeks away from graduation.

• 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 such as having them add a sentence to their work or doing a completely different task.
  • 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 use google drawings to make interactive games for what I know my students can do.
  • 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? I need to make revisions on my portfolio and complete my video.
  • What support does your clinical educator need from your university supervisor? none
  • What support do you need from your university supervisor? none