My first day at SS Elementary

My first day at SS Elementary. I'm pretty excited to be going to SS Elementary I haven't been in a 5th grade classroom since I was in 5th grade. Is it me or are kids getting smaller? The students were more interested in how long I would be in their class than what I will actually be doing. Are they ready to get rid of me already? Everyone was very nice and didn't seem to mind my "active" observation. I'm in the classroom from 9:45 to noon. The class is set up by 45 minute learning blocks from 9:45 to 10:30 is the Reading block, from 10:30 to 11:15 they have art, gym or some other activity this gives me a chance to collect my thought on the first half of class and catch up on any class work that I can do without a book. From 11:15 to 12:oo the students have a Language block.
Reading Block
It was really interesting to hear them read aloud and hear the Miscues. I heard substitutions such as Grandmother's for Grandma's, some sounding out of the words and a lot of self correction. I was really impressed with their oral reading skills. I can't believe how much the use of technology has been integrated into the classroom. I was surprised how eager the students were to read aloud.
Language Block
In their reading block the students looked at grammar today's subject was contractions such as , have not verses haven't. They also studied double negatives and corrections. I noticed one of the students was up set after gym class, it seemed that having to write was only adding to their bad mood. They wrote "grate" instead of "great" and "wud" instead of "would." Their peers seemed to be on a completely different writing level. It must be very frustrating for this person.

Physical Environment
This classroom was HUGE. There are roughly 20 students. The desks were arranged in blocks of 3 or 6. They have one computer, a microwave, a library with a comfortable child size arm chair and a Promethean board. The Promethean board and the teacher's desk were placed in the front of the room. Not all of the students had to sit in traditional classroom chairs either, one student had an interesting pill shaped balance ball chair that she was able to bounce on during class.

Curricular Environment
I didn't see a syllibus , but I could tell this was a very structured environment their entire day is divided by 45 minute blocks with the exception of lunch and recess which are put in an hour block. The textbook seemed to adhere to the school districts basic requirements. They read a story called "The 3 Century Year Old Woman" during class Mrs. P. asked them questions about the text. The students were excepted to raise their hands if they wanted to answer the question. Students were also allowed to get up during class or go to the restroom without permission. While reading aloud if an error was made Mrs. P would gentle correct them. During the language block the students got to write a persuasive paper on any topic they wanted. The topics ranged from "why they should have a class pet" to " Why aliens exist." It was very fun to read the students thoughts and see their writing styles. During the writing time Mrs. P. stayed at her desk and students with question would come to her desk or show their work once they finished.

Human Environment

The classroom was composted of mainly Caucasian students probably middle class. The only non-Caucasian students were a Hawaiian student and an Alaska Native student both who interestingly were ELL student although they now speak English in the home. The mix between boys and girls is fairly even. WE also have two autistic students whom I would classify as mildly autistic and one FAS student. All of the students talk to the teacher, but the students seem to keep to their table or surrounding tables during class time. During gym time I could tell who was friends with who. Overall this is a very good classroom environment the only thing that I don't like is that the autistic/ resource students are placed in the back of the room with a tutor/ classroom aide. I understand why it is done like this but it feels like they are being singled out.