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.
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Hmmmm, interesting. I see what you mean about the grouping of the children with special needs. Hopefully, you will get to see them group up with others as your practicum progresses.
ReplyDeleteI'll just continue on with that topic from my practice comment. In order to try and comment with a different point of view, does it seem that they are getting quality help by having another teacher there to give them added attenion? Were you able to see the activities they were working on, and did they seem to be practicing any of the concepts that we have been learning in class?
ReplyDeleteHow interesting it is going to be to see a variety of different levels in your classroom. The room sounds like it is very structured, which is the complete opposite of the classroom I am in. I am interested in seeing how the different approaches compare and contrast with each other. In my classroom the children are given a list of things to complete and are almost expected to navigate their own schedule. I also noticed after reading your post that the students do not raise their hands, well most of the time; they just jump in to the conversation much like we do in our class.
ReplyDeleteOur classroom has super nice technology too. I was totally surprised just like you were. All I have heard is that schools are under funded and negatives about condition and maintenance as well as a lack of supplies. I did not expect to see 7 super nice Macs in the classroom!
I love that one girl was allowed to bounce on the ball during class! You would think that it would be distracting for some students, but I bet a fidgety child is just as distracting. I have to compare my expereince to Keri's--my classroom, while they have a basic schedule, is not at all set in stone and the students have a large amount of freedom. Do the austistic students spend the entire day in your classroom or do they spend any time in a special education classroom? I can understand why you don't like it, especially since we've been so conditioned to be against any type of separation, but I think it's great that they're in the classroom. To me, it's infinitely better than placing them in a special education classroom and never letting them spend time in a regular classroom or never letting them socialize and meet peers their own age. But I'm glad that you're enjoying your placement so much and I look forward to hearing more! :)
ReplyDeleteLet's see I'll try to respond to everyone in a huge post.
ReplyDeleteMaia-They special needs students certainly receive the need quality attention. In my last practicum session the desks were rearranged and now there is a long row of desk in the back which I feel integrates these students soooo much better. So I guess seating depends on the week and as Gena said putting special needs students in a regular classroom is important. One student interrupts the class, due to their disability so I understand that its a necessary evil to put them in the back for easy removal if they get too disruptive, like any student who mich act out.
Keri-Yes your practicum sounds almost sounds like a Montessori program, but I think you tolf me it wasn't. I wonder if this teaching method has a name? I think my practicum is based on standard structure and the freedom is more of a teaching preference.
Gena- The austistic stays in the classroom during the time that I am there. They are high level and just need to be roped in sometime. Meaning this kid is very intelligent, so much that they tend to connect subject matter in the class with stuff completely outside of the class its almost abstract, but it makes you think. I'll have to look for a more concrete example next class. There are some students that leave the class to go to the resource teacher during the Reading block. Lucky me I snagged an ELL student and I get to work with them for the rest of the semester.