Week 15: Two More Weeks?

Monday:

    Today was definitely a little weird. It's nice having Andrea back in the room, but I'm not really sure what to do now while she is teaching! I have all of the little things as my responsibility still along with reading and science. No longer do I teach math or writing. It's two big slots during the day that I feel like I should be doing something, but instead I feel like I'm just sitting there doing nothing! However, it is nice not having to plan for math and writing because those took up the most time.

    Other than that, the students still see me as their teacher. We had another issue today with a young girl in the class who writes letters to other students. During the day we have a time where they can work on their writing and write letters to one another. There weren't any problems, that we knew of, when I first got here; but lately we have been having a lot of problems with notes and letters.

    This young girl wrote a mean letter to another student saying that they weren't friends anymore. It's disappointing how nasty they can be to one another. I pulled them out in the hallway and talked for a little bit, but it didn't seem like it had any affect on the student who wrote the letter. Whereas the one who received it was crying. It's frustrating dealing with situations like that.

Tuesday:

    Not many exciting or disturbing things happened today, it was finally a pretty normal day! =) We had science where we started working with small ramps and marbles. It's amazing how into science they get when they are given the opportunity to experiment and work with their hands. They ask me every single day, "Miss Geer, do we have science today? What time? What are we doing?" They seriously can't wait for it, and it definitely shows me that they need more hands-on learning like this.

    Speaking of hands-on learning, we actually had a long discussion about that today. Andrea really wishes that she had time for more stuff like this, but they really don't. I hope in my future classroom I figure out a way to implement this at least once a week. Students need to be up moving around and problem-solving on their own. It's amazing to see what they can come up with when they are given the opportunity to learn on their own. It has really shown me how important it is that I have this, but also how smart these kids are!

Wednesday:

    Today was a day full of issues, but most of them were at least solved! I had a student who apparently squirted his water bottle at the wall while we were in line at the bathroom. I didn't see it myself because I was dealing with some of the girl drama happening in the room. Afterwards I heard a few boys in the back of the line giggling so I asked what was going on and another student told me that two boys were squirting the sign.

    I honestly had no idea to believe, so I learned something new today; guilt works VERY well on most young students. I just waited until one of them was honest with me because they both denied doing anything. Then I reminded them I could ask everyone behind them in line who they saw do it. After they realized they would be caught, one of them finally confessed. I still had to have him move his clip down for lying.

    Then I heard some more of the girl drama going on within the class. Apparently what it came down to was a girl had hurt feelings. However, this girl with hurt feelings was having her mom constantly talking to the principal and Andrea because she told her mother she was being bullied. FINALLY we got it straightened out and this student was making up lies because her old best friend doesn't hang out with her anymore. Who knew there was so much girl drama in second grade! Definitely learned a lot about dealing with those kind of situations this week. =)

Thursday:

            Today was pretty easy since we only had about half of our class here! It was take your child to work day today, so seven of our students were out for the day. On these days you are almost scared to work too far ahead because so many students would miss it. Andrea was going to work further with adverbs, but figured she would save it for Friday since so many students were out.

            It was kind of crazy how quickly and easily we were able to get everything done! Since there weren’t as many students to work with and worry about, it made the day go very quickly and very easily. At the end of the day, we had a reading lesson that didn’t take long at all; so we ended up getting some extra time for recess! It was a beautiful day, so we weren’t complaining! =)

            An update with the new second grade girl drama show; the young girl that started all of the unnecessary drama seemed so happy today! The two girls that “took” her best friend away were both gone and she was able to spend time with her. Everyone was getting along great, which made for a relaxing kind of day! =)

Friday:

            I wasn’t in school today since I was going to a rehearsal dinner in Indiana. However, I missed a lot and Andrea called me during the rehearsal dinner! I figured since she was calling it must be somewhat important, because she usually just texts if it’s not a big deal.

            So, this week we talked about all the girl drama in second grade that was STRICTLY going on between the girls. The young girl’s mother came in to talk to the principal because she said her daughter was still being “bullied”. (Basically it was when she would ask someone to be quiet and they wouldn’t listen. I said that it was good she wanted everyone to follow the rules, but just because they weren’t listening doesn’t mean they are trying to hurt her feelings.)

            After the mother talked to our principal, our principal decided to move a random student out of our class and into another second grade classroom! This poor boy had nothing to do with the problem, unfortunately our principal doesn’t really know that; and didn’t ask Andrea about it. So now we will have only 19 students, a girl who will still be upset for random things even though the “problem was solved”, and a student who is with an unfamiliar class for the last month of school. This was absolutely UNBELIEVABLE! I cannot understand the mindset or the thought process of this decision, and I’m really disappointed to see that as a solution. I guess this placement really will prepare me for a lot of random things in my future teaching career. 

Week 14: Winding Down...

Monday:

            I always love the start of a new week. Even though there's a lot of work ahead of me, it's nice coming off of a few days off. Today the kids were surprisingly good too! It was a lot of fun in science because we worked on designing spinning tops. My supervisor actually came in and observed for this lesson. The students absolutely love all of the science experiments, and she seemed to enjoy the lesson too!

            It's kind of strange because that is the last time I will be observed for student-teaching. It just kind of shows that the end is definitely coming near! My supervisor even gave me a present for making it through; I have a theory that everyone remembers how stressful their student-teaching experiences were. =)

           At the end of the day, a very interesting conversation took place between a few students during recess. One of my students came up to me and just said, "Miss Geer, do you know what I don't understand? Where did the world come from? I mean, why is it here?" I was honestly taken so off guard and just was silent for a second. It's amazing how often these kids brings up questions or conversations like this. I kept asking him what he meant, while trying to go towards a little girl in the classroom who's answer to everything is, "God made it." She overheard the conversation and said, "Duh Aidan, God made us and the world so we could live here."

           It's so funny hearing conversations like these, but then I just want to know how much I can say without getting into trouble. Andrea was out of the room so I forgot to ask her, but I really wish I could just share with him what I believe. I'm just not sure what lines that could be crossing. So, it was an interesting and fun day to say the least. =)

Tuesday:

            Today Andrea let me know ahead of time that she was going to be leaving me alone for the entire morning with the classroom. I was so excited and it really turned out to be a lot of fun. When I'm by myself for a few hours at a time, it really starts to feel like my class; even though I know it's not and I will be giving them back soon! I really enjoyed it, and they finally stopped asking where she was. Even though it's the last week of full-time, I will take that victory! =)

            For reading in the afternoon, I decided to do a reading circle. I kind of get sick of doing the same routine every day and I really like to switch things up. It's clear that they do too, because they get so excited when I just sit on the floor with them in a circle. They kept saying how much more they like this than when everyone is at their desk or sitting in rows on the carpet. I think that's one thing I will try and do in my future classroom; switch things up to keep it interesting for everyone!

            Outside of school related things, I absolutely love the staff that I work closely with. It's kind of cool because all of us are going through a lot of big changes in our lives right now. One of them is engaged, one is pregnant with twins, and one just had her grandmother move in with her. I'm engaged, about to graduate, and just had one of my best friends move in with me and my parents until she can kind of get back on her feet. It's just amazing that God placed them in my life to help me kind of get over myself. I'm not the only one stressed out, and life can just be stressful sometimes and that's okay. =)

Wednesday:

            For the entire afternoon I was alone with the students today; and honestly the majority of the morning as well. I'm really starting to feel like I'm getting into a groove of my own and it's a lot of fun! However, the students were EXTRA chatty today and it was getting very frustrating. I used the chatterbox, I continuously reminded them of the classroom expectations and they still were chatty. Andrea said some days are just like that. It's frustrating, but it's important to remember it's only one day!

            I also used the video camera today a little bit more, and I think that caused them to act a little bit more crazy. A few of them kept saying, "I wanna be on YouTube!" It was kind of funny at first, but then I decided to hide it so that they wouldn't even noticed they were being videotaped. Yes it was sneaky, but I don't feel bad about it. =) They were being too crazy!

Thursday:

     Today Andrea basically gave me the entire class all day! She wasn't really stopping in at all anymore, the past couple of weeks it's been an in and out kind of thing; but this week it felt like I was completely on my own! I really am starting to get used to it and like it a lot! It's reassuring knowing I can do this without anyone in the room with me, even though I was a little nervous at first. 

     They finally stopped asking where Mrs. Gass was too! I know it has taken them a lot longer than I would have liked, but at least we got there! (And usually it's right before lunch or special when they realize she wasn't in there). This experience is really encouraging for me, and I am so thankful for this group of kids! My biggest problems in the classroom are chatty kids, but it's not usually while I'm actually teaching; mostly just when they should be reading or working on their own. 

     Since they are quite the chatty group, I kind of made a bargain with them today which I know can be dangerous but it worked out! I know they all get along really well and just enjoy talking to each other, I decided to be a tiny bit lenient. We were working on a writing project for earth day and they were working so well and so quietly that I said they could talk while they work as long as they whisper. If I heard anything other than a whisper or a soft voice I was going to have them go back to working silently. Also, if I walked around and they did not have enough work finished, then we would go back to working silently. They did a very good job for the most part, a little too loud at times; but they were still working! I wouldn't mind a class like that, where I allow them to talk while they're working. I love having the option to talk while working in class or while doing homework!

Friday:

     I cannot believe my last day of full-time teaching is complete! I have so many mixed emotions right now, and I'm really curious to see how Monday goes. Andrea and I were talking and I will just be doing science and reading next week; along with all the little things still such as morning meeting, spelling, etc. It's just going to be weird having to go back to sitting around a lot. 

     It's hard to imagine that I spent about 300 hours in different classrooms just observing! How boring that would be now! In a way it's kind of funny to think about where we all started and the point we're at now. When I first started aiding, I was so nervous to do anything! I didn't want to teach one single lesson because I was scared I would mess it up. Now I'm at the point where I can't imagine sitting around not talking to the students. 

     These reflections are kind of useful, because they're encouraging. Like Jenna Rae said in class last week, it's good to find the small nuggets of success in the grand scheme of things. You kind of have to hold on to those to get through all the other points. It's been a very stressful semester, and I know there won't be less stress during my first year. At least now I know I can do it, I will make it through, no matter how many times I think to myself I can't do it; but I couldn't have done it alone. =)

Classroom Confidential - Chapter 7:

    Community-based learning is one of the things I have really found a passion for this semester! That Lot project is similar to the situation at my school. The students aren't known for being smart, they have very low scores; and the crime in their community has gone up tremendously in the past 10 years. It's pretty much a completely different town than it was back then. So many of my students are interested in real-world topics that actually matter! One student that comes to mind always wants to do things to help the community. I would absolutely LOVE to do projects like this in my future classroom. One thing about my school now is that they don't allow field trips because of the funding. Schmidt mentions the fact that we can just go out into our neighborhoods, what a way to get a "field trip"!

             Goodness, this is just one of the most ironic chapters we have read. Along with the community-based learning, i would have really liked to integrate more technology into the classroom. For example, they all are so excited whenever I bring in my video camera or regular camera. This chapter mentions the fact that we can use those to document what we see on our field trips. I would love to incorporate teaching technology AND do a community-based learning project. I will definitely be holding on to this book for future reference! =D

Week 13

Monday:

We started our new science unit on balance and motion today! I think the students are really going to enjoy it. There are a lot of experiments, and a lot of hands-on work. Most of science they had to figure out ways on their own to balance a crayfish on their finger. It was fun to watch, and I can tell they're all really excited about the unit; which makes it more fun and exciting for me too!

Today was pretty rough in the morning. I haven't had it yet where I really didn't want to go into school. It's not that I dreaded teaching, I just really wanted a day to relax and have to myself; plus the weather outside made it so that I wanted to stay in bed all day! Even though I knew it would be easy to call in I went, and I'm very happy I did.

There weren't any spectacular lessons today, but I just really love this class. I feel like outside of student-teaching there are so many changes going on. Graduation is coming, I just got enagaged and may be getting married in the fall... All of it is a lot to take in, but I can count on my students every day in my placement. =) It feels like the only place not getting me stressed out; well at least at this point in time. =)

Tuesday:

Another month has come and gone, which means another SIP day had to come. Today we had early dismissal once again to meet which other second grade teachers in the district to talk about Common Core. It was actually a very beneficial meeting. I got a lot of good information out of it, along with a simplified version of what the Common Core will require second grade teachers to teach!

I really like that Howe and Oak Crest work together to figure this out. However, there are two other schools in the district. I'm a little confused as to why they don't participate in these days too. I think it would be very beneficial to everyone if they were all able to meet. Communication between grades and schools in a district can really ensure that everyone is on the same page.

Once again we had another fun science experiement where they had to balance a pencil on a popsicle stick using wires and clothespins. It was exciting watching them figure it out on their own! It took some time, but they got there. =) I used to hate science, but so far this has been one of my favorite lessons to teach and work with the students on.

Wednesday:

Another substitute was in towards the of the day because Andrea had somewhere else to be. This substitute was much more relaxed than the last one I worked with. She understood that I had been their full-time teacher, so she really just kind of sat back. It was a relief because last time I felt like I had to kind of work to keep the students realizing that I was still their teacher; this time it was much easier.

The kids once again still tried getting away with different things that they knew were against the rules. I just don't understand that! It's as if they forget I have been there for a long enough period of time where I clearly know their expectations and their rules. It's kind of entertaining to see what they try and do, but at the same time I wish they were responsible enough to make the right choice on their own!

I really love these students and can't believe my time is coming to an end with them. Each one of them I feel like I have really gotten to know and learned to love. Some of them a bit more of a struggle than others to deal with every day, but that made getting to know them so much more fun! =) 

Thursday:

Today was a lot of fun, especially in science class! It's really cool because I have a lot of freedom to kind of do whatever I want with the topics we have to teach. We are still working on balance, but we didn't have set activities for today or Friday. So, basically I had the freedom to search around online and look in different books to see how I wanted to teach more about balance. 

I decided to do a balance with our body type of day. I made a little "spin-the-wheel" with different activities of balance on each one. So we would spin the wheel and figure out which activity we would have to do next. After each activity we talked about how it applied to what we have already been learning about balance. I was really impressed with their ability to connect our bodies to the different activities that we have already done! One of the students talked about how our body used itself as a counterweight. It made it so much more fun for me too!

Friday:

Andrea had meetings almost all day today, and it was DEAR day; a lot happened today! First of all, it was D.E.A.R. Day (drop everything and read). So for a half hour out of the day we literally dropped everything and just read. They had the option to read to a partner or a stuffed animal! Since it was D.E.A.R Day, they were also able to wear pajamas; which made them a little more squirrelly than usual. =)

Around 10:30, Andrea had to leave for meetings. There was a substitute in there until lunch at 11:10. However, after that I was pretty much left on my own! It was a lot of fun because most of the afternoon was fun D.E.A.R. Day activities. I really felt like a teacher because I was practically by myself the entire time; there were only a few visits from different aides and other teachers in the building to make sure everything was going well. 

I can't believe next week is my last week of full time teaching and then I start phasing out already! It's been a long semester filled with so many things I couldn't have learned any other way than experiencing it for myself. I'm excited to be done, but with it getting closer it's starting to become even more real. Only one month away! =)

Week 12: Welcome Back!

Tuesday:

    It was exciting to finally come back from Spring Break! Even though it was nice having the down time, I was really looking forward to returning to school. I missed my class a lot! The first day back went surprisingly really well. I figured i would feel out of it a little along with the students; but we were all able to jump right back in!

    In math we continued with time, and I was so surprised at how well the students remembered everything from being gone for over a week! Although we did have some time for distractions, I felt like we got a lot accomplished. We also had a Flat Stanley project over break which they all shared. When the students got very into the project, they turned out so cute! I absolutely love the idea of this project and will definitely be using it in my future classroom. (Even if I teach older students! =) Even I enjoyed doing the project and so did Andrea.

    Along with all of the excitement of coming back from break, I had something a little extra happen that may have been cause for the good mood. I am now engaged, and have a lot of different things on my mind at school! Especially today, I had to tell the same story so many times! It was nice to see how the staff here really does recognize that I'm here with them and try and include me in a lot of things. I really appreciate that about this school. =)

 

Wednesday:

    Today we started coGAT testing for the class. It is unbelievably boring, and I feel so bad for them because I know how frustrating it is! They don't have the questions in their packets, it's pictures instead. They have to listen to a question and choose the correct picture. This test is to see who will be in the gifted program next year. However, walking around I noticed that a few of the very bright students in the class were getting quite a few wrong.

    This is one thing I absolutely hate about testing. First of all, some of the students that really struggle with reading aren't affected by this test and will do exceptionally well. Second of all, if they are not reading the problems themselves then I feel like that is testing their lsitening skills more than anything! I just don't really agree or like the way this test is formatted and the purpose of it. I don't feel like it's meeting the needs it says it will be.

    Other than the tests, it was a rather normal day. They are finally finished with their autobiographies and they turned out pretty well. A few of them are a little sloppy, but they still look cute altogether! I love the fact that they can buy these. It's pretty neat when you're in elementary school and you have something published that you actually created. You can tell a lot of them are very excited about this. =) So am I!

Thursday:

     Today was a pretty frustrating day. The students were very chatty and being disrespectful to one another. During one of my lessons, they kept calling out! I had to stop a few times to just to have them read Rule 1: "Listen when your teacher is talking" and Rule 4: "Raise your hand to speak or stand". They were just being very frustrating, it made it difficult to get everything done. I explained that to them a few times, and since they still kept calling out I brought the chatter box back. A few of them had to pull slips out and put them in the box because they just would not stop talking. 

     Later on during the day, one of the students brought me a note and asked me to help read it. It was the most disappointing thing I have ever read. Basically the note said "I think you are too bossy and mean and annoying. I would rather die than play with you. We are not friends." I seriously couldn't believe what I was reading, and the person signed it unonimus (anonymous). However, I have actually learned their handwriting pretty well so I knew who wrote it. 

     I took the letter then called the student over who I was pretty sure wrote it. I asked if it was from her, and at first she denied it. Quickly after, without me even saying anything else, she said that this other student kept telling her that she didn't have time to play with her outside because she had too many people to play with. I brought her out in the hallway and explained that I understand her feelings were hurt, but the letter was completely out of line. We continued to talk a little bit, and I had her apologize to the other student and explain herself. She started crying, so I think she got the message that the letter was inappropriate. I just can't believe that it happened, it was a bad enough day with all the chatting; then to end on that note! Hopefully tomorrow will be better. =)

Friday:

      Today was a pretty simple and relaxing day. We finally wrapped up the time unit in mathematics, and I am so proud and impressed with my class! I have the lower group in math, and they proved that they can keep up with the other classes! In the final assessments, they did just as well or better than the students in the higher classes.      I think I might have to tell them on Monday just to boost their confidence a little. =)

      Other than that, the students were all pretty great. There wasn't much chatting going on today, and there weren't any problems in the classroom. I wish every day could be like this! We were able to go to the big community park across the street because they did such a great job. I'm really loving this placement, and can't believe I only have about 4 weeks left!