Elementary Observation 3.4

 In my intro to Ed class we had the  opportunity to observe in an elementary school the past two weeks. There were many things that stuck out to me in this classroom, not all good but also not all bad either. A few things that stuck out to me were Mrs. Lovell's methods, classroom organization, and the students behavior. Both weeks I had the opportunity to be in Mrs. Lovell's 3rd grade English class where they were learning many different things. The first week I just watched how the classroom was run and this week I was able to not only watch but present my puppet show as well.

 The first week in Mrs. Lovell's class I was able to just watch and take notes on how she runs her classroom. The 3rd graders at Southside switch classes, and so I was able to how she switches classes and keeps her students under control while doing so. A few things I enjoyed seeing the first week I was in there was how she interacted with the kids and how she know each kid and what they need to keep them on track and focused and able to learn effectively. Another thing that stood out to me was how the classroom was organized and set up. She has her binders and supplies on the other side of the room and the corner, although most other teachers in the elementary have organizers for those things in the middle of the room with the desk. Mrs. Lovell uses long tables instead of desk and I feel that is not only over stimulating and chaotic, but keeps the students distracted as well. 

 This week a few things that had stuck out to me was the hand out she used. The students were learning about word parts and how to form words and suffixes. The hand out she used for this I think was helpful and helped the students comprehend. On this work sheet the students had to use one of the 3 word parts they have been going over this week to form 5 different words, and on the back of the sheet they had to form 5 whole sentences with the word parts. While in Mrs. Lovell's class I noticed there are many students who struggle and have behavioral problems, and I liked to see how Mrs. Lovell handled the students who do not listen and struggle. Mrs. Lovell is very gentle but strict with the students, she gives them talks about their behavior to get them back on track and keeps them as focused and behaved that she can. This week I also got to present my puppet show for the 3rd grade class, although, I found it to be a bit difficult. The 3rd graders are 9 years old so its hard to keep them focused and engaged the whole time even if it is just a few minutes long because most of the 3rd graders are over that kind of stuff by then.

Over all I had a good experience and enjoyed being able to be in Mrs. Lovell's class. I loved to see not only her teaching style and how she teaches what they are learning at the time but also how she handles the behavior and when they are being disrespectful by getting up and walking around and talking when Mrs. Lovell is teaching. I think the opportunity taught me that teaching a 3rd grade English class is probably something I do not want to do. I enjoyed being in a 3rd grade class but I think it would have been good to go to a different grade both weeks.   

Preschool Observation 3.3

In my intro to Ed class last thursday we had the opportunity to observe and do a puppet show. Many things stuck out to me. The teachers, students, organization. we went two different weeks and had a different experience both times. The first week we did this I was with 4 and 5 year olds with mrs.Tracy and the second time when I did my puppet show I was with miss. heather.

the first week with Mrs.Tracy I really enjoyed how they connected with children in their room. They did a activity for valentines day where they did 18 reasons they love room 13 and did one reason they love each student in their classroom 13. I love how they have taken the time to connect with every student to learn about them. What also stuck out to me was how clean they keep the classroom space, not only did it smell clean but looked clean as well. The space was incredibly organized and their schedule was well the students knew what to expect and you could tell they have a very clear routine.  

3.2: 100th Day of School

     In my intro to Ed class we are having to pick something for our high school to do for the 100th day of school. 

    For my idea I picked we do an ice cream party in our English classes on Wednesday and thursday since those are our long class days.  As a whole class we had to go around and share our ideas and rank them based on what we think is the best one. I also liked the idea of showing 100 acts of kindness. 

   my favorite thing to celebrate the 1ooth day of school in elementary school was having a party. we also did parties in middle school as well. we would always have popsicle parties and play on the playground and we would miss some class to play. 

    so for our 100th day of school in high school this year and me being a senior I want to take it back. although we do not have a playground, we could eat ice cream in our English classes and each student could participate in buying thing for their English classes party if they are able to. 

3.1: My One Word

    

    In my intro to ed class we are picking one word. This one word is our word for the 2026 year. This word is supposed to mean something to us. So I picked productive for my one word. 

    At first I did not know what my word would be but the word productive kept coming back to me. This word to me means to stay motivated but also don't lose the mind set what you want and keep moving forward with it and keep progressing. 

    In the year 2026 I want to use this word to remind myself to keep my head on track and keep accomplishing what I want to achieve and accomplish. I want to stay productive this year and I want to stay productive this year by going through and finishing what I say I want to accomplish.  

   In collusion I hope this word not only benefits me but the others around me as well. I know it will help me accomplish all of my 2026 goals and I hope it does others too.   

2.1 mini teach highlight

Recently I got to make a mini lesson in my introduction to education class. The lesson I created was for a group of first graders in math class. 

For my math lesson we did a number comparison sheet and found what numbers were greater, less than, and equal to. To start my lesson we went over a few problems together and I made sure that they were fully understanding the concept as if this was the end of the unit. I gave them group work as well, they worked with their tables to do the other half of the page and help each other. For the end of the lesson I let them do their extra practice alone. I really liked the whole part of planning. I like this part because there was so much to choose from. I also feel as if this was real first grade class it would have been harder to pick worksheets and plain a lesson because you would have to find what works for your class and what is best for them in that time. 

By doing this lesson I have learned that lesson planning is harder than you would expect. Everything teachers do is to benefit students.