The Triumph: Another successful writing lesson today! There were only a couple of students who did not have writing that they added to their books today, and one boy said to me "I need help adding words, because I'm writing books that have words now!" I was so excited to hear him say that! He actually had another quote during my writing to them that I wrote down on the last page of my story because I thought it was such a great quote about what writers should do. I love the connections that kid makes!
The Struggle: There are still a lot of not nice words circulating throughout the room. We have been reading manners books all week and the kids are great at making connections, however, they can not make the connections from the books to themselves!
The Ludicrousness: Today, while I was reading, I noticed a student of mine, showing his middle finger to a group of girls next to him. I looked right at him, and with my angry voice said "What are you doing?!!!" He turned to me, still with his middle finger out, now pointing to me and he says "I got a cut on my finger, SEE!?!" I just said, "Ohhhh... ok!" and started laughing to myself!
Friday, April 29, 2011
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Progress, Progress, Progress!
The Triumph: It is so great seeing the progress that students have been making since the beginning of the year! One student has progressed by 100 points on the K-Screen! At the beginning of the year, and throughout the kids have been assessed to see where they are at, and what progress has been made! The K-Screen looks at letters (upper and lower), letter sounds, numbers (1-31), as well as some basic math concepts. The overall score is 130. So great to see the progress they have made on those and in the classroom. I keep telling them that 1st grade is coming soon.
The Struggle: I think that trying to figure out how to help the resistant student was what was most difficult today. He really needs to be at school to learn, but once he starts digging his heels in, I just have to send him away. Usually the heel digging involves a lot of yelling, or other disruptive behaviors that makes learning difficult for the whole class. I just have to figure out at what point do I say, "Ok you need to do this!" Today, he had a power struggle with me in front of the whole class because he wanted to sit on the computer instead of joining us for movement on the carpet. He stated that he was going to do computers. I gave him his choices, which were to join us on the carpet or to sit in the Cheetah Chairs. We went back and forth a few times, but he knew that I would not back down and he finally came to a decision (Cheetahs)!
The Ludicrousness: During the plan-do-review part of the day, which we call Worktime, the kids discovered the new hollow blocks that we are borrowing from the other Kinder room. One of the boys made a tower with them that was really tall, and I asked him if he would like to take a picture of it. I could not find our classroom camera, so I let him use mine. They were hilarious! They took pictures for about 20 minutes. They took turns, the took interesting photos, and they were having such a great time! I would post some, but most have the kids in them. I'll have to look through and post the ones that don't have kids in them!!
The Struggle: I think that trying to figure out how to help the resistant student was what was most difficult today. He really needs to be at school to learn, but once he starts digging his heels in, I just have to send him away. Usually the heel digging involves a lot of yelling, or other disruptive behaviors that makes learning difficult for the whole class. I just have to figure out at what point do I say, "Ok you need to do this!" Today, he had a power struggle with me in front of the whole class because he wanted to sit on the computer instead of joining us for movement on the carpet. He stated that he was going to do computers. I gave him his choices, which were to join us on the carpet or to sit in the Cheetah Chairs. We went back and forth a few times, but he knew that I would not back down and he finally came to a decision (Cheetahs)!
The Ludicrousness: During the plan-do-review part of the day, which we call Worktime, the kids discovered the new hollow blocks that we are borrowing from the other Kinder room. One of the boys made a tower with them that was really tall, and I asked him if he would like to take a picture of it. I could not find our classroom camera, so I let him use mine. They were hilarious! They took pictures for about 20 minutes. They took turns, the took interesting photos, and they were having such a great time! I would post some, but most have the kids in them. I'll have to look through and post the ones that don't have kids in them!!
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Baby Got Back
The Triumph: I had a successful writing lesson today (yesterday too, actually!)! The focus of writing has been that the writer adds words for the reader. Without words in the books that the kids make, I can't read or remember what every single story is about! The kids got the teaching point and there were so many who have been adding words in the last two days that have never even attempted words before!
The Struggle: I think I may have to start cracking down more on the kids. They are starting to act-up and act silly. Which, I know they are five, but I want them to know that there are times for them to be silly and there are times for them to be good learners!
The Ludicrousness: I overheard a boy Kinder of mine singing "I like big butts and I can not lie." I stopped and looked at him and he says, "What? It's a song!" Yes, it is!
Also, I was hugged by a Kinder in the other classroom today. And her leg was wrapped around me in the process! It was hilarious!
The Struggle: I think I may have to start cracking down more on the kids. They are starting to act-up and act silly. Which, I know they are five, but I want them to know that there are times for them to be silly and there are times for them to be good learners!
The Ludicrousness: I overheard a boy Kinder of mine singing "I like big butts and I can not lie." I stopped and looked at him and he says, "What? It's a song!" Yes, it is!
Also, I was hugged by a Kinder in the other classroom today. And her leg was wrapped around me in the process! It was hilarious!
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Can I have a Tracker?
The Triumph: This is related to teaching, but not specific to the kids today... I got the approval for my Substitute Certificate. That means I can sub in my classroom from now until the end of the year. AND get paid for it!! Yippee!!!
The Struggle: We have been reading books lately that have to do with the social issues that are coming up in our classroom. It is interesting to see how the students can make connections with the stories, but when it comes to acting out and living the advice they are discussing they just can't do it. They can point out that lying is not good, that good friends share and that we use nice words, but they just can't do what they say or know they should do! Again, I just have to remind myself that they are 5!
The Ludicrousness: We have been doing Sand, Dirt and Water for our science unit. Today was the first day that one of the groups had time to explore each table. The kids had a chance to visit each table. By the final rotation, the group of kids that were at the dirt table had witnessed the other kids getting dirt in their eyes because of the wind. The third group of kids was so fun to watch. They would use the different tools in their table, and then started ducking below the table. It was so funny to watch them problem solve and figure out how to avoid getting sand in their eyes. They are just so creative!
The Struggle: We have been reading books lately that have to do with the social issues that are coming up in our classroom. It is interesting to see how the students can make connections with the stories, but when it comes to acting out and living the advice they are discussing they just can't do it. They can point out that lying is not good, that good friends share and that we use nice words, but they just can't do what they say or know they should do! Again, I just have to remind myself that they are 5!
The Ludicrousness: We have been doing Sand, Dirt and Water for our science unit. Today was the first day that one of the groups had time to explore each table. The kids had a chance to visit each table. By the final rotation, the group of kids that were at the dirt table had witnessed the other kids getting dirt in their eyes because of the wind. The third group of kids was so fun to watch. They would use the different tools in their table, and then started ducking below the table. It was so funny to watch them problem solve and figure out how to avoid getting sand in their eyes. They are just so creative!
Monday, April 25, 2011
Sometimes I'm Silly!
The Triumph: The big Mondays with all of the Kinders are always a little more difficult, so I consider getting through the day a triumph. I got the kids where they needed to be, on time, all throughout the day. We didn't have to wait to wash our hands at the sink before lunch (which we mostly have to do on Mondays since we come straight from P.E.) AND they all made it home! Success!
The Struggle: Hearing heart-breaking information about students is just hard. I wonder how some teachers manage to be so involved in the home lives of their students, when others seem that they just don't care what happens once they leave the classroom. I feel like I am always thinking about how my students are doing at home and how that effects them when they come to school.
The Ludicrousness: Some teacher and student quotes today. I had some time to go observe in the other Kinder classroom today (Thanks!) during a lesson on Thinking-Maps and analogies. The book being read was "Tacky the Penguin," and it is about a penguin that is very different from the other penguins. The teacher asked her students if they ever felt like Tacky and one boy next to me says "I'm silly a lot of the time!" And he most certainly is!
My favorite teacher quote today was in the hall, as one Kinder class (mine) was passing the other Kinder class. And the other teacher stated to her students: "Remember, mobs scare people and lines make people happy!" I lost it and just started cracking up! My kids were curious and wanted to know why. I just said, "Because Mrs. _ is funny!"
The Struggle: Hearing heart-breaking information about students is just hard. I wonder how some teachers manage to be so involved in the home lives of their students, when others seem that they just don't care what happens once they leave the classroom. I feel like I am always thinking about how my students are doing at home and how that effects them when they come to school.
The Ludicrousness: Some teacher and student quotes today. I had some time to go observe in the other Kinder classroom today (Thanks!) during a lesson on Thinking-Maps and analogies. The book being read was "Tacky the Penguin," and it is about a penguin that is very different from the other penguins. The teacher asked her students if they ever felt like Tacky and one boy next to me says "I'm silly a lot of the time!" And he most certainly is!
My favorite teacher quote today was in the hall, as one Kinder class (mine) was passing the other Kinder class. And the other teacher stated to her students: "Remember, mobs scare people and lines make people happy!" I lost it and just started cracking up! My kids were curious and wanted to know why. I just said, "Because Mrs. _ is funny!"
Friday, April 22, 2011
I Don't Wanna!
The Triumph: Friday was successful! We had a full day, including computer lab time (which went smoothly), writing (also smooth), lunch (ALWAYS smooth), and a new schedule for plan-do-review/science. The two Kinder classes will start mixing for work-time and science, so the kids will be seeing more of each other, which is AWESOME! I think they all enjoyed it for the most part. I know that I did!
The Struggle: We have been noticing, more and more, where certain kids are at, including the kids that come every day. One would think, perhaps even assume, that a kid who comes to school everyday, is going to make more progress than a kid who only comes two days a week. Well, it seems that in our class it isn't quite happening that way! I think for some of the Kinders it is a difference of language, and the fact that they only hear English when they are at school. Then when they get home they speak their L1, or first language. I found myself becoming frustrated with one of these students today. But I had to remind myself, she is an ELL. AND she is FIVE! Already, there is so much going on in her brain. Two languages, writing in English, knows most of the alphabet, but not the sounds that the letters make... The list could go on and on.
The Ludicrousness: For the last two weeks, I have been tying one boys shoes about 6 times a day. Every day. He has those shoe laces that slide really easily. They are that cord like material. And this kid is a.l.w.a.y.s. pulling and tugging and playing with those darn things. This week I told him I was going to staple his shoelaces down so I wouldn't have to tie them anymore. He has pulled the laces out completely twice, and since the plastic parts at the ends have worn down or fallen off, I have to put a safety pin through the end to thread it through his darn shoes! I think he is obsessive with them. He is always touching them! I just want to duct-tape them. Or get him velcro!
The Struggle: We have been noticing, more and more, where certain kids are at, including the kids that come every day. One would think, perhaps even assume, that a kid who comes to school everyday, is going to make more progress than a kid who only comes two days a week. Well, it seems that in our class it isn't quite happening that way! I think for some of the Kinders it is a difference of language, and the fact that they only hear English when they are at school. Then when they get home they speak their L1, or first language. I found myself becoming frustrated with one of these students today. But I had to remind myself, she is an ELL. AND she is FIVE! Already, there is so much going on in her brain. Two languages, writing in English, knows most of the alphabet, but not the sounds that the letters make... The list could go on and on.
The Ludicrousness: For the last two weeks, I have been tying one boys shoes about 6 times a day. Every day. He has those shoe laces that slide really easily. They are that cord like material. And this kid is a.l.w.a.y.s. pulling and tugging and playing with those darn things. This week I told him I was going to staple his shoelaces down so I wouldn't have to tie them anymore. He has pulled the laces out completely twice, and since the plastic parts at the ends have worn down or fallen off, I have to put a safety pin through the end to thread it through his darn shoes! I think he is obsessive with them. He is always touching them! I just want to duct-tape them. Or get him velcro!
Thursday, April 21, 2011
A Film-maker and Scientist in the Making
The Triumph: The more my CT leaves the room, the more confident I am that I can manage these children, I can teach them, and I can handle the issues that come up. I appreciate the trust that she has in me and the time that she has allowed me to have such a presence in the classroom! I know that not every student intern has that same type of experience!
The Struggle: Cloning myself. Really though, at one point today, I had 6 kids around me, vying for my attention. If only there were 8 of me, I could help so many more kids. I guess I'll just have to teach, hope that one of my future students gets hooked by science and figures out how to clone humans.
The Ludicrousness: There are so many silly, ridiculous, and outrageous things that are happening in the classroom that it's hard to narrow down to just one. I think my favorite from today was when my CT was teaching science. She wanted to record the lesson and put the Flip Camera in the hands of one of the Kinders. She asked him to follow the discussion, and move the camera to point at whoever was talking at the time. At one point, I looked over and he was so focused on what he was doing. Then, a student got up to use the bathroom, and the cinematographer pointed the camera on him and followed him all the way to the door. While a science discussion was taking place. But boy, was he focused! I can just imagine what commentary was going on inside his head.
The Struggle: Cloning myself. Really though, at one point today, I had 6 kids around me, vying for my attention. If only there were 8 of me, I could help so many more kids. I guess I'll just have to teach, hope that one of my future students gets hooked by science and figures out how to clone humans.
The Ludicrousness: There are so many silly, ridiculous, and outrageous things that are happening in the classroom that it's hard to narrow down to just one. I think my favorite from today was when my CT was teaching science. She wanted to record the lesson and put the Flip Camera in the hands of one of the Kinders. She asked him to follow the discussion, and move the camera to point at whoever was talking at the time. At one point, I looked over and he was so focused on what he was doing. Then, a student got up to use the bathroom, and the cinematographer pointed the camera on him and followed him all the way to the door. While a science discussion was taking place. But boy, was he focused! I can just imagine what commentary was going on inside his head.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
What's a Nice Way to Say "Be Quiet"?!
The Triumph: Another successful reading strategy lesson today. One thing that I like about having two groups of students is I really get to practice teaching. I can teach a lesson one day, reflect, change, and reteach it the next day to different kids. I think that more kids got the idea of what 'Skippy Frog' does today, than they did yesterday.
The Struggle: There seems to be quite a few issues going on having to do with the types of words our Kinders use in the classroom, on the playground and in the cafeteria. There were many times throughout the day that I was told "_____ told me to shut-up." There were others besides this, but 'shut-up' has been very common lately. I always ask kids what types of words we should use in the classroom and how we should talk to our friends. They are always able to respond with "Nice words." After thinking about it more though, I can remind them all I want to about the types of words we should use, but once they leave the school at 3:30, they are back at home, listening to their parents, their older siblings (and friends), and the T.V. I have no control over what they hear at home or what type of language they are allowed to use when they are with their families.
The Ludicrousness: More quotes today! :)
One of the boys was knocking on the door during lunch recess. When asked why he wanted to come in he said " Because _____ and his girlfriend are taking away my fun!" I have no idea what he meant by that, but I laughed.
And another lovely connection, from student to the world. At the beginning of the science lesson this afternoon, our guest science teachers were reviewing with the children and up pops a hand. One of the teachers calls on the boy with his hand up and he says "I've been to New York!" All I could think was, "Me too, friend."
The Struggle: There seems to be quite a few issues going on having to do with the types of words our Kinders use in the classroom, on the playground and in the cafeteria. There were many times throughout the day that I was told "_____ told me to shut-up." There were others besides this, but 'shut-up' has been very common lately. I always ask kids what types of words we should use in the classroom and how we should talk to our friends. They are always able to respond with "Nice words." After thinking about it more though, I can remind them all I want to about the types of words we should use, but once they leave the school at 3:30, they are back at home, listening to their parents, their older siblings (and friends), and the T.V. I have no control over what they hear at home or what type of language they are allowed to use when they are with their families.
The Ludicrousness: More quotes today! :)
One of the boys was knocking on the door during lunch recess. When asked why he wanted to come in he said " Because _____ and his girlfriend are taking away my fun!" I have no idea what he meant by that, but I laughed.
And another lovely connection, from student to the world. At the beginning of the science lesson this afternoon, our guest science teachers were reviewing with the children and up pops a hand. One of the teachers calls on the boy with his hand up and he says "I've been to New York!" All I could think was, "Me too, friend."
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
I Can Read!
The Triumph: Successful facilitation of a small reading group today! The kids were so motivated, and by sticky notes, which I totally did not see coming!
The Struggle: I have just been so tired this week. I need to figure out how to get more energy. (As you can probably see from the minuscule post tonight)
The Ludicrousness: This one's not so much funny as it is just darn cute! One of the boys came up to me this morning, so excited to share a drawing with me that his younger brother had done. He was so happy to share with me what his brother had done as well as explaining the story behind the drawing! I love their enthusiasm!
The Struggle: I have just been so tired this week. I need to figure out how to get more energy. (As you can probably see from the minuscule post tonight)
The Ludicrousness: This one's not so much funny as it is just darn cute! One of the boys came up to me this morning, so excited to share a drawing with me that his younger brother had done. He was so happy to share with me what his brother had done as well as explaining the story behind the drawing! I love their enthusiasm!
Monday, April 18, 2011
Today was Awesome!
The Triumph: Being able to work so closely and learn more about my students on these Mondays. Today was another of the Mondays where I only have 10 students. It's either 10 or 28 and oh do I love the days with 10. The kids that come every day really need to have that one on one or small group interaction and the days where they are the only ones to come really allows that to happen! And I love it!!
The Struggle: Today, really just realizing that kids benefit from coming everyday, as well as having smaller class sizes. Something needs to be done with the way that the education system and how they fund early childhood education!
The Ludicrousness: Ok, quotes again today. I love hearing the stuff that the kids say...
We were reading a book about a dog that gets into a lot of trouble, including a day when the dog 'wets the rug.' One of my students raised his hand to ask me what that meant and other kids let him know that it meant the dog had peed on the carpet. Well, later in the book the dog does the same thing, and one of my boys says "oh, well he pissed on the carpet again!"
Later another one of my boys was sitting at the computer and called me over to him. Then he yells out to me (because he has ginormous headphones on) "Ms. Castleton, I smell gunpowder!" All I could do was look at him and say "What?!" The substitute who was sitting near by just burst into laughter! I don't know how he knows what gunpowder smells like, or why he thought he was smelling it, but it was hilarious!
The Struggle: Today, really just realizing that kids benefit from coming everyday, as well as having smaller class sizes. Something needs to be done with the way that the education system and how they fund early childhood education!
The Ludicrousness: Ok, quotes again today. I love hearing the stuff that the kids say...
We were reading a book about a dog that gets into a lot of trouble, including a day when the dog 'wets the rug.' One of my students raised his hand to ask me what that meant and other kids let him know that it meant the dog had peed on the carpet. Well, later in the book the dog does the same thing, and one of my boys says "oh, well he pissed on the carpet again!"
Later another one of my boys was sitting at the computer and called me over to him. Then he yells out to me (because he has ginormous headphones on) "Ms. Castleton, I smell gunpowder!" All I could do was look at him and say "What?!" The substitute who was sitting near by just burst into laughter! I don't know how he knows what gunpowder smells like, or why he thought he was smelling it, but it was hilarious!
Friday, April 15, 2011
I've Been to Fred Meyer!!
The Triumph: I really just enjoyed the kinders today. I had a great day with the kids and then had the opportunity to sit down after school and plan out next week with my cooperating teacher! There's not really any one thing that stands out to me that made it such a good day. It just was. I had lots of conversations with kids, which made it really great!
The Struggle: I think the hardest part about today was during writing time. I'm struggling with how much work I think they should get done, and how much they do get done. The kids go so long without seeing each other and when they get to the tables where they write, they just want to chat with each other. But then it starts to get loud, and kids aren't working while they are writing. I need to find a happy medium where kids are talking, but also working at the same time that is acceptable for me and for them.
The Ludicrousness: Today was a day of memorable quotes:
"This sandwich is paradise."
Reaction to a cloth shopping bag with the Fred Meyer emblem:
Student A: "Hey, I have one of those at home!"
Student B: "That's from Fred Meyer!"
Student A: "Hey, I've been to Fred Meyer!"
And my favorite. One of the boys was waiting for his mom to come get him, and usually she is there waiting for us, but today she wasn't. He says: "What is she dead or something? Where is she?!"
I love the things they say!
The Struggle: I think the hardest part about today was during writing time. I'm struggling with how much work I think they should get done, and how much they do get done. The kids go so long without seeing each other and when they get to the tables where they write, they just want to chat with each other. But then it starts to get loud, and kids aren't working while they are writing. I need to find a happy medium where kids are talking, but also working at the same time that is acceptable for me and for them.
The Ludicrousness: Today was a day of memorable quotes:
"This sandwich is paradise."
Reaction to a cloth shopping bag with the Fred Meyer emblem:
Student A: "Hey, I have one of those at home!"
Student B: "That's from Fred Meyer!"
Student A: "Hey, I've been to Fred Meyer!"
And my favorite. One of the boys was waiting for his mom to come get him, and usually she is there waiting for us, but today she wasn't. He says: "What is she dead or something? Where is she?!"
I love the things they say!
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Read, Read, Read!!!
The Triumph: One of my little English Language learner guys, who came into the school year knowing only 1or 2 numbers and zero letters asked if he could read me a book today! It was "David Goes to School" by David Shannon, and this boy did memorize what happened on each page, but it was so wonderful to hear him excited about reading and excited about sharing with me! He has really come far since the beginning of the year!
The Struggle: Still having those conversations with certain children, who should know better, about appropriate behavior for school. It is agitating, and I feel like I am always having the same conversations with the same kids. I have to find a way to get through to them, and am not looking forward to the repeated conversations that I will have tomorrow for those problem behaviors.
The Ludicrousness: Listening to Kinders read!! I was listening to one boy read today. I had asked him to be sure to look at all of the words on the page and try to match the sounds that went with the letters he was seeing. At one point he read a few words in the sentence wrong, looked up at me and said "Well that just doesn't even make sense!" I told him, "Well, you're right, it doesn't make sense! What can you change so that it will make sense?"
The Struggle: Still having those conversations with certain children, who should know better, about appropriate behavior for school. It is agitating, and I feel like I am always having the same conversations with the same kids. I have to find a way to get through to them, and am not looking forward to the repeated conversations that I will have tomorrow for those problem behaviors.
The Ludicrousness: Listening to Kinders read!! I was listening to one boy read today. I had asked him to be sure to look at all of the words on the page and try to match the sounds that went with the letters he was seeing. At one point he read a few words in the sentence wrong, looked up at me and said "Well that just doesn't even make sense!" I told him, "Well, you're right, it doesn't make sense! What can you change so that it will make sense?"
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Can I Have a Grape?
The Triumph: Since I am in a classroom with two part time classes, I often have the chance to reteach lessons, and make changes based off of the first run of the lesson. After my lesson yesterday on ways that authors sometimes organize their books (Days of the Week), I was able to re-word my lesson delivery and students today seemed to have a better grasp on the idea!
The Struggle: Teaching with a headache! I woke up 15 minutes before I had to leave and have had the most awful headache all day long (I think from the lack of caffeine!). It really makes it hard for me to enjoy the day when I just want to close my eyes and go sleep. I did my best for the kids today, but geez it was difficult!!
The Ludicrousness: We got a new student today! Cutest little girl ever. I walked in to lunch with the kids, as a usually do, and stayed with them a little longer than usual to help a student with his sopping wet lunch bag. I made sure to go around and check in with our new student to see how she was doing so far and ask her what she had for lunch. She showed me her delicious looking sandwich and then I left the lunchroom. At the end of the day we have been doing sharing as a whole class and students can share something that they brought in from home or share a story about something that they have done. It has also become a time when kids will take remainders from their lunch boxes and munch on them. Our new student had noticed this and asked me if she could eat one of her grapes. I told her yes of course. She opened her lunch box and there was her sandwich, completely untouched!! She then told me she didn't have time to get to her sandwich. She decided to eat her sandwich, and ate it quicker than I have ever seen any kid eat their lunches!! She must have been so hungry!
The Struggle: Teaching with a headache! I woke up 15 minutes before I had to leave and have had the most awful headache all day long (I think from the lack of caffeine!). It really makes it hard for me to enjoy the day when I just want to close my eyes and go sleep. I did my best for the kids today, but geez it was difficult!!
The Ludicrousness: We got a new student today! Cutest little girl ever. I walked in to lunch with the kids, as a usually do, and stayed with them a little longer than usual to help a student with his sopping wet lunch bag. I made sure to go around and check in with our new student to see how she was doing so far and ask her what she had for lunch. She showed me her delicious looking sandwich and then I left the lunchroom. At the end of the day we have been doing sharing as a whole class and students can share something that they brought in from home or share a story about something that they have done. It has also become a time when kids will take remainders from their lunch boxes and munch on them. Our new student had noticed this and asked me if she could eat one of her grapes. I told her yes of course. She opened her lunch box and there was her sandwich, completely untouched!! She then told me she didn't have time to get to her sandwich. She decided to eat her sandwich, and ate it quicker than I have ever seen any kid eat their lunches!! She must have been so hungry!
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
To the Cheetahs!!!
The Triumph: As time goes on, I have been teaching more and more. I have always taught lessons, but more often I am teaching, leading, and facilitating the kids and I love it! I feel like I am really gaining a good sense of when they have had enough, such as today during an observed lesson. The kids had a package of 6 crackers with a crinkly wrapper. They were really good for the first few minutes while they were still eating. I ended up challenging them to quickly and quietly get their wrappers in the garbage can while I closed my eyes and counted to 20.... and it worked wonderfully!
The Struggle: Today, I felt that I struggled with following through with what I say when it comes to discipline. I had asked one particular student to stop making noises with his mouth and told him if I had to ask him again that he would go to the Cheetah Chairs. Well, about a minute later he was rocking on the floor. But.... he was doing it silently! I just reminded him of how he should be sitting and when he still did not sit as I had asked him, sent him to the Cheetah Chairs! I later talked with my observer about and she let me know that yes it is ok to just send a student there who should know better! And this rolling, noisy child most certainly does know better!
The Ludicrousness: While standing with my University Coordinator today during recess, one of the boys in my class came up to us and asked her to tie his shoe. I said "You didn't want me to tie your shoe?" and he responds with "Well, you do it every other time!" He also happens to have the tiniest, cutest voice ever, which made it even funnier!
The Struggle: Today, I felt that I struggled with following through with what I say when it comes to discipline. I had asked one particular student to stop making noises with his mouth and told him if I had to ask him again that he would go to the Cheetah Chairs. Well, about a minute later he was rocking on the floor. But.... he was doing it silently! I just reminded him of how he should be sitting and when he still did not sit as I had asked him, sent him to the Cheetah Chairs! I later talked with my observer about and she let me know that yes it is ok to just send a student there who should know better! And this rolling, noisy child most certainly does know better!
The Ludicrousness: While standing with my University Coordinator today during recess, one of the boys in my class came up to us and asked her to tie his shoe. I said "You didn't want me to tie your shoe?" and he responds with "Well, you do it every other time!" He also happens to have the tiniest, cutest voice ever, which made it even funnier!
Monday, April 11, 2011
Can You Lead the Line?
The Triumph: We had a great first day back from spring break! Through most of the day today, the kids (all 28 of them!) were working on math stations. All of these stations were centered around shapes since we will be moving towards geometry! It was great to see kids making the shapes that were in front of them, as well as new shapes that they came up with using the HandWriting without Tears materials. We worked all day with shapes and it was great to see the student engagement!
The Struggle: Like I said, there were 28 of them. It was great to see them all again, but difficult to make connections and observations about all of the students on a day with 28 kids! My friend and other Kinder intern asked me how one of my students was doing today, and I had to really think about how he was. Normally this student stands out to me, but when there are 28 kids demanding my attention, I had to think if he was even there! I'm so grateful that we have two smaller classes and that there will only be a few more big Mondays left!
The Ludicrousness: It is mind-boggling to me how long it takes for these kids to get in a line quietly! And how difficult it is for them to stay in that line as we move through the halls! We had lots of opportunities for practice since the Mondays with 28 kids are also the Mondays that we have Music and P.E. At one point as we were walking down the hall today, two boys were facing each other (meaning one was walking backwards!) and high-5ing each other! REALLY?!!? Is that a good time for high-5ing?!
The Struggle: Like I said, there were 28 of them. It was great to see them all again, but difficult to make connections and observations about all of the students on a day with 28 kids! My friend and other Kinder intern asked me how one of my students was doing today, and I had to really think about how he was. Normally this student stands out to me, but when there are 28 kids demanding my attention, I had to think if he was even there! I'm so grateful that we have two smaller classes and that there will only be a few more big Mondays left!
The Ludicrousness: It is mind-boggling to me how long it takes for these kids to get in a line quietly! And how difficult it is for them to stay in that line as we move through the halls! We had lots of opportunities for practice since the Mondays with 28 kids are also the Mondays that we have Music and P.E. At one point as we were walking down the hall today, two boys were facing each other (meaning one was walking backwards!) and high-5ing each other! REALLY?!!? Is that a good time for high-5ing?!
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Robert Munsch Day
I am hoping that this will be my only delayed blog entry. Too much happened on Friday and I just didn't get a chance to blog then. It is so much harder to reflect two days later than it is that same night, so I'll do my best!
The Triumph: My CT and I survived the last day of school before spring break. We had a Robert Munsch Day and watched a ton of his books on this website called tumble books. It's through the local library and the books are read out loud and it was AWESOME!! We have been reading Robert Munsch for quite awhile now and got through all of his books that we have in the classroom. It was so nice to have a low key day and I know that the kids loved it too!
The Struggle: Honestly, I can't think of a specific struggle from that day. I think that more and more I am realizing how important it is for the kids to come everyday. We have a few kids who would be so much more successful during the day if they had the routine of the school day down, but since they aren't there everyday it is hard to get them to a routine!
The Ludicrousness: While we were watching a series of books on the SmartBoard, one student raised his hand and yells out, "My foot is asleep!!" This is the kid who previously couldn't contain his excitement about the type of pizza he likes to eat. He just kept saying that his foot was asleep, and something about the blood in his foot and we told him to just stretch out his legs. He would not do it though! Luckily I was sitting near him and helped him move his legs to a stretched out position and the problem was solved.
There'll be a break in posts, since I am now officially on Spring Break!!!!! WOOOO!!! See ya in a week!
The Triumph: My CT and I survived the last day of school before spring break. We had a Robert Munsch Day and watched a ton of his books on this website called tumble books. It's through the local library and the books are read out loud and it was AWESOME!! We have been reading Robert Munsch for quite awhile now and got through all of his books that we have in the classroom. It was so nice to have a low key day and I know that the kids loved it too!
The Struggle: Honestly, I can't think of a specific struggle from that day. I think that more and more I am realizing how important it is for the kids to come everyday. We have a few kids who would be so much more successful during the day if they had the routine of the school day down, but since they aren't there everyday it is hard to get them to a routine!
The Ludicrousness: While we were watching a series of books on the SmartBoard, one student raised his hand and yells out, "My foot is asleep!!" This is the kid who previously couldn't contain his excitement about the type of pizza he likes to eat. He just kept saying that his foot was asleep, and something about the blood in his foot and we told him to just stretch out his legs. He would not do it though! Luckily I was sitting near him and helped him move his legs to a stretched out position and the problem was solved.
There'll be a break in posts, since I am now officially on Spring Break!!!!! WOOOO!!! See ya in a week!
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