Saturday, March 13, 2021

Week of Reflection March 12, 2021

 Week of Reflection: March 12, 2021

  

  • Rate and explain your overall experience of the week: 1 - Very difficult to 5 - Great week

            I would rate this week as a 3. It wasn't great, but it wasn't terrible. It was just average. We continued reading Dr. Seuss books this week, and we made our stack of books we had read taller than the Cat in the Hat which my students loved. This week has been a little hard because one year ago was our last normal week. We sent the students home on Friday not realizing that it would be our last day with them in class.

  • Response to these questions to end your week:

    • Observe: What pleasant surprises / accomplishments did I achieve this week? I got to share my favorite Dr. Seuss book with my students. I love reading The Sneetches to them each year.

    • Reflect: What lessons did my work/experiences teach me that I will build upon next week? I received an email from my principal telling me that she was proud of how well I was doing. This was a great boost, and will help me to continue being energetic and providing my students with quality instruction.

    • Focus:  How are my short-term efforts and my long-term goals still aligned? Short term efforts are to complete the parts of my portfolio. This is aligned with my long-term goal of graduating.

    • Be Productive: What could I have spent more or less time doing? This week was pretty well balanced in my opinion.

    • Have Courage:  How did apprehension and indecision impact what I did and didn’t do? I can't think of anything that was affected by either of these this week.

    • Begin Anew: What is the first logical step(s) for next week? What mental clutter can I clear? I am going to begin working on my lesson plans earlier this week. We no longer have our Wednesday work days for me to complete them.

Adapted from: Cernoff, M. (2013, August 7). 7 Questions to End Your Week With. . Retrieved July 21, 2014, from http://www.marcandangel.com/2013/08/08/7-questions-to-end-your-week-with/

  • What were some data you analyzed this week and how did it help inform your instructional decisions?

            My CE and I analyzed new iStation data this week. We also used this data to help us decide on some other assessments to give our students this week to see where they are struggling.
  • What is one piece of advice you can share with other student teachers? Enjoy every second and always make sure you tell your students good-bye on Fridays. You never know if it may be the last time you see them. That sounds kind of morbid, but it is the truth, and a truth that a lot of us didn't realize until last year.
  • NC Teacher Candidate Standards (Be sure to reference activities from your lesson plans to solidify your answer.)

    • Pick an element from standard one of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.

                        
1c. Teachers lead the teaching profession. A co-worker ended up having to sub in an emergency situation this week. The teacher he was subbing for had her computer with her, which had her sub plans on it. I was able to help him gather materials to teach his students that day.
    • Pick an element from standard two of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.

2d. Teachers adapt their teaching for the benefit of students with special needs. I had a new student join my class this week and she has some special needs that are different from the other needs in my class. I was able to look at her IEP and adjust some elements of my teaching to meet her needs. 
    • Pick an element from standard three of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.

3c. Teachers recognize the interconnectedness of content areas/disciplines. I was able to tie the Dr. Seuss books that we read this week into all of the other content areas. 
    • Pick an element from standard four of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.

4c. Teachers use a variety of instructional methods. I implemented music, art, motions, reading, technology, and nature to teach my students this week. 
    • Pick an element from standard five of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.

5a. Teachers analyze student learning. My CE and I analyzed data this week to better meet the needs of our students. We also decided on some additional assessments to give to help us further understand these needs. 
  • Other:

    • What components of your edTPA and portfolio have you started to complete? I'm working on my global awareness piece, the teaching philosophy video, and my communication log.

    • What support does your Clinical Educator need from your University Supervisor? What support do you need from your University Supervisor? None at this time.

4 comments:

  1. Melissa,
    It really is crazy to think that a year has already flown by from when we sent the kids home to the unexpected last March. It is impressing to think back on how quickly teachers have adjusted and adapted throughout this time, always keeping the students' best interest in mind and providing instruction the best way that we can in unprecedented times. My district has not yet transitioned to the full five days just yet, we are still at four, but I believe that we will also be losing our Wednesdays as well. We are not looking forward to losing our planning time as we feel that this day has helped us to be more intentional about our planning and also has given us more time to plan for ways to support our lower level learners better in the classroom. I know that 5 days of consecutive, in person instruction is best for students, I just hope that the transition can be smooth and that we can still be able to implement some of the things we have learned along the way to best support our students with intentional planning and instruction. I am so proud of you for being acknowledged and recognized by your principal for the great job you are doing in your student teaching experience! This is a huge acknowledgment and as you said, a wonderful boost to help you to keep working hard and showcasing what a wonderful teacher you are! I hope this next week brings new excitement and experiences in your classroom, and that planning becomes easier once you get adjusted to the new schedule. Have a great week!

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  2. Melissa, I also find it very weird and crazy that our students have not attended "normal" school in a year. I am so glad that our students are getting to come back to school five days a week, but it is going to be tough having Wednesday's off. I have spent my Wednesday's planning and preparing for the remainder of the week. It is amazing that your principal acknowledged you and that gives you a boost of confidence. I hope this week is great :)

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  3. Melissa,
    I always enjoy reading your post, and hearing about things in your classroom. I liked your comment about students not having normal school in over a year. I think it is great students are going to be receiving more of that face to face instruction but also know that it is going to be a challenging adjustment at first. I am proud of all your hard work, and I know you are doing a great job!

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  4. All good things and yes, the reality of what happened a year ago setting in was undoubtedly difficult. Keep pushing ahead. The end is so close and you are almost there!

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April 23, 2021

  Week of Reflection: April 23, 2021    Rate and explain your overall experience of the week: 1 - Very difficult to 5 - Great week          ...