3.17.17

Only 1 full week left guys.... I don't rather to cry, vomit, laugh, celebrate, or maybe all four. 

Weekly Rating: 5 out of 5

As my student teaching is coming to an end, things are just really falling into place. I can't even explain to you how crazy of a week it actually was, but it just made me realize how ready I am for this. 

• 
  
• Observe: What pleasant surprises / accomplishments did I achieve this week?
  
  
  I did something a little different this week with writing in order to prepare my students for their quarterly writing assessment, and it went so well. I was so proud of my kiddos and the success that they showed. ALL OF THEM. My CE was really amazed at how well everyone did. Kinder's have to leave this year being able to write 8 sentences, which is a big change from last year. But honestly, I'm not worried about these kids. They are doing great, and I felt that the new method I used REALLY worked. 
  
  

• Reflect: What lessons did my work/experiences teach me that I will build upon next week?
  
  
  Always expected the unexpected and be prepared. We had a student start having a panic attack in class this week. The problem was, we didn't know that's what it was, he didn't know what it was, and it turned into a little bit of chaos. It ended up being fine, but I just kept thinking, "what would I do if there weren't other teachers in here to help me?" I was blessed to have a CE and a TA in that moment, but there will come a time very very soon when that won't be the case, and I need to be prepared for anything. 
  
  
• Focus:  How are my short-term efforts and my long-term goals still aligned?
  Short term goals: Finish student teaching with a bang.
  Long term goals: Finish student teaching with a bang.
  
  
  My short term goals are my long term goals now! This all means making me AND my students successful.
  
  
• Be Productive: What could I have spent more or less time doing?
  
  
  This seems like a silly question to me know, because I really could have spent more time doing everything that needs to be done haha!!
  
  
• Have Courage:  How did apprehension and indecision impact what I did and didn’t do?
  
  
  When a chaotic situation presents itself in the classroom, it is easy to feel apprehensive, but you just have to have courage, take control of the situation, and keep going. I felt that I did a relatively good job of this.
  
  
• Begin Anew: What is the first logical step(s) for next week? What mental clutter can I clear?
  
  
  Portfolio has got be completed! I present April 5th, so time is just slipping further and further away from me..
  
  
• What were some data you analyzed this week and how did it help inform your instructional decisions?
  
  
  I analyzed the writing assessments that I gave this week. Again, I was really pleased!
  
  
• What is one piece of advice you can share with other student teachers?

Enjoy every single moment. It didn't really hit me until today. I have two more weeks left with these kids, and then I won't spend every day with them. I begin working in a new classroom as soon as I present. I am seriously going to miss them SO MUCH. Luckily they'll just be a few classrooms down, but still!!!

• What components of your portfolio have you started to complete?
  
  
  I have began working on most all of the portions at this point.

• What support does your clinical educator need from your university supervisor?
• What support do you need from your university supervisor?

No current support needed. Thanks for staying in constant contact with us, Dr. Sanders! Your feedback, encouragement, and support is appreciated!

NC Teacher Candidate Standards

Standard 1

Teachers lead in their classrooms.

In order to find a new well to help make my students successful, I worked really hard to find something new. I found a four square writing map that really helps students. I felt like a true leader in my classroom as I lead my students in a new direction. Also in a stressful situation, I had to take control and show my students that I was a true leader. 

Standard 2

Teachers embrace diversity in the school community and in the world. 

With it being St. Patricks Day we were able to talk about Ireland, Wales, and other places around the world that were celebrating St. Patricks Day. We were also able to talk about Irish culture, which was a lot of fun! The kids really enjoyed it!

Standard 3

Teachers recognize the interconnectedness of content areas/disciplines.

This week we were learning about seasons. This was such a fun thing to learn about, and it was so easy to integrate into all areas. We talked about how seasons can affect people and the things that we do-social studies. We talked about why we have seasons- science. We graphed our favorite seasons- math. We read all kinds of books about seasons-literacy, and we wrote an informational piece about seasons- writing. 

Standard 4

Teachers help students work in teams and develop leadership qualities.

Students split up in groups this week to sort seasonal activities. The team that could do it the fastest with accuracy, won! It was a lot of fun and really engaged the students.

Standard 5

Teachers analyze student learning. 

I was able to analyze student's writing assessment this week which allowed me to identify any misconceptions that students were having. It also allowed me to analyze what worked and what didn't work for students.