Weekly Reflection -February 8th

Seven Questions:

This week, I would rate my week as a 3. This week has been very difficult as far as my work load goes due to the fact that my grandfather has passed away. Although this week has been extremely difficult, I am incredibly thankful for my university supervisor and clinical educator for the support they have given me. I am also incredibly thankful for the sweet class of students I am privileged to teach. The smiles, hugs, and sweet personalities of my students were something I needed this week, and they definitely made this week a little brighter.

This week, I was pleasantly surprised by my students having the ability to complete their science projects! Although I had confidence that my students would be able to complete the project, I had no idea the amount of creativity each group of students would bring to their projects. They came up with ideas I had never even thought of, and I was very proud of them. Throughout this science unit, I definitely learned not to underestimate the ability of a seven year old. They are capable of creating and using the creativity they have to do amazing things. I need to incorporate these skills more in the future. This week, my short term efforts were to complete my edTPA lessons successfully! This is aligned to my long term goal of passing edTPA to gain my teaching license. This week, I could have spent more time preparing to teach each of my lessons. This would have helped me not be as stressed. This week I have been much more confident and have had much more courage in my teaching. Now that I have gotten used to being in charge of the entire school day, I have finally began to fall into a routine. The first logical step for next week is to complete task two of edTPA.

This week, I analyzed the author's purpose tests that I gave my students in order to inform my WIN intervention groups. This helped me to see who needed to be re-engaged.

One piece of advice I could share with other student teachers this week is to utilize the resources around you. My CE, as well as the other second grade teachers, have been extremely helpful each week as I have questions about planning.

NCTCS:

1c. Teachers lead the teaching profession.

This week, I have participated in data dives with my grade level. This has been extremely beneficial for me in order to help me learn more about dibels and TRC testing.

2a. Teachers provide an environment in which each child has a positive, nurturing relationship with caring adults.

This week I have had the opportunity to speak with one of my students who comes from a less than ideal home situation. This helped me to understand this student in a better way, and also helped me to have the opportunity to encourage this child as well.

3c. Teachers recognize the interconnectedness of content areas/disciplines.

This week I was able to integrate the literacy idea of cause and effect with the idea of sound for science. 

4e. Teachers help students develop critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.

This week, during my WIN lessons, I was able to help students think critically by helping them to compare and contrast author's purpose. We talked about the three purposes, inform, entertain, and persuade, and I helped students think critically about the difference between the three.

5c. Teachers function effectively in a complex, dynamic environment.

This week, we have had awards day and picture day. Awards day was scheduled, but picture day was just an all day event where we waited to be called. These events forced me to be flexible and still complete my lessons in a complex environment. 

Other:

This week, I have worked on my resume that will be included in my portfolio. 

My CE and I do not need any support at this time.