Weekly Reflection - April 26th

Seven Questions:

This was the first week that I was only assisting and was not teaching anything. Although I am so glad to be finishing up student teaching and reaching graduation, it is bitter sweet to realize that in a few days I will be leaving these children who have such a special place in my heart. My experience at my placement school has been amazing, and I will miss each and every child and teacher here. Other than the sadness I feel about leaving my class, this week has been wonderful and I would rate it as a 5. This week I was pleasantly surprised by my students being so good after spring break! My CE and I expected the students to be fairly rambunctious when they came back from spring break, but they were wonderful. I think the students all just needed a break, and now they're ready to finish the year. From this experience, I realized that you never know what to expect when teaching little ones. This job is definitely a career of surprises and unexpected events. My short term goal this coming week is to prepare myself to present my portfolio and finish student teaching! This aligns with my long term goal of successfully graduating. This week I could've spent more time taking in the classroom and enjoying my class and students. I don't have much time left with my sweet class, and I need to soak up all the moments I have left.

This week, I helped my CE analyze the data on a math test based on the math we have taught for the entire year. This helped my CE decide what concepts need to be reviewed before the end of the year.

One piece of advice I want to share with other students teachers is to enjoy the time you have left in the classroom. Although this experience has been wearing and difficult, you will miss these children. They will always be your first class.

NCTCS:

Since I was not teaching at all this week, I have observed my CE demonstrating the NCTCS standards.

1b. Teachers demonstrate leadership in the school.
My CE has shown leadership in the school by leading the PBIS meeting this week. I was able to attend to see this leadership and observe how to be a good leader on the PBIS team.

2a. Teachers provide an environment in which each child has a positive, nurturing relationship with caring adults.
My CE has ensured that all students feel loved and cared for. We have had several students who have been sick this week, and she has ensured that they are taken care of when they are here at school. She has also reached out to parents to check on sick students who are absent.

3c. Teachers recognize the interconnectedness of content areas/disciplines.
My CE has integrated math and social studies this week. She has been teaching about animal habitats in social studies, and has integrated math by having the students find the difference in weight/height/etc of different animals.

4c. Teachers use a variety of instructional methods.
My CE has utilized a variety of instructional methods during small group math to ensure that all students are learning in many different ways.

5a. Teachers analyze student learning.
My CE and I have analyzed the end of year math test that we have given the students to determine what needs to be reviewed before the students move on to third grade.

Other:

This week I have finished my portfolio! My CE and I do not need extra support from my University Supervisor at this time.