First Field Observation

It was great to return back to the classroom this morning! Today was an unusual day, as it was a snow day that delayed school for two hours. They missed a full day yesterday, which happened to be Valentine's Day. Before the students arrived for the day, my partner, the classroom teacher, and I decided the topic of our unit. Then, we began helping to set up the classroom. Although, I was unable to observe a full lesson, my partner and I were able to assist the students with a pattern activity as the teacher completed the morning attendance and lunch check routine. As the students were taking their seats and beginning their work on the activity, my partner and I were helping to manage where they would keep the Valentines (certainly a distraction for Kindergarteners) to ensure they would stay on task. This seems like such a small task, but for 21 students that are all around 5 years old it can be a huge distraction. As with any other independent activity, the teacher had an additional assignment lined up for those students that finish quickly. I have found that these minor oversights can be a major management problem for a Kindergarten class- or any class for that matter. After the morning routine was completed, the teacher told the students to remind her when the clock was at 1050, when the big hand is on the 10, so they could leave for lunch. Again, it is those small teachable moments that helps students gain independence with tasks such as telling time.

After the students left the classroom, I was able to discuss lesson ideas with the teacher. She is always very helpful in making sure we are aware of the students routines (for math, reading, etc.), so we can keep the students focused on the lesson rather than teaching them the steps. We discussed various methods to teach the unit, and she gave me some great ideas for activities. The teacher reviewed some of the projects the students had completed, since we last observed. She finds very creative ways to integrate multiple content areas into one lesson, and the kids love it!

Teaching Metaphor

As I was developing an idea for the Teaching Metaphor assignment, I began to explore my thoughts on the profession I will soon enter. The first idea I developed was that of a painter. Though I think that a painter certainly could be likened to a teacher, I did not feel that it fully explained my thoughts on the role of a teacher and the students. After further thought, I decided that a gardener more accurately clarified my beliefs. A gardener must think about the environment that best suits their plants needs. They must water the plants, provide a source of light, and maintain an optimal temperature in which the plants can flourish. They must supply a balanced soil with the proper pH level and amount of nutrients. Though it is possible to purchase all of the same types of plants, most gardeners have many different plants that require different water, light, and temperature amount and frequency. Some of the plants must be rotated to another location to achieve optimal growth, depending on the season and year. In order to complete all of the tasks, a gardener must research the plants and use many tools to watch the plants grow and expand. It takes a dedicated person to become a gardener, one with a green thumb!

In an elementary classroom, a teacher also has much to think about the environment in which their students will learn and grow. They must organize the classroom set up, deciding where to place the desks, books, and many other materials that will provide a comfortable environment in which students can flourish. Just as gardeners must determine the correct soil components and pH levels, a teacher must decide the correct text level and other components of the curriculum for every student. A teacher will always be blessed with a group of students all with very different characteristics and interests. As such, teachers must be able to group students based on their abilities. Often, students will even rotate to another group (or location) as the teacher deems necessary through the use of running records and other assessment tools. Through research and utilizing the resources available, the teacher will be able to provide all of this nourishment to the students and watch them grow and expand. It also takes a dedicated person to become a teacher, one who enjoys working with children and takes pride in every student as they strive to learn.