There have been some very good days lately when I reflect on how much I enjoy my job/class.
They are nice.
They care for each other.
They are polite most of the time.
They know that I am grouchy on Tuesdays. (I'm not sure why, but they have noticed a pattern.)
They love when I get excited about teaching something.
They love when I give them more math problems, and love hard ones even more.
They get upset when we miss some type of learning in our daily schedule.
They say, "It's okay Ms. L." when I forget to send in lunch count.
They negotiate for marbles and stop negotiating when they see I'm not in the mood.
They thrive on compliments from other teachers.
They respect my rules, even if they really want to sit on the bean bags during carpet time.
They ask how I am doing every day.
They give me hugs just because they like me being their teacher.
They write journal entries about how they want to be a 4th grade teacher, just like me.
They tell the truth, even if it's not a popular choice.
They avoid doing things they know will get me upset.
Not even close to last or least important, but...
THEY MAKE ME LAUGH AND ENJOY GOING TO WORK EVERYDAY!
Showing posts with label observations. Show all posts
Showing posts with label observations. Show all posts
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
It's about time!
Today I was teaching a lame-o math lesson. Let me rephrase that. I wasn't actually teaching, but rather letting kids work independently to solve division problems. This was probably better than me teaching because...the principal walked in for my observation.
She could walk in at any other time of day, but when she shows up carrying her clipboard, my heart began to pound very rapidly. I didn't really expect her at that time, because she hadn't come during all of her other available times for the past 3 weeks.
On the observation, I got compliments for the kids being able to work together to solve problems, for helping a small group through problems, and also all of my anchor charts that I have posted in my classroom. I had two things that she recommended for change: make sure I make changes in my lesson plans when needed and post more student work. This was one time that I forgot to make notes in my plans when I stray from them (I've been so good at doing it.). And I'm aware I need to hang more students' work, but in 4th grade, what do you hang up? If I had a bulletin board outside my classroom, I would love to hang items on it, but taking up more of my wall space isn't so practical. I would love to hang up examples of quality work, good writing pieces, and diagrams for science and social studies. But, come on...I'm only a first year teacher...I can't do everything perfect the first time around...then it will look like I haven't grown and learned over the next few years! hahaha
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Crying Update:
One crier was absent. The other two had a crying-free day. All smiles in my classroom! :)
She could walk in at any other time of day, but when she shows up carrying her clipboard, my heart began to pound very rapidly. I didn't really expect her at that time, because she hadn't come during all of her other available times for the past 3 weeks.
On the observation, I got compliments for the kids being able to work together to solve problems, for helping a small group through problems, and also all of my anchor charts that I have posted in my classroom. I had two things that she recommended for change: make sure I make changes in my lesson plans when needed and post more student work. This was one time that I forgot to make notes in my plans when I stray from them (I've been so good at doing it.). And I'm aware I need to hang more students' work, but in 4th grade, what do you hang up? If I had a bulletin board outside my classroom, I would love to hang items on it, but taking up more of my wall space isn't so practical. I would love to hang up examples of quality work, good writing pieces, and diagrams for science and social studies. But, come on...I'm only a first year teacher...I can't do everything perfect the first time around...then it will look like I haven't grown and learned over the next few years! hahaha
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Crying Update:
One crier was absent. The other two had a crying-free day. All smiles in my classroom! :)
Friday, October 3, 2008
Summon the Beast
It was my day back after 2 sick days. I felt like a celebrity! My kids were ecstatic that I was back and other teachers asked me all day how I was feeling. Some acted like I had been diagnosed with SARS and others were were just glad I was back and "healthy". I'm not going to lie, it was a bit hard to be back all day. It took a lot of energy out of me and my kids, although grateful for my return, weren't so cooperative all day. I was very happy that I only had to return for one day and then the weekend would be in full swing.
Of course in the midst of trying to stay alive today, there was some humorous "activity". The books that my class were so patiently waiting on arrived today and were waiting for them on their desks when they walked in this morning. One student ordered a book that sparked interest in many students. He took it to lunch so they could read it. While walking out of lunch, they were holding up a piece of paper to the sky. I tried looking at it to see what they were seeing and it must be a kid thing; I couldn't see anything! "What's it for?" I asked. "Summoning the beast," replied Juan. "WHAT? What beast are you talking about?" "The one from my book." "Okay, whatever."
During recess, I observe a group of student gathered around Juan and his popular book. They seem to be dancing around and and doing some strange behaviors. I know they are goofy 4th graders and do goofy things, so I didn't ask much about it. When I called the class to line up for recess, they were still trying to summon the beasts. My co-worker is very concerned about this and tried to warn them of what might happen when the beast arrives. I just thought it was funny.
I thought it was done with for the day, but I was wrong. During Writers' Workshop time, we had some drama (some vomit was spewed in my classroom). While I was responding to this, a few girls got their hands on this book in which you can supposedly summon the beast. I got onto them for not working on writing and then Juan comes over and asks who was misusing his book. I let him know and then he lets me know that he's actually kind of scared of the beast he's been summoning all afternoon.
J: "Ms. L, I'm a little scared of the beast."
Me: "Why?"
J: "Because when I get home from school off the bus, I have to walk a long way to my house by myself. What happens if the beast comes then?"
Me: "I don't know. I think you'll have to read your book and see if there's something you can do to protect yourself when the beast comes."
This provided quite a bit of entertainment throughout the day...enough to keep me going through not so great health. I love my class!
Of course in the midst of trying to stay alive today, there was some humorous "activity". The books that my class were so patiently waiting on arrived today and were waiting for them on their desks when they walked in this morning. One student ordered a book that sparked interest in many students. He took it to lunch so they could read it. While walking out of lunch, they were holding up a piece of paper to the sky. I tried looking at it to see what they were seeing and it must be a kid thing; I couldn't see anything! "What's it for?" I asked. "Summoning the beast," replied Juan. "WHAT? What beast are you talking about?" "The one from my book." "Okay, whatever."
During recess, I observe a group of student gathered around Juan and his popular book. They seem to be dancing around and and doing some strange behaviors. I know they are goofy 4th graders and do goofy things, so I didn't ask much about it. When I called the class to line up for recess, they were still trying to summon the beasts. My co-worker is very concerned about this and tried to warn them of what might happen when the beast arrives. I just thought it was funny.
I thought it was done with for the day, but I was wrong. During Writers' Workshop time, we had some drama (some vomit was spewed in my classroom). While I was responding to this, a few girls got their hands on this book in which you can supposedly summon the beast. I got onto them for not working on writing and then Juan comes over and asks who was misusing his book. I let him know and then he lets me know that he's actually kind of scared of the beast he's been summoning all afternoon.
J: "Ms. L, I'm a little scared of the beast."
Me: "Why?"
J: "Because when I get home from school off the bus, I have to walk a long way to my house by myself. What happens if the beast comes then?"
Me: "I don't know. I think you'll have to read your book and see if there's something you can do to protect yourself when the beast comes."
This provided quite a bit of entertainment throughout the day...enough to keep me going through not so great health. I love my class!
Friday, September 5, 2008
Never Leave a Rolling Chair Unattended
YAY...it's finally Friday! It was a good week and we accomplished a lot. I also learned a bit more about the abilities of my students. And along with all of that bizness, I have also gained some great stories...Let's start with the odd balls...I mean unique students in my class. I truly don't mean odd balls, but rather, children who are out of the ordinary model students.
This student who I will call Kevin is a very capable child. He is on grade level in every area. This child has one thing going against him. His body and mind are unable to concentrate on anything he does (also known as a form of ADHD). I am constantly redirecting this child back to work. He NEEDS me to stand around him in order to get him back on task the moment he is off task. I understand that children need a bit of down time and that is not what I'm referring to, but it is more of the kid tying himself in his chair with his jacket instead of working. He is also the child who lays out his jacket on the ground during dismissal in a very meticulous manner in order to sit down for 2 minutes before the line heads home.
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Victor is another story. Literally, another story...
He is the student I have with special needs. Today he did a few humorous things, which is a usual day for him. He has a great personality, is very entertaining, and is really a joy to have in class (regardless of the extra attention he requires). Today as I was helping him write and turned around to help other students. When I returned to his desk, he was holding the sharp end of his pencil in his ear. I took the pencil out and he immediately began apologizing. I explained that it's not safe to put pencils in your ear because you could poke things out in there.
"What could I poke out?"
"The inside of your ear."
"Where's that?" And he continued on. He also began saying that his ear at first didn't hurt after poking it and then he see-sawed back and forth about whether or not it hurt. He also then tried grabbing my finger and putting it in his ear. I had to inform him that, "My finger does not go in your ear."
This all may sound a bit odd to you, but this is the usual day in the life of Victor. In the life of Victor today, I also left my rolling/spinning chair unattended near his desk. When I returned after helping other kids, he was sitting in it and spinning around. It was funny, because I know none of the other kids in my class would have tried that (at this point in the year).
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"Ms. L, my mom said I will probably have to get braces when I'm older. Do you think I'll look cute with braces?" Of course I responded she would. She would actually look cute wearing or doing anything. She is a miniature 4th grader. She is much smaller than most of the other kids, but what she lacks in size, she makes up for with courage.
I love each and every one of my kids (at this point). They are each unique and wonderful and great students. They have exceeded my expectation with what I was hoping for this year and I go home happy and knowing that I've met my goals for the day. I can't wait to see what the rest of the year has in store.
This student who I will call Kevin is a very capable child. He is on grade level in every area. This child has one thing going against him. His body and mind are unable to concentrate on anything he does (also known as a form of ADHD). I am constantly redirecting this child back to work. He NEEDS me to stand around him in order to get him back on task the moment he is off task. I understand that children need a bit of down time and that is not what I'm referring to, but it is more of the kid tying himself in his chair with his jacket instead of working. He is also the child who lays out his jacket on the ground during dismissal in a very meticulous manner in order to sit down for 2 minutes before the line heads home.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Victor is another story. Literally, another story...
He is the student I have with special needs. Today he did a few humorous things, which is a usual day for him. He has a great personality, is very entertaining, and is really a joy to have in class (regardless of the extra attention he requires). Today as I was helping him write and turned around to help other students. When I returned to his desk, he was holding the sharp end of his pencil in his ear. I took the pencil out and he immediately began apologizing. I explained that it's not safe to put pencils in your ear because you could poke things out in there.
"What could I poke out?"
"The inside of your ear."
"Where's that?" And he continued on. He also began saying that his ear at first didn't hurt after poking it and then he see-sawed back and forth about whether or not it hurt. He also then tried grabbing my finger and putting it in his ear. I had to inform him that, "My finger does not go in your ear."
This all may sound a bit odd to you, but this is the usual day in the life of Victor. In the life of Victor today, I also left my rolling/spinning chair unattended near his desk. When I returned after helping other kids, he was sitting in it and spinning around. It was funny, because I know none of the other kids in my class would have tried that (at this point in the year).
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"Ms. L, my mom said I will probably have to get braces when I'm older. Do you think I'll look cute with braces?" Of course I responded she would. She would actually look cute wearing or doing anything. She is a miniature 4th grader. She is much smaller than most of the other kids, but what she lacks in size, she makes up for with courage.
I love each and every one of my kids (at this point). They are each unique and wonderful and great students. They have exceeded my expectation with what I was hoping for this year and I go home happy and knowing that I've met my goals for the day. I can't wait to see what the rest of the year has in store.
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