Aspects of the week I found most valuable.
This week has been one of many different changes in the period schedule because of PSSA testing. My first period class I only taught once this whole week. They were taken out Tues-Fri, so now they are four days behind the other class. This coming week will be one of getting them caught up. As I have said before, you learn to be flexible.
Tuesday I had the opportunity to sit in on a Parent/Teacher conference with regard to one of the student's I have been teaching. This has given me a better understanding of the student and where we will be going in the future of getting this student grades up. Also, this week we had a Parent/Teacher Open House which gave me the opportunity to meet with several parents. Through both of these experiences I have learned even more that keeping excellent records of each student is valuable, not only their grades, but all work which has been graded (which my co-op has a folder for each student to place their work in) gives you the proof that you need to show the parent of what their child has been doing.
On Friday, I had an activity that was a WOW teaching moment. The students enjoyed the activity and were excited about doing it. This made my week! In addition, my co-op asked me if I would teach the other class this acitivity which I did. This gave me another opportunity to work with this class since I will be picking up this class on Monday.
What I would modify or change if I had the chance to start the week over.
I would modify one of the activities that I had the students complete. I would make the activity more current and exciting for them. I know now that this would make them more interested in the concept that I had taught them.
Another thing that I would change would be that during one of my lessons and when I was asking questions within the lesson one of the students was dominating the class. I have now turned that around and have learned from my mistake.
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It sounds like you had a beneficial week to add to your experience between schedule changes, conferences, and good planning. I wasn't as affected by the PSSA testing as you were, but that and along with other student absences has shown me the teaching side of trying to catch students up with their work. I remember when I was in high school I always thought it wasn't a big deal when I missed class. Now as a teacher, when students ask that famous question of 'did I miss anything?' I just want to tell them, you were the one who missed class you figure it out. Of course I don't actually tell them that, but sometimes I want to! I'm glad to hear you have realized small mistakes and figured out how to fix them. I hope it goes well for you!
ReplyDeleteBettie - Please tell me about your activity the next time we meet! I would love to hear about it! Bravo!
ReplyDeleteIt was also good that you got to go through a Parent Night before you are actually the teacher so you understand the expectations. Having great documentation is definitely the ticket!
Great job!