Week 2 CES

January 14, 2013
Today was my first day to teach the reading/spelling slideshow.  I got a little nervous before I started and thought I should have prepared myself a little better.  The main problem I had was knowing what to do with words when they were highlighted.  Some were highlighted to point out sounds, and others were highlighted for spelling or reading.  After observing the small group reading lessons, I got a better idea  about what levels the students are on and  different ways to teach them.  I learned how to put grades in the computer and can do it independently now. During math, I liked how Mrs. Britt walked around and gave additional help to students that were confused. She broke down the information even further to a student where he could understand.  The child did not understand that he could not have more than nine ones on his place value mat. She made the student count the ones for her. Then, she picked up ten ones and told him that he could trade it for a rod.  The student understand the information after he was able to see it.  After journal time, I noticed that I have to be more repetitive with instructions for activities.  I saw that it is useful to repeat the instructions again after they have started on their assignments.

January 15, 2013
Teaching the reading slideshow was easier for me today.  I looked at the slideshow closer than I did the night before and asked my mentor any questions I had before school started.  While studying the slideshow, I noticed that a book about seasons was in my lesson.  I made sure that the first thing I did this morning was find the book where I would be prepared.  I also asked about the different symbols on the slideshow.  Items are different colors and/or underlined to show the students what to do.  Today was the first day I taught some of the math slideshow, and I felt like it went okay.  I think it will just take time and experience for me to get better teaching this subject.  During the slideshows, I realized that I am going to have to get better at my behavior management.  The students tried to push my limit a little today and see how far I would let them go.  I felt like I did some good things to manage behavior, but  there is plenty of room for improvement.  I have made note of the different directions my mentor gives when changing subjects to make it easier.  I think it will go better if I do many things like Mrs.Britt and keep them in their routine.

January 16, 2013
I thought that I made some improvement today because I lead the students from one activity to another for the most part.  I am learning how to give the students detailed directions where they know exactly what to do when they are moving from one activity to a next.  When I started today's slideshow, I made sure that the students knew that I was not going to try to talk over them.  I also started using checks for behavior management when needed.  Mrs. Britt still helped some with discipline, but I am learning ways to handle it.  Tomorrow, I plan on looking over all of the workbook pages before school starts.  I want to look over the directions on each page to get an idea of how I am going to explain it to the students.  I am also going to lay out the books and other materials I need for the next days slideshow.  I am more comfortable with leading the class now because I know what activities the students do each day in reading and spelling.  Also, teaching is becoming easier because I am learning where materials are.

January 17, 2013
I thought that today went well.  I was able to work around a busy schedule and get things done.  All of the time in my reading block was missed because  we had DIBELS, but I did the slideshow before physical education.  I was suppose to review the story in small groups but ran out of time.  I had the students to pull out their reading books and follow along with me as I read.  I asked them many comprehension questions after I finished reading.  The students seemed like they understood the story and did not have a problem with the comprehension questions.  I also thought that I did better with behavior management today.  I reminded the students of my expectations for them while they were in the hall and in the floor for the slideshow.  I only had a problem with one student.   Next time I give the spelling test, I will remind my students of my limit on how many times I will read the word.  I had some students that did not play close attention and wanted me to repeat the word several times.I think that I am learning more each day, and they will start to go smoother as I learn.  I was impressed with the math lesson today, and I want to start planning more for my unit.

January 18, 2013
I had the chance to review with the students and give them their tests today.  I thought that they did pretty well with the reading review and their test grades showed that a majority of the class understood the story.  They also did well on the math test.  I think the students are picking up on place value quicker than I thought they would.  Monday, I would like to review because a few students got their tens and ones places mixed up.  I would also like to discuss assessments and goals with my mentor on Monday.  I am not completely clear on what is expected for sections B and C of my teacher work sample.  I thought that behavior was better today.  I think my students are getting use to me and understand my expectations.