Week 3 CES

January 22, 2013
Today was the first day that the students read their short stories to me.  These stories had words in them that were easy for the students to decode.  I was comfortable leading this group because I took methods of literacy  last semester.  As the different groups came back to the table, I noticed that I have to be more repetitive with some groups.  I noticed that I had to be more detailed with groups than others also.  I had to adjust my instruction to how the group learned best.  During one group, I had to give a signal for them to start reading together.  Today was also my first day to take over social science.  I thought that the discussion I had with the class went well.  The students understood what I was trying to ask and were engaged in the discussion.  They loved the book and the activity too.    Finally, I was not clear on what I should do for my sections B and C when I came to school today.  I liked how Mrs. Britt sat down and helped me plan for my unit.  It helped me figure out what goals and information I should include in my unit.

January 23, 2013
The students read their story that they are going to be tested on Friday.  We went over their words to read several times in small groups because it is a short week.  I wanted to give them extra practice because we normally have one more day to practice them.  I was pushed for time today because it took me longer to teach my slideshows.  I think it took me longer because I had to repeat directions many times today.  I felt like I struggled with behavior management.  The class was very talkative, and I had to make several students move their behavior clip.  If they come in the same way tomorrow, I think it might help to talk to the group as a whole about their behavior and my expectations.  I ran out of time and did not have time to do my social science activity.  I think I need to work on managing my time a little better where I can get to everything.

January 24, 2013
Today, I experienced working around several events.  We had a visitor that came to read with the students.  I carried out my regular routine but also called students out to read.  The visitor came at the beginning of our reading slideshow, so I called out my highest level reading group first to go out of the room.  I called on them first because they would have an easier time catching up if I introduced new material.  I allowed the other students to go while I was leading small group reading instruction.  The students were working on workbook pages during this time, so they did not miss much.  I also had to deal with a behavior problem during planning time. During my planning, I saw how the administrators deal with misbehavior.  I thought it was helpful to know what the next step was after my students get sent out of the classroom.  I know who to go to and what to expect now.  I only had a problem with a couple of students today.  We also had a Gotcha party today.  I made sure that I started teaching math as soon as possible because we had to pack up and eat snack early.  I thought that today was a great day to see how teachers have to be flexible.  All of my questions were answered throughout the day.