Wonderful Week Ten

Wow! I cannot believe that as I am writing this blog, I am finishing up my final week of full time student teaching. It has been such a crazy experience that at times seemed never ending but it is finally here. With this being my final full time week, I am happy to say that I can rate it a 5. I missed my students over spring break and we were all happy to be able to see each other and start learning together once again.

This week, my class has kicked off countdown to the EOGs. Since coming back from spring break, my CE and I have really been digging into the data from the whole year to see exactly what our students need. I must say that one pleasant surprise that came this week was looking back at all of my students' scores from the beginning of the year and seeing how much they have already grown. By reviewing all of this data, I am exhibiting standard 5 of the NCPTS. With this information, I have been making my lessons center around making sure my students have learned all of the information they need to feel confident when it comes time for the EOG. By making sure my lessons connect the standard course of study, I have been exhibiting standard 3.

In math this week, I introduced my students to using a calculator to help them find answers. It really surprised me that up until this point, my students hadn't ever really used a calculator so that in itself developed into a mini lesson in the middle of class! But students were very excited to learn that there was a portion of the EOG that they were allowed to use a calculator on and I think that helped to build their confidence. This has been a goal of mine since the very beginning. A large portion of my class struggles with feeling confident in themselves and their ability even though I am confident in them. Throughout the semester I have trying to create a safe, positive environment in the classroom where students can feel confident in themselves, but also not feel discouraged when they are not understanding. I am so happy to see the progress some of my students have made throughout the semester!

On Friday, third graders at WES got an awesome experience! We went on a field trip to Lone Mountain Farm where my students got the opportunity to learn about Native Americans. This was such a fun way for students to take in a social studies lesson and students enjoyed being able to get out of the classroom and they all learned so much about the history of the region we live in as well as a different culture.  I hope to take what all we have learned on this field trip and build upon it in the classroom next week. This field trip was a good change from just sitting inside the classroom and allowed me to use a different method for instruction (standard 4). Of course, being outside of the classroom also came with a lot of responsibility and leadership. I was in charge of a large group of students and it was my job to make sure that the environment was safe and orderly (standard 1).

In terms of portfolio work, I have begun organizing my videos and pictures to begin work on my video presentation since I know this will be very time consuming. I have also started talking with my CE about observations which will be coming up in the very near future. After looking through the rubric for the portfolio on Thursday, I know that it will be a lot of work, but I am also confident in being able to make it the best it can possibly be. Next week, I hope to be able to spend more time completing portions of the portfolio than I was able to spend this week but not being full time is going to give me that opportunity.

Overall, I feel that I have had a good week to end full time teaching on. I am at the point that I no longer apprehension and indecision impact my lessons. I know what to expect and am usually prepared for just about everything! With it being the end of my full time experience, I do not feel that there is any mental clutter to clear for next week. Currently, my CE and I do not need any additional support as we make the transition back in the classroom to her teaching full time. I hope everyone has a wonderful week next week. We are so close guys!! Keep pushing through!