Almost a Normal Week...

As if there is such a thing, we finally were back on as close to a normal schedule since we've been back from Christmas break. We still had two work days on Monday and Tuesday this week so students did not return until Wednesday and then had to take their benchmarks on Thursday. Students definitely had difficulties coming back and adjusting to the schedule. Talk about a chaotic week. Overall it was still a good week and I would rate it as a 4 just because I was not as proactive as I would have liked to be.

This week I planned for my first full week of lessons, as I will begin full time next week. Also, this week for math due to the chaotic schedule, I learned a lot about adjusting lessons on the fly to adjust to a testing schedule and the needs of the students. This week I also learned about setting expectations before a lesson. For 2 of my 3 lessons this week students were working with pattern blocks to help them understand fractions. I quickly realized pattern blocks are an awesome visual and HUGE distraction.

My goals for the coming week are to continue and finish my Task 1, and also survive my first full week of teaching. This week I could have spent more time with task 1.

This week I exhibited 1A, teachers lead in their classroom. I did this by using pre-test information and reading levels to inform my plans for the coming week.

I exhibited 2A, teachers provide an environment in which each child has a positive, nurturing relationship with caring adults. I did this by helping my CE create a new seating chart for the classroom. Prior to this experience I always understood this was an important part of a classroom, however I now appreciate that structure so much more and see the value in it.

I exhibited 3A, teachers align their instruction to NCSCOS. As I planned for the coming week I aligned my plans to the NCSCOS.

I exhibited 4B, teachers plan instruction appropriate for their students. I did this by discussing with the other 4th grade teacher how the lesson she taught the previous day went as I would be teaching a similar lesson that day. Based on her feedback I was able to tweak my lesson to avoid misconceptions and better meet my student's needs.

 I exhibited 5A, teachers analyze student learning. I did this by adjusting my plans daily based on the progress of the students.

Overall I am very excited and nervous for next week! Today we had a student move away and reading her sweet goodbye note telling us how much she would miss us reminded me of why we do this and was the perfect to end my week.