Two Weeks In...

Wow... stepping into the role of teaching all day everyday has taught me more than I could have imagined for just week 2. Yes, I'm still exhausted but the struggle to plan, is slowly becoming easier because it's easier to see what the students need when you are the one teaching rather than just assisting or observing. I would rate my week overall as 4, because I definitely still have areas to improve upon but overall I felt like we had a successful week.

This week my pleasant surprise came during my math lesson on Wednesday. At first the lesson seemed to be a total misconnection for the students, it just wasn't clicking. However, what seemed like a thousand examples later, the light bulbs turned on, and oh man was that a great feeling. Once they it finally clicked, they had it, even my students that typically struggle with math were understanding. The lesson looked nothing like what I had planned but it was by far my favorite moment of the week. That lesson helped me see that was feels receptive to me is really just giving them time to understand what we are learning.

My goal for this week is to successfully teach/film for my edTPA. We have been preparing for these lessons this week so hopefully this week will go smoothly. Students have been adjusting well to the change of roles in the classroom and that will benefit greatly this week.

This week I exhibited 1A, teachers lead in their classroom. I did this by analyzing student's benchmark scores and areas where they were lacking. I then used the data to help as we reviewed their benchmark this week and equipped them with strategies to answer questions they answered incorrectly.

I exhibited 2A, teachers provide an environment in which each child has a positive, nurturing relationship with caring adults. I did this by understanding what was put into my lesson plan is not always what is most effective for my students.

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 4E, teachers help students develop critical thinking and problem solving skills. I did this by helping students analyze different texts and stories to identify the revolutionary ideas embedded. We also discussed what it meant to be revolutionary and be a revolutionary thinker.

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

Overall this week went very smoothly. I'm excited to begin week 3 with a fresh start and to continue learning and growing.