Observations:
This week I've observed how awesome of a staff OPES has. On Friday mornings there is a morning meeting held in the center of the school that everyone goes to. The principal basically runs the announcements here and gives out special awards. The principal and vice principal are on the kids' level the whole time and make this time so fun. They put on relatable music and dance along with the kids and know every student's name that they come in contact with. The principal had to walk in my classroom on Friday and she knew all the students' names and things about them. I think the personal relationships that she develops with her kids makes the biggest difference.
Learning Experiences:
I learned how to discipline my classroom this week. I've never had a problem with correcting a student's behavior but I've never been in the position of teaching to the entire class and needing to get all of them to pay attention again. During my calender on Wednesday I noticed that they were especially chatty and gave out barrel bucks to those who were doing what they were supposed to. The rest of the lesson I was in control and had a perfect class--they desperately want barrel bucks.
Reflections:
Wednesday was my lesson that was observed, and I was a little nervous about it! My class was especially hyper that day (as mentioned above) and it takes a lot of patience to get six kindergartners to read along in a book with no words. It went well and my kids made me proud! I think I have the smartest group of kindergartners, I'm serious.
Stories to Share:
For Earth Day, one of the boys in my class had his mom come speak to all of the kindergarten classes about preserving energy and cleaning up the Earth. It was a fun demonstration and then he got to tell our class about how he planted an apple seed hoping that it will turn into an apple tree. He was so proud and I thought it was adorable.
Monday, April 29, 2013
Sunday, April 21, 2013
4/21 Blog
Observations:
This week I observed how important routines are at this age. I have gotten in my routine and know my job in the classroom but the kids have their specific way of doing everything and when to do it. This routine helps keep the classroom in order and takes care of a lot of behavorial issues. There is not much time for the students to talk or get in trouble with the schedule that they have. At this age, they are so stuck in their ways and change is hard for them to adapt to.
Learning Observations:
We have really been focusing on the beginning, middle, and end of stories during literacy stations. The reading level is to the point that most kids can read all of the words in their books, but are focusing so much on getting the words right that they miss what is actually happening in the book. In some literacy stations the students are reading by themselves or are practicing writing sentences with Mrs. Martin. In my literacy station we are trying to grasp what is happening in the stories so we are reading books without words so the kids have to rely on the illustrations.
Reflections:
I have been doing the calender (morning activities) for awhile now, but it is still tough getting the kindergartners to understand that Mrs. Hartline and I are different people and are going to teach differently. Since they are so young, they like their routines and it is taking some getting use to for them to see me teach the exact thing Mrs. Hartline has always taught but in a different way. I enjoy doing the calender and working with the class as a whole. I get a feel for having to keep the attention of all 16 students just like Mrs. Hartline has to do all the time.
Stories to Share:
All of my kids are so cute and it makes me happy everyday when they run to hug me when I leave! I love hearing their stories that they call me over to tell me during snack time or when they are walking from one table to another. I wish I saw more of them outside of school!
This week I observed how important routines are at this age. I have gotten in my routine and know my job in the classroom but the kids have their specific way of doing everything and when to do it. This routine helps keep the classroom in order and takes care of a lot of behavorial issues. There is not much time for the students to talk or get in trouble with the schedule that they have. At this age, they are so stuck in their ways and change is hard for them to adapt to.
Learning Observations:
We have really been focusing on the beginning, middle, and end of stories during literacy stations. The reading level is to the point that most kids can read all of the words in their books, but are focusing so much on getting the words right that they miss what is actually happening in the book. In some literacy stations the students are reading by themselves or are practicing writing sentences with Mrs. Martin. In my literacy station we are trying to grasp what is happening in the stories so we are reading books without words so the kids have to rely on the illustrations.
Reflections:
I have been doing the calender (morning activities) for awhile now, but it is still tough getting the kindergartners to understand that Mrs. Hartline and I are different people and are going to teach differently. Since they are so young, they like their routines and it is taking some getting use to for them to see me teach the exact thing Mrs. Hartline has always taught but in a different way. I enjoy doing the calender and working with the class as a whole. I get a feel for having to keep the attention of all 16 students just like Mrs. Hartline has to do all the time.
Stories to Share:
All of my kids are so cute and it makes me happy everyday when they run to hug me when I leave! I love hearing their stories that they call me over to tell me during snack time or when they are walking from one table to another. I wish I saw more of them outside of school!
Monday, April 15, 2013
4/14 Blog
Observations:
This week I observed how crazy excited my students were to be back from Spring Break and see all of their friends again! I now realize how much harder it is for teachers to come back to school after break compared to students. The students just had to get used to their schedule again and using their inside voices...Mrs. Hartline on the other hand had to prepare a lesson for the day and settle down 16 kindergartners.
Learning Experiences:
The class continued on with the literacy centers that were started before break. Vowels are still being worked with but another focus is actually understanding stories--not just reading the words. These concepts are really hard to grasp, especially since they are still learning words and how to read, so putting everything together is a lot for 5 year olds! To make it a little easier, we are working with books that have only illustrations so that they really have to focus on what is happening during the story.
Reflections:
I have now taken over the calender, which is the majority of the morning activities before instructional period! Between that and the hands on time during literacy stations, I'm teaching the whole time I'm in the classroom. I feel lucky to have gotten the classroom and teachers that I did! Everyone is so paitent with me and I have learned so much since I've been there.
Stories to Share:
Monday was our first day back, which was also the kids first day back! A lot of my kids remembered I went to Italy and asked how it was!! It made my day. I like going on M, W, F weeks because the class shares on Mondays and Fridays and because OPES has morning meetings on Fridays!
This week I observed how crazy excited my students were to be back from Spring Break and see all of their friends again! I now realize how much harder it is for teachers to come back to school after break compared to students. The students just had to get used to their schedule again and using their inside voices...Mrs. Hartline on the other hand had to prepare a lesson for the day and settle down 16 kindergartners.
Learning Experiences:
The class continued on with the literacy centers that were started before break. Vowels are still being worked with but another focus is actually understanding stories--not just reading the words. These concepts are really hard to grasp, especially since they are still learning words and how to read, so putting everything together is a lot for 5 year olds! To make it a little easier, we are working with books that have only illustrations so that they really have to focus on what is happening during the story.
Reflections:
I have now taken over the calender, which is the majority of the morning activities before instructional period! Between that and the hands on time during literacy stations, I'm teaching the whole time I'm in the classroom. I feel lucky to have gotten the classroom and teachers that I did! Everyone is so paitent with me and I have learned so much since I've been there.
Stories to Share:
Monday was our first day back, which was also the kids first day back! A lot of my kids remembered I went to Italy and asked how it was!! It made my day. I like going on M, W, F weeks because the class shares on Mondays and Fridays and because OPES has morning meetings on Fridays!
Sunday, April 7, 2013
4/7 Blog
Observations:
I was only in the classroom for one day this week because I left to go to Italy! I observed that kindergarteners are just as excited about spring break as seniors are, but the reaction is much different. My students were very hyper and talkative this week. Mrs. Hartline dealt with this by separating them for group work, but the groups were very strategic. I've also noticed how much some of the students have been growing in their vocabulary by playing educational games!
Learning Experiences:
We have switched gears into Literacy Stations so the focus is mainly on reading, expanding vocabulary, and noticing patterns. The students have been working on vowels a lot and incorporating them in their writing. In Literacy Stations, there are many small groups and Mrs. Hartline, Mrs. Martin, and myself all are in charge of our own and then some are responsible for themselves. I've definitely been learning the benefit of having multiple teachers in a classroom, especially of this age.
Reflections:
I've been given more responsibility in the classroom and I really like it. The students have started to see me as another teacher rather than just their friend which is a nice change. Working with the kids can be challenging just in the way that you word things and trying to get across what you are thinking but on their level. I love being in a kindergarten class because of their age and also the challenges!
Stories to Share:
Whenever it is time to share all of the kids fight to sit by me and many times they run to give me a hug when I walk in the door! I think they really like me and I look forward to going everyday. Birthdays are my favorite because they get to decorate their own crown to wear for the day and everyone eats their favorite snack. When it is one person's birthday, they all feel the need to tell me how long it is until their next birthday haha I miss being that excited about my mine!
I was only in the classroom for one day this week because I left to go to Italy! I observed that kindergarteners are just as excited about spring break as seniors are, but the reaction is much different. My students were very hyper and talkative this week. Mrs. Hartline dealt with this by separating them for group work, but the groups were very strategic. I've also noticed how much some of the students have been growing in their vocabulary by playing educational games!
Learning Experiences:
We have switched gears into Literacy Stations so the focus is mainly on reading, expanding vocabulary, and noticing patterns. The students have been working on vowels a lot and incorporating them in their writing. In Literacy Stations, there are many small groups and Mrs. Hartline, Mrs. Martin, and myself all are in charge of our own and then some are responsible for themselves. I've definitely been learning the benefit of having multiple teachers in a classroom, especially of this age.
Reflections:
I've been given more responsibility in the classroom and I really like it. The students have started to see me as another teacher rather than just their friend which is a nice change. Working with the kids can be challenging just in the way that you word things and trying to get across what you are thinking but on their level. I love being in a kindergarten class because of their age and also the challenges!
Stories to Share:
Whenever it is time to share all of the kids fight to sit by me and many times they run to give me a hug when I walk in the door! I think they really like me and I look forward to going everyday. Birthdays are my favorite because they get to decorate their own crown to wear for the day and everyone eats their favorite snack. When it is one person's birthday, they all feel the need to tell me how long it is until their next birthday haha I miss being that excited about my mine!
Monday, March 25, 2013
3/24 Blog
Observations:
I observed the behavior of the students this week. On Friday, I had two subs in the classroom which was very different for my kindergartners. It is rare for both teachers to be gone like that, but I also noticed how well Mrs. Hartline and Mrs. Martin had taught them to behave in general. Since the kids weren't used to acting up in the classroom, they were actually really good! Everyone was a little more talkative than usual, but that was because they were eager to get back into their schedule and were telling the subs how things were done in our classroom. I was very proud of everyone for being so well behaved when their teachers were gone.
Learning Experiences:
We have been doing a lot of rhyming and spelling exercises with the students. The two have been practiced a lot through read alouds, charts, worksheets, and games. On Friday we switched gears into science with the subs. Each student had a "wind machine"--straw with streamer attached--and we all went outside to see which way the wind was blowing. Being in kindergarten, I've learned that a little creativity can go a long way!
Reflections:
I've absolutely loved seeing the kids grow like they have, even in the short amount of time I have been here. In the beginning some of the kids didn't know which number to pick next for the calender and now they can count backwards, by tens, and to 100! I love seeing their confidence build too. On Friday, two kids learned how to tie their shoes and were offering to tie everyone elses. They were so proud of themselves and I was so happy for them.
Stories to Share:
Friday was probably my best day in the classroom to date. The kids felt frantic because their schedule was off and both subs seemed much more concerned with talking to each other than the kids' worries, so I took it upon myself to take over--in a way. I put the kids at ease and would do things that the sub would leave out. Snack time is the last thing that happens before I leave and by that point, I just did the whole thing by myself. The subs did not seem to notice, and the kids were a lot happier that I did it. When I left all the kids ran up to me and gave me a hug, I felt needed and it was so sweet. Also, on Saturday I saw one of my students!! I was leaving the Taylor Swift concert when I saw one of my little girls looking up at me saying "hi Miss Kendall". It made me very happy!
I observed the behavior of the students this week. On Friday, I had two subs in the classroom which was very different for my kindergartners. It is rare for both teachers to be gone like that, but I also noticed how well Mrs. Hartline and Mrs. Martin had taught them to behave in general. Since the kids weren't used to acting up in the classroom, they were actually really good! Everyone was a little more talkative than usual, but that was because they were eager to get back into their schedule and were telling the subs how things were done in our classroom. I was very proud of everyone for being so well behaved when their teachers were gone.
Learning Experiences:
We have been doing a lot of rhyming and spelling exercises with the students. The two have been practiced a lot through read alouds, charts, worksheets, and games. On Friday we switched gears into science with the subs. Each student had a "wind machine"--straw with streamer attached--and we all went outside to see which way the wind was blowing. Being in kindergarten, I've learned that a little creativity can go a long way!
Reflections:
I've absolutely loved seeing the kids grow like they have, even in the short amount of time I have been here. In the beginning some of the kids didn't know which number to pick next for the calender and now they can count backwards, by tens, and to 100! I love seeing their confidence build too. On Friday, two kids learned how to tie their shoes and were offering to tie everyone elses. They were so proud of themselves and I was so happy for them.
Stories to Share:
Friday was probably my best day in the classroom to date. The kids felt frantic because their schedule was off and both subs seemed much more concerned with talking to each other than the kids' worries, so I took it upon myself to take over--in a way. I put the kids at ease and would do things that the sub would leave out. Snack time is the last thing that happens before I leave and by that point, I just did the whole thing by myself. The subs did not seem to notice, and the kids were a lot happier that I did it. When I left all the kids ran up to me and gave me a hug, I felt needed and it was so sweet. Also, on Saturday I saw one of my students!! I was leaving the Taylor Swift concert when I saw one of my little girls looking up at me saying "hi Miss Kendall". It made me very happy!
Sunday, March 17, 2013
3/17 Blog
Observations:
This week I observed how involved parents are at this age and how that factors into the classroom. One child has obviously had some previous issues and there has been some parent-teacher communication about it. Now Mrs. Hartline and Mrs. Martin have to keep a list of examples to report back to the parent of how this child acts up. It is a lot more strenuous on the classroom because first of all, I'm sure this is not the only parent who requests something of this nature and second, class has to stop to report bad behavior. This is something that definitely isn't seen in middle/high school and something that is hard to deal with.
Learning Experiences:
The kids have been learning about caterpillars and butterflies this week. During their morning exercises on the board and read aloud, I have continued to work one-on-one with them in the hall on counting. I then transition with them into activities like worksheets and their caterpillar books. I've been impressed with both the teachers and students on how much can be done/incorporated on the kindergarten level. On Thursday everyone got to observe some caterpillars they currently have in the classroom and then write a sentence about what they saw. I've learned that the more responsibility you give the kids, the more responsibility they show!
Reflections:
Everyday I look forward to going to see my class; I wish I could stay with them longer! I am honestly surprised how much I love working with them and teaching them, I love what I am doing just as much as I love the kids. Recently I have been able to connect with the students that are a little more shy and I feel like the kids are really starting to warm up to me. I'm having a hard time not just giving them the answer, but making them sound out the words and get there on their own.
Stories to Share:
Walking into class everyday, all the kids say "hi Miss Kendall" and many of them either wave me over to their table or come over to me to show me what they are working on. They are working on their caterpillar books and they really enjoy reading me sentences out of their books or showing me how well they are doing drawing their letters. On Thursday I was talking to two girls and a boy who all sit at a table together and they were telling me what their stories were about. One of the girls was explaining that the boy said he would write his story about whichever girl was the most quiet that day, but that the other girl won because she "wasn't playing that game". I thought it was hilarious and so cute.
This week I observed how involved parents are at this age and how that factors into the classroom. One child has obviously had some previous issues and there has been some parent-teacher communication about it. Now Mrs. Hartline and Mrs. Martin have to keep a list of examples to report back to the parent of how this child acts up. It is a lot more strenuous on the classroom because first of all, I'm sure this is not the only parent who requests something of this nature and second, class has to stop to report bad behavior. This is something that definitely isn't seen in middle/high school and something that is hard to deal with.
Learning Experiences:
The kids have been learning about caterpillars and butterflies this week. During their morning exercises on the board and read aloud, I have continued to work one-on-one with them in the hall on counting. I then transition with them into activities like worksheets and their caterpillar books. I've been impressed with both the teachers and students on how much can be done/incorporated on the kindergarten level. On Thursday everyone got to observe some caterpillars they currently have in the classroom and then write a sentence about what they saw. I've learned that the more responsibility you give the kids, the more responsibility they show!
Reflections:
Everyday I look forward to going to see my class; I wish I could stay with them longer! I am honestly surprised how much I love working with them and teaching them, I love what I am doing just as much as I love the kids. Recently I have been able to connect with the students that are a little more shy and I feel like the kids are really starting to warm up to me. I'm having a hard time not just giving them the answer, but making them sound out the words and get there on their own.
Stories to Share:
Walking into class everyday, all the kids say "hi Miss Kendall" and many of them either wave me over to their table or come over to me to show me what they are working on. They are working on their caterpillar books and they really enjoy reading me sentences out of their books or showing me how well they are doing drawing their letters. On Thursday I was talking to two girls and a boy who all sit at a table together and they were telling me what their stories were about. One of the girls was explaining that the boy said he would write his story about whichever girl was the most quiet that day, but that the other girl won because she "wasn't playing that game". I thought it was hilarious and so cute.
Sunday, March 10, 2013
3/10 Blog
Observations:
This week I realized how many incentives there are to work hard in elementary school, and it really works for them. At Oak Point the students have the opportunity to earn "barrel bucks" for being quiet in the library or working hard in class, and in return can use them for a variety of things. Soon they are bringing in a DJ for the kids to dance and eat lunch outside in exchange for 25 barrel bucks. Whenever Mrs. Hartline tells the class that whoever is the most quiet during read-aloud or cleans up the fastest gets a barrel buck, everyone seems to try much harder.
Learning Experiences:
My biggest learning experience this week has been the amount of work it is to be a kindergarten teacher. I have always wondered why there was two teachers in a kindergarten classroom, now I know why. I got to have a taste of Mrs. Hartline's and Mrs. Martin's jobs this week and they both are very necessary to making the class run smoothly. It has taken pretty much all week of preparation, with some of my help, to get a lesson for next week ready that Mrs. Martin has been working on. Meanwhile Mrs. Hartline keeps everyone on task and learning.
Reflections:
My first few days I started off by working one-on-one with each student in the hall which I really enjoyed because I got to know each of them. The first time they were each so shy then the next day they all had something they couldn't wait to share with me. I loved getting to work with them individually first because now that I'm done with their assessments and working in the classroom, we all are comfortable with each other and I know all of their names!
Stories to Share:
On Fridays at Oak Point, they have a school-wide morning meeting and it may be the coolest thing I have ever seen. I walked in and literally the entire school was sitting in the middle and singing a song. They basically do their morning announcements and present little awards on Fridays but when the school first opened they did this everyday because they didn't have a PA system! It was a really cool way to bring the school together and the kids loved it. I could also tell how much the principal and assistant principal loved their jobs.
This week I realized how many incentives there are to work hard in elementary school, and it really works for them. At Oak Point the students have the opportunity to earn "barrel bucks" for being quiet in the library or working hard in class, and in return can use them for a variety of things. Soon they are bringing in a DJ for the kids to dance and eat lunch outside in exchange for 25 barrel bucks. Whenever Mrs. Hartline tells the class that whoever is the most quiet during read-aloud or cleans up the fastest gets a barrel buck, everyone seems to try much harder.
Learning Experiences:
My biggest learning experience this week has been the amount of work it is to be a kindergarten teacher. I have always wondered why there was two teachers in a kindergarten classroom, now I know why. I got to have a taste of Mrs. Hartline's and Mrs. Martin's jobs this week and they both are very necessary to making the class run smoothly. It has taken pretty much all week of preparation, with some of my help, to get a lesson for next week ready that Mrs. Martin has been working on. Meanwhile Mrs. Hartline keeps everyone on task and learning.
Reflections:
My first few days I started off by working one-on-one with each student in the hall which I really enjoyed because I got to know each of them. The first time they were each so shy then the next day they all had something they couldn't wait to share with me. I loved getting to work with them individually first because now that I'm done with their assessments and working in the classroom, we all are comfortable with each other and I know all of their names!
Stories to Share:
On Fridays at Oak Point, they have a school-wide morning meeting and it may be the coolest thing I have ever seen. I walked in and literally the entire school was sitting in the middle and singing a song. They basically do their morning announcements and present little awards on Fridays but when the school first opened they did this everyday because they didn't have a PA system! It was a really cool way to bring the school together and the kids loved it. I could also tell how much the principal and assistant principal loved their jobs.
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