Inside/Outside

So much time is spent in second grade working on classroom management issues. My mentor teacher told me before the year started what 2nd grade was all about was teaching kids responsibility. I have tried to keep this in mind in everything we do. The way we set up the classroom, to the way we deliver instructions to how we structure their learning, its all invested with a tremendous amount of teaching encouraging them to have self reliance and to be responsible for themselves.

COMMUNITY

To this end I have been asking myself question about the areas of their education in which I am currently intrinsically involved in, such as lining up, recess and monitoring independent work time. As each day passes I am asking myself what is the appropriate ways to keep the students in line while we are walking to and from the classroom? Is there such a thing as being too strict? If you become known as the strict teacher, can it hurt your relationship with the student enough to prevent your ability to reach them? Or if being strict without a framework of trust and honesty lead to a stronger connection.

OBSERVATION

As I observe my mentor teacher, I am wonder when giving instruction in math or grammar, how do you make sure to reach all learners? In what way does the schedule of the day and the order of subjects we are studying affect the students' behavior and their interaction with time and space?

MYSELF

For myself I am trying to figure out how to have time to stand back and observe when I am so involved with administrative duties? How do I assess exactly what is the best way to assist the students that are struggling for various reasons? At what point am I missing out on learning teaching because I am occupied with grading and filing?

VIRGIN WATERS

On Friday I got the first opportunity to "teach" the class. My mentor teacher had to go out of town and she provided for a lesson plan and a detailed timeline for me to go by on Friday. Thankfully the school asked the 3rd grade general studies teacher to be with me in the classroom. At first I wasn't sure how this would work out; would I go back to the role I have with my Mentor, or would this be an opportunity to try to facilitate learning on my own and was I even ready for that. When the 3rd grade teacher came in, she was amazing. She took on a lot of the administrative tasks and told me to go ahead and teach. As the day way on, she would whisper me ideas for how to better get all of their attention, or better routines for transitioning from subject to subject. It was really great having her there because for one she gave me ideas I had not heard of from the readings, the DeLeT teachers or even my mentor, and they really worked. I also appreciated having someone observe who isn't necessarily invested in my growth on a direct level. I am very excited about taking the opportunity to observe her in her classroom and see how she manages her class, institutes routines and guides her students through their learning. By the end of the day, I felt very positive about the experience. I did notice how different it interacting with the kids from the frontal center positioning, than from the side and roving around them.

ONE FINAL NOTE

This is such a tiring job. If the work wasn't so rewarding, inspiring and enjoyable, I don't know what I would do. You just always on your fault, always keeping all your senses alert and always, always thinking about what you are doing and self-reflecting on what you have done. It is truly amazing. Like being on a film set with the clock winding down and you are losing sun and you have ten shots left. WOW, what a rush. I got to go sleep now. Or write my inquiry.