Weekly Update #8 or NEVER EVER EVER EVER USE GLITTER

Highlight:

This...

It's beautiful.

Something that makes me think differently about teaching:

Subs either need to be respected, or they need to learn to take the heat or get out of the kitchen.

A Practice that I wish to Adopt!!!!

Instead of adopting a practice, I think that there is one that I want to avoid. When discussing behavior of students I think it is better to be assertive in expectations, but not accusing or aggressive to past behavior. I tend to like to sandwich things during critiques. (good-bad-good) And reinforce positive behavior and get more student voice on what they understand about respect and their behavior role in class.

Conflicting situations:

The subsitute situation was ok for her, but my behind the scenes spy actions discovered a lot of inappropriate behavior. A few female students were playing a game that involves daring each other to try and say a certain part of a male's anatomy as loud as they could before getting in trouble. Others were taking advantage that their strict teacher was not present and decided to ignore class rules and use the glitter in the art box. (I was unaware of this rule, but put an end to the glitter use after the first class decided to have a Ke$ha rave) The glitter was everywhere! 

M

 

Weekly Update #7

Highlight:

I had my first supervised lesson this week and according to my supervisor: I WAS AWWWWESOOOME! Our lesson was on Irony and different kinds of irony in the texts that they have read before. 

The students got to work in groups which usually does not happen. They really surprised me =)

Something that makes me think differently about teaching:

The curriculum is always a changing element. I just learned that next year they are having a new focus on grammar instruction that usually is put on the back burner. 

A Practice that I wish to Adopt!!!!

A better attention-getter to bring the students back and focus back up to the front.

Conflicting situations:

There is going to be a sub this Friday who did not have the best experience with my particular class. I am going to be the "behind-the-scenes" observer for my master teacher for behavior. Hopefully it will go well.

M

Educational Pin of the Day: Very Punny

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Direct Instruction Presentation: Can you fill in the chart?

m

Weekly Update 6

Highlight:

This week I was able to sit in on a student teacher conference. The student was struggling with simple tasks like turning in their work and even remembering to bring a pencil to class. With the help of the mother, counselor, and the teachers of the student, they were able to put together an action plan. The plan included consequences (lunch detention) if the student could not complete the action plan. This was a really interesting experience and something that I was glad to witness and possibly be using in the future.

Something that makes me think differently about teaching:

Teachers love gossip. Especially English teachers.

A Practice that I wish to Adopt!!!!

My teacher has a role that the students earn for good work. He calls it "royalty." Each week a student is recognized for their in class achievement and receive special privileges.

Conflicting situations:

I am having a hard time getting my students to turn in their release of information forms. There are a select few who seem to always need a new copy.

m