Week 10

3/12-3/16

Classroom Confidential

I do teach social studies and loved the idea that chapter 8 gave about using images to get the class talking. We have many images in our social studies textbook and try to talk about them as much as possible because the kids are always interested in them. The pictures help them visualize what they are reading about. However, the possible questions that the chapter offered will be really useful in our next conversation about a painting or photo. Some of the questions I really liked were what does the mood of the group seem to be? What's the message? and what do you think the photographer was trying to tell us? I think these questions would really engage students in the image and the topic we are discussing to make the text more meaning. 

I specifically liked the idea of using masks to incorporate the arts. My class is a artistic class and enjoys creating things. I can see them loving this activity. It could be beneficial in that making masks could be used in social studies to talk about different cultures and talk about different perspectives. It is also nice because there different types of mask you could make with many different materials so it allows the kids room for creativity. 

What Happened

This week was great. I'm starting to realize that the weeks are slowly but surely dwindling and I am really going to miss my fifth graders. Due to my Year-Long placement I've really gotten to know the students well and build strong relationships with them, which will make it much harder to part ways. This week also had some stress in that there isn't much time before spring break and then PARCC following break. 

The class worked with StoryWorks earlier in the year, but I started using it again this week. The format of the activities and areas of focus are similar to that of PARCC, which made it a beneficial addition to the Literacy block. Our focus this week was on the story "Invasion of the Jellyfish". The class was extremely interested in the topic and had a variety of questions. It was truly amazing to see the difference in their engagement when the text is on something that interests them. That is what I really enjoy about StoryWorks is that it allows you to look at the different genres and topics to pick a story that best fits the needs and interests of your class. This demonstrates IPTS 4, which states, "The teacher understands instructional planning and designs instruction based upon knowledge of the discipline, students, the community, and curriculum goals."

In preparation for PARCC the reading specialist has been coming in the past couple weeks once a week to practice with the students. I was not aware of how intense PARCC is. This week they actually were doing a practice test of the Literacy section. The section had the students reading two different articles and a video on penguins and then comparing and contrasting the three in an essay. The test is extremely heavy and at a level that is above what most of the class is at. During the hour of practice, I could see how draining it was for the students and how confused they were. It is challenging because I feel like they are learning so much throughout the year and improving tremendously. However, these high stakes test are not of valid assessment of all they have learned.

I have a student that came a little before Christmas this year from Michigan. He has struggled to make friends and adjust to his new school. He seems to be unaware of some social norms and his peers often feel as though he is bragging or showing off. He also has difficulty following directions in class when first told. My cooperating teacher and I have been able to tell that the rest of the class has been noticing his behavior and the student has been feeling attacked by the rest of the class. This week in particular he was struggling with a student who apparently was making fun of him repeatedly by making a song to mock him, telling him no one cares about what he is saying, and other inappropriate behavior. 

My teacher was e-mailed by the student from Michigan's mom. I was not at school this day because of an interview, but was filled in by my teacher. My cooperating teacher was unsure of what next steps to take since she recognizes that both students have areas in which they are in the wrong. She went to the principal and assistant principal for advice on what to do. We are going to talk to both students and see how we can move forward together to all improve the situation. I found this entire situation to be really interesting because it opened my eyes to all that happens when the students aren't with us (in specials, recess, and lunch). Some students I would have never expected this behavior from have a different side to them that I don't always see. That is why communication with the various staff is so important to see what they are noticing as well. This way we can best serve the students and address necessary issues. 

What I learned

This week I learned how important it is in Literacy to connect to your students' interests. My school has Journey's but it is very rote and the students are not interested in the stories. We have talked about how important student choice is in many classes and I truly understand what that means now. The attitudes of the students and their engagement drastically increases. 

I also learned that academics is a key part of the classroom, but having social expectations has equal importance, if not more. It also helped me to see that even after years and years of experience, new situations that are unpredictable will come up. It is importance to use the staff community and support available to you to figure out how to best address the situation.

Standardized testing has changed quite a bit from when I was a elementary student. I have a new appreciation for the students and the teachers. There is a lot of pressure given to these tests, especially in public schools and it is very challenging material. I have often heard teachers complain about the standardized test, but now I can truly understand where they are coming from. It also taught me to not put too much pressure on my students, but to instead teach them to be confident in themselves and do their best. 

Goals

My goal from last week was to use StoryWorks during the Literacy block to help students work on different skills. This week we worked with a paired text called "Invasion of the Jellyfish". Students recorded themselves reading each night to practice their fluency. In class we had discussion on the topic and talked about the problem and solution addressed in the texts. Students also reviewed and practiced the skill of making inferences and used vocabulary to write a short answer. My goal for next weeks to create math centers for the week that review various skills to support the class since they struggle to keep skills after being assessed on them.