Weekly Reflection - February 24th-28th

Week of Reflection: (list the date of the Friday for week just completed)

Weekly Reflection- Week of February 24th-28th

  

• Rate your overall experience of the week: 1-Very difficult | 5 – Great week

I would rate this week a 3. It has been so stressful. My class attended swim lessons Monday-Friday, which took away about two hours of instructional time. Additionally, we had a parent event on Friday and lots of preparation throughout the week to get everything ready. Overall, the week was stressful on top of getting everything done for EdTPA.

• • Observe: What pleasant surprises / accomplishments did I achieve this week?

This week, I was proud of myself for working so hard to get everything finished at school, as well as staying grounded after school to complete as much work as I could. I utilized all of my instructional time at school, as well as worked about 5-6 hours after school to write lesson plans and EdTPA.

• • Reflect: What lessons did my work/experiences teach me that I will build upon next week?

This week I started writing lesson plans on Saturday night, and I was able to get almost all of them done by Tuesday night. This helped me clear my mind a lot, and focus on EdTPA for the remainder of the week.

• • Focus:  How are my short-term efforts and my long-term goals still aligned?

My goals are still aligned to pass EdTPA, and finish lesson plans in a timely manner. This week I have worked on EdTPA more than anything, making sure that I have everything ready to submit by next week.

• • Be Productive: What could I have spent more or less time doing?

I feel like I managed my time very well this week. I knew that EdTPA was the main priority, and I decided to put as much time as I could into completing all of the tasks.

• • Have Courage:  How did apprehension and indecision impact what I did and didn’t do?

With so much going on at school and BSE and GWU this week, I had a lot of apprehension that not everything would get finished. With the time allowed, I was able to successfully catch up on the work that was missed because of school the Friday before, as well as teach everything that needed to be done this week.

• • Begin Anew: What is the first logical step(s) for next week? What mental clutter can I clear?

The logical steps for next week is to begin finalizing everything for EdTPA. I need to make sure that my documents are properly labeled, and everything is finalized for submission. The mental clutter I can clear is getting past the stress of a mini field-trip every day this week, as well as the parent event that was finished on Friday afternoon.

• What were some data you analyzed this week and how did it help inform your instructional decisions?

This week, I looked at the progress reports that each student was sent home with. I looked at the grades to see what students need supports or additional help for the rest of the nine weeks in order for them to pull their grades up.

• What is one piece of advice you can share with other student teachers?

One piece of advice I would share is to make a to-do list of everything that needs to be submitted for EdTPA. As you read through commentaries and documents, check off what you have, and what you still need to complete in order to have everything ready to submit.

• NC Teacher Candidate Standards (be sure to reference activities from your lesson plans to solidify your answer)
• • Standard 1 - Teachers lead in their classrooms - This week, I was able to lead in my classroom by making sure that all academic work was completed, due to the time restraints of swimming lessons every day this week. I upheld high expectations for my students to complete their work and not be distracted by the activities planned for the week.
  • Standard 2 - Teacher provide a nurturing environment - This week was so exciting for my students. I felt as if I was able to build stronger relationships with my students as we were outside of the classroom every day. This definitely made our schedule flexible, not knowing exactly what time we would be returning each day.
  • Standard 3 - Teachers align their content with the North Carolina Standard Course of Study - This week, I was able to continue to integrate the Social Studies Standards into ELA during our American Heroes projects and parent event.
  • Standard 4- Use a variety of instructional methods - This week, I was able to implement a lot of technology and activities into lessons. Students were watching videos, using manipulatives, and interacting with peers to learn new information.
  • Standard 5 - Teachers function in a complex environment - This week, I tried to integrate fun and new things into my lesson plans. For my WIN groups, I engaged my students in working on a "place value breakfast" to build numbers. This new lesson presentation engaged my students, and they became so excited to learn about place value! 
• Other:
• • What components of your portfolio have you started to complete?

This week, I was able to work on my parent communication log, as well as update my PD log for some previous meetings that I have attended throughout the school year.

• • What support does your clinical educator need from your university supervisor?

My clinical educator does not need any support from my university supervisor at this time.

• • What support do you need from your university supervisor?

I do not need any specific support from my university supervisor at this time.

Weekly Reflection - February 17th-21st

Week of February 17th-21st

• Rate your overall experience of the week: 1-Very difficult | 5 – Great week

I would give this week a 5. I was very productive on the teacher workday we had on Monday, and Tuesday-Thursday went smooth. Every week is stressful, but I feel that each week I manage my responsibilities a lot better! The optional workday on Friday threw off my schedule, since students were supposed to have assessments on this day.

• • Observe: What pleasant surprises / accomplishments did I achieve this week?
• This week, I was surprised at how fast I finished my weekly lesson plans. I spent my entire teacher workday writing lessons, and Tuesday during planning and after school. This gave me extra time to work on EdTPA, and I got a god bit done.
• Reflect: What lessons did my work/experiences teach me that I will build upon next week?
• This week, my students were required to practice their skits for the parent event we are having for next week. This is something that required a lot of time, so if my students had any down time I pulled them aside to practice in order to film for the event next week. Since next week is the event, I am planning to set aside a block of time between lunch and specials to practice so everything will be ready by next Friday.
• Focus:  How are my short-term efforts and my long-term goals still aligned?
• My short term efforts and long-term goals are still aligned. I am working hard to complete my EdTPA, working on lesson plans each week, and gathering information needed to complete my final portfolio for the end of student teaching. Each week, I make a list of at least one thing to complete in order to finish these things by the deadline.
• Be Productive: What could I have spent more or less time doing?
• Since next week is a crazy week at school, (parent event and swim lessons every day), I did not have to plan for as many instructional lessons. With this, I finished all of my lesson plans by Wednesday afternoon. This gave me a lot of time to work on EdTPA! I got to spend 4 days working on this, and it was wonderful feeling productive. I think I spent a balanced amount of time working on all of my assignments.
• Have Courage:  How did apprehension and indecision impact what I did and didn’t do?

This week, I did not have any specific things that I felt apprehensive about. Since there are so many things going on this week and next, I had constant communication with my CE about what was going on, and the things that needed to be finished.

• Begin Anew: What is the first logical step(s) for next week? What mental clutter can I clear?
• The first logical step for next week is is to make a HUGE to-do list of everything I need to complete for EdTPA. This will be the last full week I am able to work on it, and everything needs to be done. I can clear the mental clutter of planning for the crazy week next week, and begin writing lesson plans for the next in hopes to free up some days to only work on EdTPA as the submission date becomes closer and closer.

• What were some data you analyzed this week and how did it help inform your instructional decisions?

This week, I looked at the data from my students Accelerated Reader grades in order to send home some reminders about reading at home. I noticed that some of my students were not taking tests, so I sent a simple note home in their folder reminding them of what book level they are, and the times they are allowed to take tests at school.

• What is one piece of advice you can share with other student teachers?

I would advise other students teachers to make a weekly list of every lesson plan that need to be written. I normally write my list on Saturday or Sunday, and then cross off every lesson that I write as I complete it. This has helped me stay organized, and it feels good to cross off getting something done! I normally keep this in my planner or lesson plan binder and carry it with me wherever I go.

• NC Teacher Candidate Standards (be sure to reference activities from your lesson plans to solidify your answer)
• • Standard 1:Teachers lead in their classrooms. - This week, I feel that I led in my classroom very well. There was a lot of work to be done, and I clearly communicated with my students that we needed to work hard and complete everything, since next week will be difficult due to swim lessons and the parent event. In specific, one of my students was out of school last week with the flu. Due to being out, she missed 5 graded assignments from last week. Together, we worked hard and caught up so she would no longer be behind. 

• Standard 2: Teachers embrace diversity in the school community and in the world. - This week, I planned to teach two of my global awareness lessons for the month of February. Since my students love Valentine's Day so much, We talked about Valentine's Day around the world in our WIN group. Students loved it! Additionally, we learned about government in our center rotations. My groups compared the job of the Queen of England to the President of the United States using a venn-diagram. 

• Standard 3:Teachers recognize the interconnectedness of content areas/disciplines. - Since our class does not get a specific time dedicated to Social Studies and Science, we have to integrate them into our ELA time. This week, students focused on Social Studies as we continued to learn about American Heroes, and the government of England. 

• Standard 4: Teachers use a variety of instructional methods. - This week, I used a variety of instructional methods in my teaching. My students used anchor charts and venn-diagrams to prove their knowledge on different American Heroes, videos to help my auditory learners, and hands on manipulatives during our math lesson. 

• Standard 5: Teachers function effectively in a complex, dynamic environment.- Throughout the week, I really dug deep into data I had from each lesson to see what students were understanding or not understanding. After each day, I looked back and planned a short (less than 5 minute) review for the next day to help students study and practice what needed additional work on. I did this especially for math. Since starting a new unit, my students need to make sure they know the foundation skills in order to be successful in the lesson. I planned a review each day to help solidify these skills and fill in gaps. 
• Other:
• • What components of your portfolio have you started to complete?
• This week, I have logged some more technologies in my log, as well as communicated with a few parents. I send home a few "positive parent mails" as well as communicated with the parents of the student I am completing my behavior plan on to keep them updated.
• What support does your clinical educator need from your university supervisor?
• At this time, my clinical educator does not need any additional support from my university supervisor. If she does, I will make sure to communicate to my supervisor.
• What support do you need from your university supervisor?
• At this time, I do not have any specific questions for my university supervisor. If I do, I will send a text or email.

Weekly Reflection - February 10-14th

• Rate your overall experience of the week: 1-Very difficult | 5 – Great week

I would give this week a 4. It was tiring and stressful! I received my first unannounced observation this week, and it went pretty well. It is finally settling down that I have taken over full-time, and my students are getting used to me teaching. Overall, the week was good.

• Observe: What pleasant surprises / accomplishments did I achieve this week?

Although it seems small, I planned, and was able to successfully accomplish a "normal" 5 day week of teaching! Although this was my second week of full-time teaching, we were out last week due to bad weather and EdTPA Boot camp. I was able to teach everything I had planned, and did not have any major issues with executing these lessons! I feel that I am improving on my time-management skills, and building great relationships with my students.

• Reflect: What lessons did my work/experiences teach me that I will build upon next week?

After by observation this week, I realized that I had not been reflecting on my lessons with as
much detail as possible. I was reflecting on things that my students liked/disliked, but not
necessarily the data aspect and meeting the standards of each lesson. Next week,
I will plan to look at the data from assessments that I give to see if students need additional reviewing or are ready to move on. 

• Focus:  How are my short-term efforts and my long-term goals still aligned?

My short-term efforts and long-term efforts are still aligned. Talking about one of my goals, I want to pass EdTPA, and I have been working weekly on finishing this assignment so it will be ready for submission.

• Be Productive: What could I have spent more or less time doing?

As always, I could have spent more time working on EdTPA. It's becoming so overwhelming knowing that deadline is approaching and I do not to have as much done as I would like. I am always trying to make time to work on it, but always find myself working on lesson plans for the next week, trying my best to get them finished in a decent time.

• Have Courage:  How did apprehension and indecision impact what I did and didn’t do?
  This week, I feel as if I am gaining more and more courage in making academic decisions for
• students in my classroom. Over the past two weeks, we have been studying American Heroes, and I
• felt like some of my students needed some review over the two weeks, so when there was additional time
• before another lesson started, we reviewed the HOT Questions from all of the heroes.

• Begin Anew: What is the first logical step(s) for next week? What mental clutter can I clear?

The first logical step for next week is to complete a "to-do" list of things that I can complete on Monday for the teacher workday. I am planning to move my students around and rearrange desks, complete most or all of my lesson plans, and print all of the copies I will need for the week.

I can clear the mental clutter of stressing over the small things as I am getting used to taking over full time. I was worried about time management, behavior problems, etc. but my CE and I communicate to ensure that I am handling the situations appropriately when they arise.

Adapted from: Cernoff, M. (2013, August 7). 7 Questions to End Your Week With. . Retrieved July 21, 2014, from http://www.marcandangel.com/2013/08/08/7-questions-to-end-your-week-with/

• What were some data you analyzed this week and how did it help inform your instructional decisions?

This week, I looked at the most recent iStation scores for the 6 girls I have in my tier 2 reading group. I want to meet their needs as best as possible, so I was able to look at the specific areas of weakness to plan instruction for them in the upcoming weeks.

• What is one piece of advice you can share with other student teachers?

One piece of advice I would share with other teachers is to stay organized! I probably mentioned this before, but it is something that I am still struggling with. Make sure that everything you have printed is labeled, and placed in an area that you will be able to access it when needed. I am finding myself placing papers all over my classroom, and wasting planning time looking for things I have randomly placed for a lesson.

• NC Teacher Candidate Standards (be sure to reference activities from your lesson plans to solidify your answer)
• Standard 1: Teachers demonstrate leadership - Teachers lead in their classrooms. Taking over full time, I really cracked down of behavior issues this week. After my observation, I got the advice to use Class Dojo for individual students, instead of whole class. This has been a wonderful tool that has corrected a lot of behavior!
• Standard 2: Teachers Establish a Respectful Environment for a Diverse Population of Students - Each week, I try to build stronger relationships with each of my students. I feel that this week, I did a better job of this. I sit at lunch with my students every day to learn their interests and relate these things to the work my students are doing. 
• Standard 3: Teachers Know the Content They Teach - This week, we started a new unit in math. I LOVE teaching arrays, groups, and repeated addition. I have linked all of my instruction to the Standard Course of Study, and my students have been engaged using the new Smart Panel in the classroom. 
• Standard 4: Teachers Facilitate Learning for Their Students - Teachers use a variety of instructional methods - This week, my students used iPads, place value manipulatives, and more throughout the weeks of the lesson. 
• Standard 5: Teachers Reflect on Their Practice - Teachers analyze student learning. This week, I have done a lot of reflections on what my students have learned after the end of lessons. At the end of the day, I grade assessments and make notes of what students are understanding or need additional practice on. If needed, modify some things for the next days of lessons to aid those students who may need additional practice in a subject. 

• What components of your portfolio have you started to complete?

This week, I have started my parent communication log, and PDP plan to enter in my portfolio. I have created Google Documents for both of these, and plan to keep them updated throughout the semester.

• What support does your clinical educator need from your university supervisor?

My clinical educator does not need any specific support from my university supervisor at this time.

• What support do you need from your university supervisor?

I do not believe I need anything specific from my university supervisor at this time.

Weekly Reflection - February 3rd-7th

Week of Reflection: February 3rd-7th

  

• Rate your overall experience of the week: 1-Very difficult | 5 – Great week

I would give this week a 4. This has been my first week taking over, and it was very stressful to say the least. I felt like I managed everything well, but the unexpected dismissal on Thursday threw me for a loop and made me feel a little nervous getting everything done.

• • Observe: What pleasant surprises / accomplishments did I achieve this week?
• I survived my first full week of student teaching! It was such a rewarding experience, and I managed to get through each day without feeling like I missed anything or messed up. I was surprised at how smoothly everything went time-management wise. I had a lot of concerns in thinking I would rush through lessons, or take too much time, but everything went fine. I was stressing too much about little things. I also finished all of my lesson plans by Wednesday night, and it relieved a lot of stress!
• Reflect: What lessons did my work/experiences teach me that I will build upon next week?
• I believe that my students have had somewhat of a hard time transitioning into me teaching. I had a lot of talking this week, and it distracted students from learning. I felt like I did not want to be too hard on consequences, but I am going to begin Monday using "The Interrupted Chicken" from the book, and marking eggs as minutes on recess when students are interrupting me during any part of the day. My CE has used this method in the past, and it worked well for her. I am going to take her advice and try this method out!
• Focus:  How are my short-term efforts and my long-term goals still aligned?
• My short term efforts and long term goals are still aligned. I feel as if I have 100 goals, but they are all coming together. I have been working on EdTPA, adding technologies to my log, and writing up on my professional development experiences.
• Be Productive: What could I have spent more or less time doing?
• This week, I could have spent more time working on things such as listing technologies for my portfolio. It always slips my mind to keep them in my document, when I am finding a lot of cool resources I want my kids to use in the future. I felt like I manged my time pretty well this week, and worked Thursday and Friday on EdTPA.
• Have Courage:  How did apprehension and indecision impact what I did and didn’t do?
• This week, I was a little uneasy about what to do during transition times between WIN groups, and lunch/specials (10 minute transition). I worked on reviewing morning work, played Brain Pop videos, and completed work that needed to be done during the day. This was something I worried about during the week, but didn't need to stress over!
• 
  
• Begin Anew: What is the first logical step(s) for next week? What mental clutter can I clear?
• Next week will begin my second full week of teaching. I can clear the mental clutter of stressing about taking over full-time. It really weighed down on me last week by worrying. Now I feel a lot more comfortable in my classroom, and have what I need to be successful. The first logical step for next week is to review my lesson plans to make copies, and have everything in my classroom organized for ready to go. I plan to arrive at my school on Monday at 7:30 to prepare for the week.

• What were some data you analyzed this week and how did it help inform your instructional decisions?

This week, I looked at some data from previous assessments my students have taken to see the most commonly missed questions. I want to plan in the future to work on these kind of questions in my small groups using guided reading passages to improve comprehension skills.

• What is one piece of advice you can share with other student teachers?

One piece of advice I would share with other student teachers is to record lessons, even if you think they are not the greatest. I recorded 3 of my lessons this week, and plan to use some of them in my final portfolio video.

• NC Teacher Candidate Standards (be sure to reference activities from your lesson plans to solidify your answer)
• • Standard 1.
• Teachers lead in their classrooms: This week taking over full time, I felt as if I really managed my classroom in ways I had not before. I had some experiences taking over in the past few weeks, but it felt so different teaching full time. I provided a safe and orderly environment by setting high expectations for my students on Monday and explaining that they would need to listen to all of my directions and rules during all times.
• Standard 2:
• Teachers provide an environment in which each child has a positive, nurturing relationship with caring adults. This week, I really worked hard to make sure my students know they were loved and cared for as I transitioned into teaching full time. They were not used to me calling down students and managing behavior, and I made sure to provide positive praise so my students know that I still loved and cared for them. I took the time to talk with each student during the week to make sure they had a good week and did not have any questions from things we talked about during the week.  
• Standard 3:
• Teachers recognize the interconnections of content areas/disciplines. This week, our class began the Social Studies unit of American Heroes. We have integrated these standards into reading passages and timelines during our ELA time. The students are really engaged and interested in these topics. It has been great to hear them ask questions about the presidents, and become excited to learn more! 
• Standard 4: 
• Teachers use a variety of instructional methods. This week, I used a variety of different instructional methods to reach my students. During WIN time, I used place value manipulative to help students understand building numbers, played BrainPop videos to help students learn about american heroes, and reading passages during ELA time. 
• Standard 5: 
• Teachers link professional growth to their professional goals. On Tuesday, I attended Smart Panel to learn about the new boards we will hopefully be getting at the end of the month. During this training, we talked about the different components of the new boards and different ways we can use them. I am so excited to use these boards once they are here! 
• • What components of your portfolio have you started to complete?
• This week, I have added some more technologies to my portfolio, as well as started my professional development log. I have started Google Docs for both of these assignments.
• What support does your clinical educator need from your university supervisor?
• At the time,my clinical educator does not need any assistance from my university supervisor. If she does, I will contact my university supervisor.
• What support do you need from your university supervisor?
• I would love any resources to help me differentiate for my students. I do not have any IEP or 504 students, and only struggling readers. This has been a weak spot for me in planning lessons.