Weekly Reflections: April 5th

    I wish I could see through the eyes of my students!  I love witnessing how excited and fascinated they are when learning new information.  I am so proud of my students and their growth.  It is encouraging to know I was able to help set them up for success.  I would rate my week as a 4.  The students had a pretty good week as far as behavior, until the end of the week.  I believe the students are ready for a break and are losing focus much faster than they did in January.  The pleasant surprise from this week would be I passed my edTPA tasks!!!! Praise the Lord!!!  The lesson my work experience taught me this week would be to stand by my decisions for students behavior.  If I don't hold onto my word, then the student will think they can do anything they want and get by with it.  I have to stay consistent, even when it breaks my heart as much as theirs.  I will build on this next week by encouraging the good behavior as much as possible!!   I would say my short-term efforts for next week and the remaining of student teaching is to really focus on the blooms taxonomy and asking the higher level questions to students.  This is one of my weaknesses when I am teaching.  I have been able to add more of these questions in my lesson this week, but I would like for them to come more as second nature at some point.  I want to build more off of students responses and help them to dig deeper into their understandings.  This short-term goal aligns to my long-term goal of being successful in my student teaching and as a future teacher.  By including the blooms taxonomy in my teaching.  I will be able to push my students to take their understandings to the next level.  I could of spent less time less time worrying, if I would of checked my email sooner.  I did not experience apprehension this week.  The first step for next week is to gather and prepare the materials needed for the lessons I am teaching next week.  I also need to double confirm the observations I have planned.  I am excited to observe other classrooms and grades, to see how different they are ran.  The data I was able to analyze was the students report cards.  I was able to see which students have improved and where.  I also was able to see which students need extra support and in which areas.  One piece of advice I would give to other student teachers is to keep your eye on the prize.  The light is at the end of the tunnel and it is getting closer!!!  
NC Teacher Candidate Standards 
 Standard 1a- Teachers lead in their classrooms.  I was able to be a leader in the classroom by leading the students through their day, no matter what came up or erupted.
Standard 2a- Teachers treat students as individuals.  I was able to treat students as individuals by building on the relationships with each student.  I created a stronger relationship with one of the students by discussing how the outcome of their day is their choice.  If they want to have a good day, they need to make the choice and choose to make the right choices during the day. 
Standard 3d- Teachers make instruction relevant to students. I was able to make plants and seeds relevant to students by finding plants outside, showing real life examples, talking abut their experiences with plants, etc.  
Standard 4d- Teachers utilize technology in the classroom.  I was able to use the smart board activity games for subtraction.  Interactive smart board activities hold the students interest and therefore increase their understandings.   
Standard 5b- Teachers link professional growth to their professional goals.  I was able to see where my students are and I am able to see how I need to change my goals and teaching to help the students be successful in all subject areas and with all standards.       
I am working on my portfolio stuff.  No support needed at this time.