On Your Mark...... Get Set......

This week in 435, is when it is all starting!  During class, we went over Learning Experiences 4 and 5.  These Learning Experiences are going to allow us to gain insight on how our schools and teachers handle behavior.  When I first met my teacher, she told me that this was North Elementary's first year of  being a PBIS school.  She had said that she has always done positive reinforcement in her classroom, but they are just now adopting it for the whole school.  I learned that for Learning Experience number 4, we are supposed to write it like a reporter.  We are not supposed to state our opinions or give our thoughts on this document.  However, Learning Experience number 5, we are supposed to create a classroom management plan for our future classroom.  Learning Experience number 4 is going to serve as a stepping stone for Learning Experience number 5.  I think I am going to get a lot of great ideas from my Clinical Educator on this project!  Classroom management is one of her strengths, and as I shared with her, this area is one that I have the least amount of experience.

I have been in communication with my teacher via text.  I sent her a message letting her know that I had been thinking about her and the students during their first few pays of school.  I have yet to go and introduce myself to the students, but am eager to meet them soon!!  I think my CE and me are going to make a great team!  She said this year wasn't just going to be her classroom, but it was going to be OUR classroom and that made me really excited to begin this wonderful year!!!

For my research portion of my blog this week, I found a blog post from an experienced teacher specifically writing to new teachers.  I loved this post because it was all about establishing routines and that is right up my alley.  I see myself as being very structured and I love following routines, and knowing what to expect.  She gave advise on how to open and close lessons without wasting time, and allowing the students time to jump start their brains, or reflect on their learning experience. My favorite opening activity from the post actually came from a comment that someone had left.  The teacher said she begins each class with upbeat music and has her class to clap and chant.  She says this allows them to collaborate and come together, and have her class in all in sync, ready to start the day.  My favorite closing activity was the scale rating feedback from the students.  I think it is very important for the teacher to know how their students felt and what they thought about the curriculum and how the lesson went. Feedback often times direct which way the class is going to continue to go.

Here is the link to the blog if you would like to check it out, I definitely encourage you to do so!!

http://www.edutopia.org/blog/6-opening-and-closing-routines-new-teachers-rebecca-alber

The NCTCS that I can implement with this blog are number one and number four.  I think it is important to share our ideas with other colleagues and gain great advice from one another.  A teacher leader is eager to share their teacher tips and is open about accepting new ideas to add to their collection.  Teachers facilitating learning for students is also very important, because at the end of the day, it is the student's best interest that is our main goal.  Gaining feedback from them and deciding on how to conduct the rest of the class is crucial for a success classroom.  Teachers should know the best way their students learn and should incorporate that into all of their lessons!