If You Don't Believe In Me.... Just Wait and See

RateI would rate this week a 4 out of 5.  This week has went really well for me, all of my lessons have seemed to click and the students have really embraced all of the new units we have started in math, reading and science.  This week has also had a special component added to it as well with it being Dr. Seuss week! 

Observe: What pleasant surprises/ accomplishments did I achieve this week? 
This week like I referred to above was Dr. Seuss week and each day had a theme.  This was like aa reading spirit week for our students and I thought it would be more of a distraction than a learning enhancement with reading a Dr. Seuss story each day.  The students however really got into it and each day were excited to get into reading!      

Reflect: What lessons did my work/experiences teach me that I will build upon next week?
This week, I emphasized how my lessons flowed seamlessly from one day to the next and building upon the students' prior knowledge was crucial when beginning all three of my units.  I have been trying to integrate subjects and make curriculum connections whenever I can .  I have noticed that my students are more likely to respond to my questions because they are familiar and confident with the material.  I want to continue this as I teach the remainder of these units.         

Focus: How are my short term efforts and long term goals still aligned?
My short term goals are going to be to immediately reflect on my lesson plans and rearrange them as need be when changes occur.  I have made a conscious effort to immediately reflect on my lessons so I can ensure that I include specific details in my reflections.   
  
Have Courage:  How did apprehension and indecision impact what I did and didn’t do?
I have been apprehensive about starting to look at clips and begin to create my video.  This seems a little overwhelming, but I better start now to create the best possible product.   


Be Productive
I am going to write up all of my EdTPA commentaries and reflections in order to ensure that I am comfortable with submitting my material for the deadline. 


Begin Anew: What is the first logical step(s) for next week? What mental clutter can I clear?
I have been researching new center activities to implement and try to integrate various concepts in the rotations as well as technology.  I tested some new activities out this week and my students came up to me and thanked me for adding new materials because they were bored of the same games, books, routines, etc.  I just feel comfortable now asking my CE if I can add or change some things without shifting the class routine too much.      

Data
This week I started Plickers with my students.  I love this tech tool because it gives you immediate, individualized feedback.  I used this to help motivate my students by stating, "We almost all got it right, let's see if everyone can get this next question right!"  I used this data to assess who truly comprehended the concept.   My students are sold on Plickers and therefore their scores have been very impressive because they think it is fun!    

Advice
Believe in yourself, or no one else will!  I have found myself having to be my own cheerleader and really believe in myself, in order for my students to believe in me as well.  I am learning things about myself that I never knew and just continue to impress me.     

NCTCS
1a. Teachers lead in their classrooms - I have taken it upon me that all 24 of my students are relying on me to plan my instruction so they can learn and succeed in order to move onto the next level.  I use data collected from assessments to determine what kind of activities and my delivery of instruction for particular lessons during W.I.N. time. This has worked beautifully because it aligns with the standards they are learning now, or are going to learn in the upcoming weeks.   
2b. Teachers treat students as individuals- I am trying to improve my proximity praise, so I set one of my PDP goals to praise each student every day and I have been documenting my progress daily as well. 
3a Teachers align their instruction with the North Carolina Standard Course of Study.- I am becoming more and more familiar with where to find certain concepts within the Common Core and Essential Standards. I am going to implement new concepts and integrate health into my W.I.N. lessons next week!!!
4d. Teachers integrate and utilize technology in their instruction. I feel as if my students have earned the privilege to use technology in their center time and will use this resource to enhance their learning experience by providing them with content that is relevant to the standards they are learning. They use multiplication apps, fractions, and a reading fluency program to enhance their academic abilities.   
5a. Teachers analyze student learning.- I am continuing to assess students constantly, but whenever a student does well on something, I make sure to give them a shout out or call them aside and tell them how proud I am of them.  This ties into standard 2 as well and my students love this!  They always smile when they know how well they have done on an assignment,  The reassurance has helped motivate their performance and positive attitude.  I love seeing their smiles when they earn a shoutout and I am also finding ways to approach students who may not have understood the content originally to make the situation more positive!