And That's A Wrap!

Rate: I would give this week a 2.  I didn't get to spend much time with my kids because I had to proctor the mock E.O.G. and this portfolio submission has not been my best friend this week.  On top of the stress for closing the end of the semester and some things happening in my personal life, I am glad this week has came to a close and I made it through!  

Observe: What pleasant surprises/ accomplishments did I achieve this week? 
I have finished all 5 of my observations and I am glad I got to see a variety of grade levels, as well as different teaching techniques.  I was glad to finalize my philosophy video this week and am pretty proud with how well it turn out.          

Reflect: What lessons did my work/experiences teach me that I will build upon next week?
I am going to take these next few days and take it slow.  I am trying to savor every moment in my classroom and I know this week is going to be emotional for me.  I am so glad that I had such a great experience in my 3rd grade class!             

Focus: How are my short term efforts and long term goals still aligned?
It is almost time to present my portfolio, which is crazy to believe!  This has been my long term goal all semester and now that it is finally here, I am ready to finish strong and excited to take the next step in life.      
  
Have Courage:  How did apprehension and indecision impact what I did and didn’t do?
I have been apprehensive about submitting everything because I cannot figure out why LiveBinder will not let me submit certain documents.  It has been frustrating, but I am looking forward to being DONE!     


Be Productive
I am going to submit everything and prepare for my presentation!  


Begin Anew: What is the first logical step(s) for next week? What mental clutter can I clear?
I will focus on my portfolio and try to finalize every component.         

Data
I am continuing to document EVERYTHING!  I need to elaborate on some of my entries.  I am making sure I document every time I contact parents and keep a log of when, what the purpose was, and what the outcome of the situation was.         

Advice
It is worth it!!!  All of the late nights and early mornings have been worth it!  Seeing my kids' smiles, tears, and hearing their sweet words of appreciation for me has made this whole experience worth it!             

NCTCS
1a. Teachers lead in their classrooms - I have taken it upon me that all 21 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 have mastered this standard and I am glad to say that I have met my PDP goal!!!!!!!!
3a Teachers align their instruction with the North Carolina Standard Course of Study.- I am becoming more and more familiar with how concepts align and how to teach at an appropriate pace for each standard.  
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!