2/24

This week felt like the week that everything really clicked more for me. I finally feel like I know my students really well after working with them so much so I am finding myself making all of my instructional decisions based upon what I know they need and the standard course of study. It is a really good feeling to finally feel like I am really getting somewhere with them and meeting the needs of each individual student. I am feeling much more confident in myself and proud of my students as they are growing. 

I would rate this week as a 5 because it truly was a great week, I left everyday feeling fulfilled and I arrived each day with a newfound confidence in myself and in my students. I think that’s what this experience is really all about! 

A pleasant surprise for me this week is how smoothly things really went. My Kindergartners finally have transitions mastered, they know what I expect and they are looking more and more like first graders each day. I have been very proud of the whole class this week. It feels like a big accomplishment to have a good routine established with them where I don’t have to constantly remind them of things which makes me really proud! 

As I am realizing the distinct needs of each of my students on a deeper level, I will  be able to build upon those experiences even further for next week. I am finally sure of the best way to differentiate even for independent work to make sure I am meeting each students needs and I know I will be able to build upon this for my plans for next week as well as during instruction next week. 

My short-term efforts are still aligned with my long-term efforts because I am working now to work towards meeting the goals I know I will have to have met by the end of this semester. My PDP goals are in the works now as well as the things I can implement in the classroom that will help me meet my long term goal of a successful portfolio presentation. I am building in more and more technology, parent communication and global awareness now so I can have evidence in my portfolio. 

This week, I could have spent more time documenting data so I don’t forget after the lesson and less time doing things that I could have my assistant do. For example, handing out materials. I could save myself valuable instructional time by having her take that responsibility. I am glad I am realizing this now though because I feel it is really going to be beneficial to myself and my students. 

That ties into a little but of my apprehension for this week because I am often uncomfortable asking people to do things for me. I always think I need to be able to do things myself. However, I don’t want that to adversely affect my instructional time so I am willing to get over that apprehension! 

My first logical step for next week is to make sure I have everything I need printed and gathered (materials wise). Then, I want to take a look back at this week’s reflections. I want to use these to guide my next steps. 

This week I analyzed all sorts of data because I always do for each content area to know what my next steps are. The data that stood out to me the most was the writing data this week. I have worked in first grade for years so I am accustomed to the type of writing and the amount of writing that we do in first grade. So, when looking at my KIndergartner’s writing I am always keeping in mind what I know they need to be able to do. I build in many opportunities for writing and after analyzing data this week, I am aware of the differentiation I need to have in order to meet the needs of each student in writing. I am also adding a writing center to my literacy stations and in my writing station, there will be vocabulary cards that tie to the stories we have been reading what we have focused in on in science and social studies and even some math vocabulary. I am going to allow students to use these cards to write about different topics. I think this will be very beneficial for them. 

My one piece of advice for other student teachers is to always think ahead. Look ahead on what you will be teaching and it will be easier to find ways that it all ties together across content areas and you will be so much more confident if you know what’s coming! 

I also feel that I grew in the following elements of the NCTCS standards this week: 

1b. Teachers demonstrate leadership in the school- I was able to collaborate this week with the other Kindergarten teachers along with our lead teacher to track the progress of our RTI groups and make sure our students are showing growth as well as determine our next steps. 

2c. Teachers treat students as individuals- I am finding I am getting better at seeing each student as na individual and realizing that while I have high expectations for everyone, I also have different needs to meet for everyone. 

3d. Teachers make instruction relevant to students- This week, I worked hard to make sure I tied instruction to students-  I found myself constantly asking how this could apply to their everyday lives and experiences. It really is so much more meaningful for them if we can make those connections!

4d. Teachers utilize and integrate technology in their instruction- This is one of my PDP goals and I am being very intentional about putting the technology in their hands! This week, I was able to do this during literacy instruction and I am building it into my math instruction for next week as well. 

5b. Teachers link professional growth to their professional goals- This week, I had another opportunity for professional development and I also picked out 5 professional development opportunities from my county to attend in 2 weeks that are tailored to my weak areas as a professional (in my opinion).  I am excited to be able to grow in those particular areas. 

I have started my PDP log for my portfolio as well as my classroom website. I don’t want anything sneaking up on me at the end as far as the portfolio is concerned so I am focusing heavily on all of the requirements right now. 

As of now, my CE and I feel fully supported! I feel like the experience is going really well and I am ecstatic to see what the next couple of weeks hold!