Today is my first day of school at Randall after a long winter break. I prepared a Poetry lesson & a Math lesson, and I'm excited about seeing the students~
In the morning, I asked both the Gr.4s & 5s to sit around the carpet to make a circle. I've never tried this before because there's so many of them and so little space. But I took Tribes a few weeks ago, and I found that sitting in a circle is more effective than just having them sit in the centre of the carpet. So I tried, and it works~ Although we're a little bit squishy.
Before I began my Poetry lesson, I introduced the rainstick to them. I used to do clapping to get their attention, but I thought having a new way to do it would spark some interests. I told them that from now on, whenever they see me hold up the rainstick, or whenever they hear the sound of the rainstick, they'd stop talking & stop everything that they're doing, and start snapping their fingers or rubbing their palms together. If they see other people doing it, they'll follow, until the whole class is quiet. I let them practice. I told hem to talk amongst themselves. When I held up the rainstick, a lot of students noticed and started snapping their fingers. I was really impressed! We practiced for a couple of times, and they are really good at it now!
I introduced the lesson by asking them to think of 2 things: 1) Something that they did during the holiday. 2) Begin a sentence with "When I think of poetry, I think of...". We went around the circle, and only a few students passed. I was surprised that some quieter students were willing to participate!
I read them a few poems and discussed about them briefly. Then I asked them, before we write anything, what do we need? Ideas. A poetry journal is a great way to save our ideas! We can record our thoughts & feelings through writing (in any language), pictures, dooodles, anything. I let them know that they'll be having their own poetry journal, but it's their private property, so they can keep it as personal as they want. If they want to share something from their journal, they are welcome to. But if they don't want to, that's OK.
We started our first guided journal writing with a song by Bach. I told them to close their eyes and listen to the song. After 5 minutes, they can use words or pictures to record their feelings, or the images that came up to their mind. To their surprise, I also opened my journal and started writing. I'm going to do exactly what they are told to do, because I want to be a good example for them. After that, we sat in the circle and shared. It's amazing how different students think of different things when listening to the same music!
After that, I asked them to decorate the cover of their journal. Some of them wrote things like "Private Personnel Only", which I think is very cute, and I'm actually glad, because they're showing me that they'll treat the journal as their private space, which makes it very personal, and I believe that they'll use it a lot. Some wrote their names in their own language. A Chinese girl asked if I know how to pronounce her Chinese name, and I do. =)
My host teacher Ms.Lamba saw the difference in my teaching style too, and she asked me what happened. I told her that I took Tribes and I love it. I love the way that I'm implementing it, and I'm just excited to see that the students are so engaged and excited about Poetry now!
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Thursday, October 04, 2007
Oct.4, 07
I went to school really early today because I had to photocopy the autobiography/biography packages that I prepared for the Language unit. After I finished photocopying, I felt so relieved, because I'm prepared for this 8-week unit. I really appreciate Ms.Lamba's suggestion for putting together a package for the students, otherwise I'll be making worksheets and organizers on a weekly basis. This gets me ready for the unit, and although it was a lot of work, I'll be thankful later on, 'cause I'm all set to go.
I showed Ms.Lamba the packages, and she really likes it. The only problem is that my writing checklists should have more simplied language, because what I did right now might be too abstract for the students. But she said that I can explain it to them, but next time I'll be aware of it.
I find that the bells are very distracting for the students and for me as well. The bell would ring inbetween lessons, because older students are switching to other classes. One solution of this would be to have an alarm clock in each classroom, and the teachers can set it on their own, so it won't disturb other classes.
After lunch, I taught my first lesson at Randall P.S.! I was really nervous two nights before. I dreamed that I did a really boring lesson, and the students started standing up and walking around. It was horrible!! ><" But that's not what happened, of course. ^^" I read an excerpt from "Three Weeks with my Brother", and they loved it~ It seems like they really enjoy read-alouds. I'll make sure that I do some of it every week! We talked and we laughed, so I think it was a pretty good lesson. The only thing is that I think I should prepare for different activities for each lesson, because they would get distracted if I give them too much time to work on one thing. It's different from teaching Gr.1s, because I can assign unfinished work as homework to the Gr.4/5s.
It is difficult to handle all 29 students, but I think I'm doing OK, not so bad. I used my strategies that I tested out last year, such as putting my index finger to my lips and waiting for everyone to be quiet. I even moved one student because they kept on talking and distracting the class. But I believe that they all know my style now. I won't yell, I smile and laugh a lot, but I want them to be aware of their actions and be respectful.
I noticed that Gr.5s are really good at stimulating class discussions, because they have learned some of the things that I'm teaching the Gr.4s. That's a good thing about split class. The students really learn from each other.
When I asked the students to think of a person who they want to know about, and think of some questions that they want to ask him/her, they chose me as the person. They asked questions like "Did you ever get married?", "What colour do you want to dye your hair?", "Did you like someone when you were in school?" They are so different from Gr.1s hahaha~
While they were working, I went around to take pictures of them, so they can use them in their autobiography/biography later on. Most of them enjoyed it, but one girl wouldn't let me take her picture. I told her that it's ok, I'll ask her again next week, but it's fine if she really didn't feel comfortable with it.
Before school ends, two girls came up and asked me do I want to be a teacher. I said yes, and asked them if I did an OK job today or not, and they said yes. ^^" I could feel that some of them have already developed a liking towards me~
I showed Ms.Lamba the packages, and she really likes it. The only problem is that my writing checklists should have more simplied language, because what I did right now might be too abstract for the students. But she said that I can explain it to them, but next time I'll be aware of it.
I find that the bells are very distracting for the students and for me as well. The bell would ring inbetween lessons, because older students are switching to other classes. One solution of this would be to have an alarm clock in each classroom, and the teachers can set it on their own, so it won't disturb other classes.
After lunch, I taught my first lesson at Randall P.S.! I was really nervous two nights before. I dreamed that I did a really boring lesson, and the students started standing up and walking around. It was horrible!! ><" But that's not what happened, of course. ^^" I read an excerpt from "Three Weeks with my Brother", and they loved it~ It seems like they really enjoy read-alouds. I'll make sure that I do some of it every week! We talked and we laughed, so I think it was a pretty good lesson. The only thing is that I think I should prepare for different activities for each lesson, because they would get distracted if I give them too much time to work on one thing. It's different from teaching Gr.1s, because I can assign unfinished work as homework to the Gr.4/5s.
It is difficult to handle all 29 students, but I think I'm doing OK, not so bad. I used my strategies that I tested out last year, such as putting my index finger to my lips and waiting for everyone to be quiet. I even moved one student because they kept on talking and distracting the class. But I believe that they all know my style now. I won't yell, I smile and laugh a lot, but I want them to be aware of their actions and be respectful.
I noticed that Gr.5s are really good at stimulating class discussions, because they have learned some of the things that I'm teaching the Gr.4s. That's a good thing about split class. The students really learn from each other.
When I asked the students to think of a person who they want to know about, and think of some questions that they want to ask him/her, they chose me as the person. They asked questions like "Did you ever get married?", "What colour do you want to dye your hair?", "Did you like someone when you were in school?" They are so different from Gr.1s hahaha~
While they were working, I went around to take pictures of them, so they can use them in their autobiography/biography later on. Most of them enjoyed it, but one girl wouldn't let me take her picture. I told her that it's ok, I'll ask her again next week, but it's fine if she really didn't feel comfortable with it.
Before school ends, two girls came up and asked me do I want to be a teacher. I said yes, and asked them if I did an OK job today or not, and they said yes. ^^" I could feel that some of them have already developed a liking towards me~
Sept.27, 07
I went to school early because I had to drop my mom off at work by 8am. When I was in the staff room reading an article and highlighting key points, Mr.Levy came up to me and said, "Hey, I don't know who you are, but you're not supposed to use yellow highlighter in this school. You're supposed to use green." I laughed, and another teacher came to him and said, "Hey, I remember this girl, I remember her laugh, you bugged her already last time!" Then I said, "Yeah, remember? You asked me 'It's not funny, why are you laughing?'" Then Mr.Levy said, "Oh yeah, I bugged you already, sorry." Hahhahah, he's hilarious~
In the morning, Ms.Lamba did Health with the students. They talked about behaviours and feelings. They talked about teamwork, and that it is very important for you to get a job. Ms.Lamba said that if there's two smart people, one is a loner and the other one is great at teamworking, then the latter will be hired. One student raised his hand and asked, "What if you're not smart but you're nice?" I think that is a very honest question, and I am amazed by how students are really thinking about it. Ms.Lamba told him that if you're nice, then you're willing to learn with others, so people will give you opportunities too. What a nice way to phrase it. ^^"
After recess, we had Math. The Gr.4s read about their lesson first, while the Gr.5s learned their lesson on the carpet. I went around to help the students while they worked, and I'm building a relationship with some of the students already, because they know that I can help them and can be trusted. It's a nice feeling!
After lunch, Ms.Agrawal and Ms.Wong came into the classroom to talk to Ms.Lamba. Some of the kids were pretty loud. When Ms.Lamba finally had a chance to talk to them, she asked, "How any of you were talking when you're supposed to be reading silently?" When they raised their hands, she said, "Thanks for being honest. I appreciate that." I think that it is very important that students are comfortable to open up and be honest with their teacher, even when they are doing something wrong. It means that they trust the teacher, because the teacher trusts them as well.
Today, I did a lot of photocopying, I helped the students in Math, and I marked their Math reviews. I like it that Ms.Lamba is trusting me in marking and letting me get involved with things in the classroom, because it makes me feel that I belong. =)
In the morning, Ms.Lamba did Health with the students. They talked about behaviours and feelings. They talked about teamwork, and that it is very important for you to get a job. Ms.Lamba said that if there's two smart people, one is a loner and the other one is great at teamworking, then the latter will be hired. One student raised his hand and asked, "What if you're not smart but you're nice?" I think that is a very honest question, and I am amazed by how students are really thinking about it. Ms.Lamba told him that if you're nice, then you're willing to learn with others, so people will give you opportunities too. What a nice way to phrase it. ^^"
After recess, we had Math. The Gr.4s read about their lesson first, while the Gr.5s learned their lesson on the carpet. I went around to help the students while they worked, and I'm building a relationship with some of the students already, because they know that I can help them and can be trusted. It's a nice feeling!
After lunch, Ms.Agrawal and Ms.Wong came into the classroom to talk to Ms.Lamba. Some of the kids were pretty loud. When Ms.Lamba finally had a chance to talk to them, she asked, "How any of you were talking when you're supposed to be reading silently?" When they raised their hands, she said, "Thanks for being honest. I appreciate that." I think that it is very important that students are comfortable to open up and be honest with their teacher, even when they are doing something wrong. It means that they trust the teacher, because the teacher trusts them as well.
Today, I did a lot of photocopying, I helped the students in Math, and I marked their Math reviews. I like it that Ms.Lamba is trusting me in marking and letting me get involved with things in the classroom, because it makes me feel that I belong. =)
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Sept.13, 07
This morning, I met Mr.Hansen, a Gr.4 teacher in Randall P.S. It was funny~ We were in the staff room, and he started talking to me. He's really friendly. He asked me how I'm doing, what grade I'm teaching, how am I getting used to it and things like that. But at that moment, I actually thought he's ANOTHER teacher, Mr.V, whose class is beside Ms.Lamba's class. So I felt really weird...'cause last week I talked to Mr.V, but he wasn't the very socializing type. So I was like...he's extra friendly today~ But then...Mr.Hansen introduced himself to me, and I almost laughed out loud haha~ I mixed up the two teachers! -_-" But they do look alike~
It's Day 3, so the students did Health in the first two periods. They learned about safety and prevention (E.g. fire safey, school safety, etc.) After they brainstormed a list of different kinds of safety, Ms.Lamba asked them to draw a title page for this unit. They can choose 4 different safety situations and draw them out. A girl, Kavinah, raised her hand to ask a question. She started, but said "nevermind" when Ms.Lamba didn't really understand her. But Ms.Lamba asked her to clarify herself, so she did, and the question came out much more clearly. I think it's very important to let students speak, and give them the chance to reformulate their question/comment. This will give them confidence in expressing themselves, and they'll know that their opinions are valued.
A lot of them are really creative and talented. There's a student, Anthony, who drew a picture about putting sunscreen in the beach to prevent sunburn. He drew a beach, a bench, and a pig lying on the bench. Someone went to him/it and asked if he wanted sunscreen, but he said he's ok. On top of this picture, Anthony wrote "Before". In the "After" picture, he drew the same setting, but the pig isn't there. Instead, lying on the bench is a piece of bacon!! I was like...wow~ that's really funny and creative! I know that he loves to read anime. That probably contributed to his creativity~ As long as a child loves to read, he'll learn from the material.
After recess, we did Math. Ms.Lamba taught the students 3 strategies to do adding with mental math -- Adding On, the Compensation Strategy, and the Estimation Strategy. After the lesson, they worked on the textbook questions. I circulated around to watch them, and answered questions when they needed help. I'm beginning to build a rapport with them, and I feel that they're comfortable of me being here. It feels great!
After lunch was Language. I pulled out Scholastic order forms from the books while Ms.Lamba read-aloud a chapter of Roald Dale's < Boys >. Then she handed out the Scholastic forms, and she gave students time to skim through the pages and talk amongst themselves. The classroom was quite loud, but all of the students were talking about what books they like and which ones they're going to get. I think the atmosphere was really great! After a reasonable amount of time, Ms.Lamba asked them to be quiet, and then asked them to go back to their desk and take out their Writer's Notebook. As homework, they've written about "The Worst Day of My Life". She asked them to read their writing in their head first, then share it with a friend. As they were sharing, I walked around and asked some of them to share with me. They shared and we laughed at the bad situations, and I made some comments as well. It was a fun experience!
When they were done, Ms.Lamba brainstormed with them a list of scary stories that have happened in their life. Then they wrote a list in their notebook individually. Then they were asked to choose one of the events and write a paragraph on it. They were a bit loud in the beginning, but Ms.Lamba quieted them down, and told them that they'll have the time to share later on, but not now.
After second recess, we did Science. The Grade 5s went to another classroom, but the Grade 4s stayed with us. They learned about habitats and foodchains. They took up the homework, and Ms.Lamba said that they'll be learning about producers and consumers next class.
It's Day 3, so the students did Health in the first two periods. They learned about safety and prevention (E.g. fire safey, school safety, etc.) After they brainstormed a list of different kinds of safety, Ms.Lamba asked them to draw a title page for this unit. They can choose 4 different safety situations and draw them out. A girl, Kavinah, raised her hand to ask a question. She started, but said "nevermind" when Ms.Lamba didn't really understand her. But Ms.Lamba asked her to clarify herself, so she did, and the question came out much more clearly. I think it's very important to let students speak, and give them the chance to reformulate their question/comment. This will give them confidence in expressing themselves, and they'll know that their opinions are valued.
A lot of them are really creative and talented. There's a student, Anthony, who drew a picture about putting sunscreen in the beach to prevent sunburn. He drew a beach, a bench, and a pig lying on the bench. Someone went to him/it and asked if he wanted sunscreen, but he said he's ok. On top of this picture, Anthony wrote "Before". In the "After" picture, he drew the same setting, but the pig isn't there. Instead, lying on the bench is a piece of bacon!! I was like...wow~ that's really funny and creative! I know that he loves to read anime. That probably contributed to his creativity~ As long as a child loves to read, he'll learn from the material.
After recess, we did Math. Ms.Lamba taught the students 3 strategies to do adding with mental math -- Adding On, the Compensation Strategy, and the Estimation Strategy. After the lesson, they worked on the textbook questions. I circulated around to watch them, and answered questions when they needed help. I'm beginning to build a rapport with them, and I feel that they're comfortable of me being here. It feels great!
After lunch was Language. I pulled out Scholastic order forms from the books while Ms.Lamba read-aloud a chapter of Roald Dale's < Boys >. Then she handed out the Scholastic forms, and she gave students time to skim through the pages and talk amongst themselves. The classroom was quite loud, but all of the students were talking about what books they like and which ones they're going to get. I think the atmosphere was really great! After a reasonable amount of time, Ms.Lamba asked them to be quiet, and then asked them to go back to their desk and take out their Writer's Notebook. As homework, they've written about "The Worst Day of My Life". She asked them to read their writing in their head first, then share it with a friend. As they were sharing, I walked around and asked some of them to share with me. They shared and we laughed at the bad situations, and I made some comments as well. It was a fun experience!
When they were done, Ms.Lamba brainstormed with them a list of scary stories that have happened in their life. Then they wrote a list in their notebook individually. Then they were asked to choose one of the events and write a paragraph on it. They were a bit loud in the beginning, but Ms.Lamba quieted them down, and told them that they'll have the time to share later on, but not now.
After second recess, we did Science. The Grade 5s went to another classroom, but the Grade 4s stayed with us. They learned about habitats and foodchains. They took up the homework, and Ms.Lamba said that they'll be learning about producers and consumers next class.
Thursday, September 06, 2007
My second visit in the first week of school
Today is Ms.Lamba's birthday! I heard her talking about it with Ms.Agrawal on Tuesday, so I asked her and found out that it's today~ I bought a glittery card for her yesterday hehe. Yeah, I already know that she loves glitters. =P
In the morning, I took out agenda money from the students' envelopes and checked them off. I also sorted out forms that students returned. While I was doing that, Ms.Lamba was teaching them place values. The Gr.4s need to know up to 10,000, and the Gr.5s need to know up to 100,000. I feel that I need to review my Math, because although I know the content, I don't remember learning them. It's important that I have the knowledge, but it's more important to explore the ways that I can teach the students.
I went out to duty with Ms.Lamba at recess, and it was so hot today! But it's always nice to be outside for a while when we're in the school all day.
After recess, they continued to brainstorm ideas about appreciating and listening to others. After that, each group got a piece of big chart paper to do a place mat activity. Each student had his/her own spot on the sheet to write down the rules that they need to follow in the school and in the classroom. Then, as a group, they would discuss and decide which 4 rules are the most important. Then, as a class, they agreed upon 6 rules, and each of us signed the agreement.
I sat with Hilda at lunch today. It's so nice to have another student teacher with me, so we can talk and share what we did~
After lunch, we continued doing the classroom agreement, because we didn't have time to finish it before lunch. After that, Ms.Lamba started to introduce the story "Christopher Changes His Name", but got interrupted by the announcement. So we had to go to the assembly at the gym, where the principal and vice principal, Ms.Ohl and Mr.Richards, talked about safety issues. Before they started, the teachers introduced themselves to all the Gr.4-8s. I didn't know that I'll be introducing myself too, but I managed~ I've never spoken to so many kids in the gym before! That's exciting~
After the assembly, Ms.Lamba read the story and discussed it with the students. Then she asked them if their names have any special meaning. She asked them to go home and ask their parents where their names come from or what they mean. They're going to write about it tomorrow.
Throughout the day, I went around and observed the students and answered questions when they needed help. I feel that I'm already part of the class! And...I've learned all of their names! After class, Ms.Lamba asked me to come up with a seating plan according to the preferences of the students. They've written down the names of 3 people that they'd like to sit with. So I made sure that each student is sitting with at least one person that they like. I also made sure that each group includes both boys and girls, Gr.4s and Gr.5s. It was kind of like a Math problem, but I enjoyed it!
Before I go, I stamped the new Literacy textbooks, and that made me sweat haha~
So that's my day...It's nice but also tiring 'cause of all the walking around (especially when the classroom is upstairs)! Oh, and~~~ I got a hug from Tina today~ ^-^
In the morning, I took out agenda money from the students' envelopes and checked them off. I also sorted out forms that students returned. While I was doing that, Ms.Lamba was teaching them place values. The Gr.4s need to know up to 10,000, and the Gr.5s need to know up to 100,000. I feel that I need to review my Math, because although I know the content, I don't remember learning them. It's important that I have the knowledge, but it's more important to explore the ways that I can teach the students.
I went out to duty with Ms.Lamba at recess, and it was so hot today! But it's always nice to be outside for a while when we're in the school all day.
After recess, they continued to brainstorm ideas about appreciating and listening to others. After that, each group got a piece of big chart paper to do a place mat activity. Each student had his/her own spot on the sheet to write down the rules that they need to follow in the school and in the classroom. Then, as a group, they would discuss and decide which 4 rules are the most important. Then, as a class, they agreed upon 6 rules, and each of us signed the agreement.
I sat with Hilda at lunch today. It's so nice to have another student teacher with me, so we can talk and share what we did~
After lunch, we continued doing the classroom agreement, because we didn't have time to finish it before lunch. After that, Ms.Lamba started to introduce the story "Christopher Changes His Name", but got interrupted by the announcement. So we had to go to the assembly at the gym, where the principal and vice principal, Ms.Ohl and Mr.Richards, talked about safety issues. Before they started, the teachers introduced themselves to all the Gr.4-8s. I didn't know that I'll be introducing myself too, but I managed~ I've never spoken to so many kids in the gym before! That's exciting~
After the assembly, Ms.Lamba read the story and discussed it with the students. Then she asked them if their names have any special meaning. She asked them to go home and ask their parents where their names come from or what they mean. They're going to write about it tomorrow.
Throughout the day, I went around and observed the students and answered questions when they needed help. I feel that I'm already part of the class! And...I've learned all of their names! After class, Ms.Lamba asked me to come up with a seating plan according to the preferences of the students. They've written down the names of 3 people that they'd like to sit with. So I made sure that each student is sitting with at least one person that they like. I also made sure that each group includes both boys and girls, Gr.4s and Gr.5s. It was kind of like a Math problem, but I enjoyed it!
Before I go, I stamped the new Literacy textbooks, and that made me sweat haha~
So that's my day...It's nice but also tiring 'cause of all the walking around (especially when the classroom is upstairs)! Oh, and~~~ I got a hug from Tina today~ ^-^
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
First day of school at Randall P.S.!
I arrived at Randall P.S. at about 8:10am this morning. When I went to the office, I saw Hilda, a girl who was in my class a few years back. I'm glad that I have someone with me this year, 'cause I was alone most of the time last year! We waited for Ms.Webber, our site coordinator in the office, but it got crowded 'cause there's lots of new students with their parents. So we went to the staff room to wait instead. When she finally appeared, it was about 8:30am. There's another York TC (teacher candidate) called Joyce. So Ms.Weber talked to us for a while, and she said that she'll go talk to Ms.Ohl, the principal, to decide where we'll be placed.
When she came back at about 9:10am, she told us that she hasn't had a chance to talk to Ms.Ohl yet, so we'll have to wait some more. At about 9:55am, she came back again and told us that we should just go into a classroom and observe. Hilda and Joyce did junior grades last year, so they went into some primary classrooms together. I went upstairs alone to find a junior room.
I went into a classroom, and then found out that it's a Gr.6/7. I know that I wouldn't be placed there, but I sat and observed anyway. The teacher, Ms.Tasch, is pretty nice. The students were making name tags while I went inside. She set up a reading area at the back of the room, and I love it! It has curtains hanging down, there's a mat on the floor, with 2 couches (1 with a teddy bear sitting on it), a little desk with a lamp on it, and a bookshelf. It's really comfortable and warm, and I'll keep that in mind when I go into teaching next year! (hopefully) The classroom structure is very different from the Gr.1 classroom. The major difference is that the Gr.6/7 don't do their learning on the carpet, they just sit where they are. Also, the teacher doesn't need to repeat her instructions as much as a Gr.1 teacher.
I stayed in Ms.Tasch's room till recess. Then Ms.Weber and Ms.Ohl talked to us and asked us what grades we want. I prefer a Gr.4 class, 'cause I taught Gr.1s last year, so the gap wouldn't be that big. Ms.Weber said that there's a Gr.4 class and a Gr.4/5 class that I can be placed in. She said that it'll be challenging and interesting to be in a Gr.4/5, so I took that. You never know if you never try, right?~
After recess, I talked to Ms.Lamba, my host teacher. She's a nice lady, and I know that I'll learn a lot from her! She's very well organized too. She said that when I start teaching lessons, she'll let me take charage of one small unit, so I'll be teaching the same topic every week I come. Then both of us would be more organized. I think that's a great idea! She has been teaching for 5 years, and she's experienced with having teacher candidates in her class.
Ms.Lamba introduced me and let me take the attendence after lunch. I'm already remembering most of the students' names after school~ I can see that some of them already like me, and I'm really looking forward to be a member of this class!
When she came back at about 9:10am, she told us that she hasn't had a chance to talk to Ms.Ohl yet, so we'll have to wait some more. At about 9:55am, she came back again and told us that we should just go into a classroom and observe. Hilda and Joyce did junior grades last year, so they went into some primary classrooms together. I went upstairs alone to find a junior room.
I went into a classroom, and then found out that it's a Gr.6/7. I know that I wouldn't be placed there, but I sat and observed anyway. The teacher, Ms.Tasch, is pretty nice. The students were making name tags while I went inside. She set up a reading area at the back of the room, and I love it! It has curtains hanging down, there's a mat on the floor, with 2 couches (1 with a teddy bear sitting on it), a little desk with a lamp on it, and a bookshelf. It's really comfortable and warm, and I'll keep that in mind when I go into teaching next year! (hopefully) The classroom structure is very different from the Gr.1 classroom. The major difference is that the Gr.6/7 don't do their learning on the carpet, they just sit where they are. Also, the teacher doesn't need to repeat her instructions as much as a Gr.1 teacher.
I stayed in Ms.Tasch's room till recess. Then Ms.Weber and Ms.Ohl talked to us and asked us what grades we want. I prefer a Gr.4 class, 'cause I taught Gr.1s last year, so the gap wouldn't be that big. Ms.Weber said that there's a Gr.4 class and a Gr.4/5 class that I can be placed in. She said that it'll be challenging and interesting to be in a Gr.4/5, so I took that. You never know if you never try, right?~
After recess, I talked to Ms.Lamba, my host teacher. She's a nice lady, and I know that I'll learn a lot from her! She's very well organized too. She said that when I start teaching lessons, she'll let me take charage of one small unit, so I'll be teaching the same topic every week I come. Then both of us would be more organized. I think that's a great idea! She has been teaching for 5 years, and she's experienced with having teacher candidates in her class.
Ms.Lamba introduced me and let me take the attendence after lunch. I'm already remembering most of the students' names after school~ I can see that some of them already like me, and I'm really looking forward to be a member of this class!
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
New school year
I'll be teaching at Randall Public School this year, but I don't know which grade I'll be teaching yet. But it'll be Gr.4-6 for sure~ I'm pretty excited about it, and I need to review some of my lessons and reflections from last year just to get back into my "teaching mode". I also need to read about the school to familiarize myself.
I was fortunate to be in Greensborough P.S., a really really good school, during my last teaching year. The staff were very friendly and pleasant, and I learned a lot from my wonderful host teacher, Ms.Carson, and the chatty and huggy Gr.1s~ I miss them so much!
I have been on my summer break for so long now, but I think I'm ready to get back on track and embrace this upcoming year. I know it's going to be wonderful!
I was fortunate to be in Greensborough P.S., a really really good school, during my last teaching year. The staff were very friendly and pleasant, and I learned a lot from my wonderful host teacher, Ms.Carson, and the chatty and huggy Gr.1s~ I miss them so much!
I have been on my summer break for so long now, but I think I'm ready to get back on track and embrace this upcoming year. I know it's going to be wonderful!
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