Journal Entries
Journal Entry 2/ September 14
Today, while students were finishing their spelling tests, I saw a student trying to change his answers. I could tell that he was upset because he had put the wrong letter in the middle of every word. I was sure that this needed to be addressed, however I was unsure about what to do. I told Mr. Andreassen what I was seeing. He handled it very smoothly. He acknowledged the fact that it is wrong to change answers after the right answers had been given. He clearly expressed that this was cheating and that it was unacceptable behavior. The student did not cry, as I feared he might. He took it really well, in fact. When it was his turn to have his paper checked, he expressed that he had made a careless mistake, and that he wouldn't change answers again.
Later we discussed this behavior and decided that this student did it because he already had a fear of failure. He has parents who are very concerned with his performance, and he had feared their disapproval. Knowing this, we did not inform the parents of this behavior. However, we will not let it continue.
* I chose this entry because this was a time when I felt very unsure. I wanted to approach the child, however I felt I did not know him well enough to judge what his reaction would be. I knew he was frustrated with himself, and did not want to further upset him. This was the first spelling test, and was not to be graded. I would now feel confident addressing these issues with children. I feel the better you know the child, the easier it is to approach them. This helps you understand why.
Journal Entry 7/ September 30
Today I saved myself. Telling time is my area to teach this week. I put together clock faces on paper plates for the kids. I knew from the beginning the clock hands given were not sturdy enough. So, I cut out clock hands out of construction paper. Then, I decided to put together an example clock. I filled in the clock's numbers in the preprinted spaces. My clock did not look right at all! The kids would be very confused if they tried to make the time accurately on these clocks. So I changed where I had students put the numbers. I am so glad I tried this out ahead of time!
*This experience taught me early on that, especially for important projects, it is always a good idea to evaluate materials and procedures. This clock-making project was important because we used these clocks to practice making different times individually.
Journal Entry 14/ October 15
Cooperative learning works just as well as I was taught it would! Today students read books about animals in groups, and filled out webs of information. I separated children into groups where I felt at least one student could kind of lead the group. I was so impressed how they followed the directions, always making sure everyone was done writing each part before moving on. I think it was exciting for students to try this kind of learning. It was a challenge, and they did great.
*I have learned that challenging kids keeps them interested. At times we may feel that students are not ready to try something new. This was one experience where students took my challenge and every single student had completed a web of information. Most importantly, every student was able to contribute to the project in some way, even if it was by looking at the pictures to gain valuable information. This was very encouraging.
Journal Entry 18/ November 8
Days when teachers have conferences in the evening are very long. But, I can't believe how valuable they are for the parents and the teachers. I find that working with parents can be a great way to get an even bigger picture of the students. I was very impressed how many parents already had insight to where there students were academically. Many were eager to find out learning extensions for home.
*I feel communication with parents may be one of my strengths. I have a daughter in first grade too. I felt this made it very easy for me to understand their concerns. I received many complements from parents who came in talking about their child's reports of what I had been teaching them. This lead to great conferences!
Journal 24/ November 26
I had planned a lesson today, for students to write about a picture. The picture was of two pilgrim children packing to go on the Mayflower. We have read many stories about Thanksgiving. First, we needed to get done an activity in social studies, which required them to discuss with me about recycling. The kids stayed on task for the social studies work, but I could sense that they were beginning to feel restless. I had a feeling that a writing exercise would be too challenging at this time. So, I changed plans and we did a paper where students had to cut out various items (from a list) that were things pilgrims brought on the Mayflower. This work required cutting, coloring, and gluing. It was meaningful, however was not as challenging as trying to write sentences.
*Sometimes being able to "read" your students is one of the most important things. I could tell that students would not be able to put forth the effort for the writing activity I had planned. This writing was important to me. When students did it, I wanted it to be well thought out and I expected true effort in their writing. I feel I am becoming more comfortable deciding when to get the most out of my learners.