Week 5

 

• Rate and explain your overall experience of the week: 1 - Very difficult to 5 - Great week- I would give this week a 5. Even though it seemed long and many days Ui had to stay late it was not a bad week. We had outdoor recess every day and Thursday and Friday were beautiful! I reviewed expectations this week such as how to gather materials needed for independent work, washing hands without splashing, and the expectations of the work cycle. It was difficult to stay on top of the expectations and reminders, but they needed it and my students had much better work cycles. My lessons went well except for one where one of my behavior students had to be excused from the lesson because of a lack of self-control.  This student had such wonderful work ethic during my Italy Pompeii mosaic lesson on Friday. They even asked to have a picture taken with me and their project. I believe the success of that lesson was being completely prepared, having the steps broken down into very small pieces, and modeling before they did each step. So this week I did accomplish completing a global awareness lesson and had my second observation completed. I always love to share the Montessori Curriculum! 
  
  "Cave Canem" means "Beware of the Dog in Latin". Homes in Pompeii had these in Mosaics on their homes because many had dogs as pets. 
  
  
• Response to these questions to end your week:
• Observe: What pleasant surprises/accomplishments did I achieve this week? I made it through the week not as exhausted as last week and I had my second observation. We made a new work plan for students which I am vert excited about since this will cut down on the afternoon work!
• Reflect: What lessons did my work/experiences teach me that I will build upon next week? We had a meeting about our Fundaments of Montessori goals and what we need to do to improve on those specific goals. Going back to the basics when the students are not meeting their expectations is something that needs to happen in community more often. I reviewed and modeled this week and the students were able to revert back to meeting those expectations. 
• Focus: How are my short-term efforts and my long-term goals still aligned?
• Be Productive: What could I have spent more or less time doing? My short-term goals are to finish this semester and the edTPA. This aligns with my long-term goal of continuing to work in my classroom. 
• Have Courage: How did apprehension and indecision impact what I did and didn’t do? I was not courageous enough to not do something I already had said I didn't have time to do. I ended up doing it anyway and then had to stay late on Friday afternoon. 
• Begin Anew: What is the first logical step(s) for next week? What mental clutter can I clear? I need to continue to be prepared and organized. If I can ever just finish the edTPA that will be a huge mental declutter!
• What were some data you analyzed this week and how did it help inform your instructional decisions? I analyzed student work and made a list for conferences with these students or have them on the list for a review list. I have 2 2nd grade students that are not understanding Magic 0 abstractly after receiving the lesson this week so I will review it and have them practice more with the Golden Bead material. I was able to analyze students' dictation and closed-syllable lessons. I am closely monitoring 2 students that are continuing to mix the short i and short e sounds. I also analyzed the work plans we were using and have made adjustments that will create more independence for the students. 
• What is one piece of advice you can share with other student teachers?
• NC Teacher Candidate Standards (Be sure to reference activities from your lesson plans to solidify your answer.)
• Pick an element from standard one of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element. 1e. Teachers demonstrate high ethical standards. I strive to model the correct voice levels, offering grace, and careful movements since these are what is expected of my students.  I have set high ethical standards for myself and my students. By me displaying respect towards my students and offering a positive learning environment, my students know they are expected to have mutual respect as well. 
• Pick an element from standard two of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element. 2e. Teachers work collaboratively with the families and significant adults in the lives of their students. I send home a Monday letter every Monday that details the important dates and events coming up. It also updates the parents on classroom activities. This Monday newsletter is emailed to the parents as well. We have some wonderful room parents that organize a seasonal activity and snack each season. They are planning a Valentine's Day snack for next week. 
• Pick an element from standard three of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element. 3d. Teachers make instruction relevant to students. By conferencing with a student that was not doing their best work, I was helping this student with their accountability. This student had some guidance with organizing their work area and work. It was apparent that this student needed help with some math so they received a Stamp game addition review lesson. Being held accountable and helping this student with personal responsibility and self-direction align with this NC teaching standard element. 
• Pick an element from standard four of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element. 4b. Teachers plan instruction appropriate for their students. I have my Montessori degree and have many years of experience in a Montessori classroom. Maria Montessori said that it takes 4 years for a Montessori teacher to fully develop into a teacher. I understand how my curriculum naturally aligns with the NC Teacher Standards and also how it is aligned to the standards. I plan my instruction based on our scope and sequence as well as the needs of my students. 
• Pick an element from standard five of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element. 5b. Teachers link professional growth to their professional goals. My professional goals are to continue to grow as a Montessori teacher. I am currently enrolled in a Montessori Foundation course. I also am enrolled in an ASL course from Oklahoma school for the deaf. 
• Other:
• What components of your edTPA and portfolio have you started to complete? Task 2 and none
• What support does your Clinical Educator need from your University Supervisor? None
• What support do you need from your University Supervisor? None