Observation Day 2!

Hey All!

So I totally forgot to post for my observation day this week. I know it's still Saturday, but I am trying to post about my observations on Wednesday. Let's hope for next week!

Anyway, I think this observation day went way better than last week. I had a bit of a clearer head, and I knew what to expect. It was just nice to know what was going on, you know? All in all, I found it to be a pretty good day. I do still have room for improvement.

I feel like I still have not done a whole lot in the classroom though, and I feel awful about it. My associate teacher and I spoke about it again, and he is really encouraging me to interact with the students in the classroom more. I want to, but I still feel a little nervous about it. That however, is my goal for my next observation day. More Interaction!!

I did however, spend quite a bit of time making some really good observations. I noticed a lot of different classroom management strategies. I think this is something that I have been looking for. Especially in this placement. It's a sixth grade practicum, and I am so used to working with kinders. I know how to manage those classrooms, but I don't know what a 12 year old is, and how to handle them. I am glad that I was able to observe this. I debriefed a bit with my associate teacher and we discussed these certain strategies, and about how sometimes, we just have to bring the students back down to earth.

I feel like a learned quite a bit more about classroom management. My associate teacher likes to joke around with the students, and I have found in past experiences that I like to do that to. However, I learned that there is a thin line that needs to be drawn. It's great to joke around with the students and show them that I can be relatable, but I need to make sure that they know I am the teacher, I am in charge, and I still need to be respected.

I really want to continue to learn about these things. I feel like this where my biggest struggle is going to be. I need to know more classroom management strategies, and I really want to see them in action!

During this practicum, I have to complete a focused observation booklet, and I have to complete a focused observation inquiry project. I will definitely update you on that. I am only beginning the project at this point, but I know I am going to be completing it on English language learners in the classroom. Let me know what you think.

I will definitely keep you all updated on my first practicum at teachers college! It's really exciting and I am looking forward to all the things I am going to learn!

- Elizabeth