Monday, January 27th, 2020
Expo Elementary
2nd-grade teacher Ulla Tervo-Desnick
7-8 years of age
7:00 a.m -10:30 a.m
3.5 hours
After a 3 day weekend, the kids were a little hectic today. Ulla was having troubles getting them back into the daily routine of school. It was also a little difficult with a new member of the class. Today was his first official day. Ulla was very good at introducing him to the classroom and making him feel comfortable. She began the class with the daily song, games, and readings. During the group circle, she asked all the kids how they could do their part to make sure that the new student feels comfortable in his new surroundings. He adapted to the classroom very quickly. He was very attentive to classroom rules and participated in classroom activities and discussions. Since it was his first day I worked with him individually for most of the class time. I helped him get him comfortable with the class practices and get him acquainted with his new penpal.
As part of the writing workshop, Ulla set up a penpal correspondence. The kids have been writing to a classmate from another school. I have yet to ask which school it is. This allows them to ask questions, formulate answers, and understand how to properly write a letter. The students seem to really engage with this activity.
While being in the classroom I have gotten the opportunity to connect with some of the kids. Since I am new to the classroom and teaching I sometimes find it difficult to find how I should participate within the classroom setting. As of now, I have been a helpful hand and assistant for children who need extra attention. Some things I personally struggle with is when to step in or stay out. I haven’t been with the kids long enough to know behavior patterns or how they respond to outsiders. For example, Ulla informed me that one student has had trouble behaving and staying within the classroom. Within the time that I have been on-site, his behavior has improved. But I do not want to say or do something that may make him uncomfortable. The more and more I am on site this balance is becoming more comfortable and secure. I am trying to be conscious of how I fit into this environment.
Tuesday, January 28th, 2020
Expo Elementary
2nd-grade teacher Ulla Tervo-Desnick
7-8 years of age
7:00 a.m -10:30 a.m
3.5 hours
The day went more smoothly today as the kids fell back into their school routine. Ulla switched her lesson plan up a little bit by adding in a quick refresher of what proper behavior looks like. She also decided that the classroom was going to be a screen-free day. This means there are no iPads allowed during reading time. To my surprise the kids more excited than disappointed. This was due to the fact of how Ulla presented her idea. She began by telling the kids that she heard on the radio that there was a study saying how screen time is affecting children’s eyesight. By going outside and using their eyes to see long-distance it improves eyesight. The kids seemed to fully understand. Then she said that the classroom will be like the olden days, no technology. The kids seemed to be excited and actually cheered. This took me completely by surprise.
I helped Ulla finish up some things around the classroom. She has recently been creating a book representing respectful ways to follow the classroom schedule. She took some photos that show how to complete each task. I finished up the task by taking more photos of the kids when they were respectfully completing a task. I also worked with some new kids that needed help with their activity.
Wednesday, January 30th, 2020
MSS in Oakdale.
Teaching artist Matthew Bindert
18-75 years of age
Students with disabilities
8 am - 11 am
I fell to sickness this day. I was unable to attend the shadowing. I will finish the shadowing in next week's session.