1.27.17

Rate
I would rate this week a 4 out of 5.  I got a lot accomplished during the work days and began my student teaching this week.  Wednesday went really well, but Thursday I felt unorganized and we had a fire drill which threw a loop in my plans.  Overall it was not a bad week!

Observe
This week I also had another global awareness piece.  My students went on a Real World Math Scavenger Hunt to find fractions relating to the world.  These fractions included: the fraction of the worlds population made up by the USA, fraction of the world that does not have access to clean drinking water, electricity, internet, etc.  The students loved it and were excited for math each day!

Reflect
My experiences this week taught me that being flexible is a huge aspect of teaching and that not having time for everything is not the end of the world.  My social studies plan for Wednesday was a little longer than the time block.  I was really worried about this, but my CE shared that "that happens a lot in teaching" and showed me how to shift a few things on Thursday to make time to finish up the social studies lesson.

Focus
This week I focused on working on my classroom website.  I had anticipated finishing it last weekend, but building a website from scratch is hard work.  Hopefully, I will find some time (after the edTPA training and a nap) to continue working and knock that off my list.  I also want to begin working on my edTPA lessons so I can get those checked off the list as well and not have to stress over them towards the end of my ten weeks.

Be Productive
This week I could have spent more time sleeping.  I need to find a healthy balance between work and sleep.  It seems like I have too much to do to go to sleep early and end up working until 10:30 or 11.  However, I am exhausted by Thursday night and feel very sluggish on Fridays.

Have Courage
This week I do not think I really faced any apprehension or indecision.  I feel comfortable talking with my CE and the 4th grade team about anything and know that they would all do what they can to help me.  My students were great this week and did not do much to test me.

Begin Anew
I need to clear the mental clutter of Thursday, when I felt unorganized and in disarray all day.  I will begin anew, by learning all I can at the edTPA meeting and use that learning to shape my edTPA lessons.

Data
This week I really did not analyze any data.  It was a short week and we did not have any tests.  We will be doing a data dive next Thursday to reassign students to WIN groups.

Advice
I would advise student teachers to get as much sleep as possible while still getting assignments done. Sleep can make or break this experience.  If you are too tired you are not on your A game for your kids and you can't focus on getting other assignments done.  I need to follow this advise in the coming weeks as well.

NCTCS
This week I would say that I "used a variety of instructional methods" (NCTCS 4c).  I took the standards, global awareness, and my students into consideration when planning the scavenger hunt.  My students had never done something like this before, especially not in math.  They were engaged and constantly looking forward to math time and the opportunity to find more fractions.  I want to find ways like this to keep students interested in their learning.

At this time, my CE and I do not have any questions.