Journal 8/31/09

I asked Mrs. Kirk today if I had taken over everything that I could, and she seemed to say yes. We started another student today and after a mom signs an IEP, we will have another one. So maybe I will get to work with them, maybe not.

I guess I just want to verify, again, that this is ok and make sure that this is just because it's a unique situation placement. I feel like I'm half way student teaching, which is fine, I just want to make sure I am meeting the requirements. I guess we can't go beyond what they want to give us. I need to ask Lauren if that's how it was for her too - like she never really took over. BUT, this is going to give me a chance to really focus on improving things for the little boys and also going deeper with my science and social studies plans, which will be great preparation for not only my second placement but for my first teaching experience as well.

My aide still instructs one of the boys in everything; I haven't even asked yet about possibly doing a mini lesson with him because it seems like from day to day that he just doesn't have any time. But, here's an idea. He is supposed to have a little free time on Fridays. Maybe I can ask if I could do some kind of hands-on activity with him and work on something that matches state standards. I could ask about that. My aide also does math with one of my little boys and just goes through the book. Prof Forshey, they didn't even test to see where he is at. He is reading already, but they are teaching him words he already knows. I guess I just want to make sure that I am not responsible for "correcting" those practices. I know I am to "take over", but I know I can't change everything. I am trying to add things here and there...math for one of my students, a "job" chart for classroom helping, more hands-on science and social studies plans...but I just don't feel like it's enough.

Do you feel like I need to speak up more or that I am handling it according to the situation? Whatever I am given, I will do my best with and that is what I am trying to do. I just want to make sure that I don't need to try for more.

Also, I need to apologize to one of my students tomorrow. I got frustrated when working with him, and I was thinking through this, I realized a lot of it had to do with the fact that I am frustrated with how the resource room is operated at times. Students come down there to have us help with their homework but they don't even understand what they are doing. So in order to truly help them, we have to teach, but in order to keep organized or caught up with the class, we have to "get homework done". And it was hard today knowing if he was trying to get out of doing work or really wasn't getting it. I was working with him, I realized that I needed to refocus, and I tried to continue to encourage him through it; I just need to talk it through with him more and let him know I wasn't frustrated with him and that we have to have good communication so that I know how to help him best.

Would a 2nd observation NEXT Thursday the 11th work ok with you? In the morning at 8:10? That is when I teach social studies, and I would like you to just observe a "norma" 1 on 2 lesson. If not, let me know time/days that will work good for you once school begins!

Thanks Prof Forshey!

Hopefully I will have at least one more domain description for you tonight! ;)

Just the Beginning

Please join me on my student teaching experience as I endeavor to learn, to explore, and to gain all that I can!