Domain 8 Global & Multicultural Perspectives
Today, the principal came in and passed out pencils for those on honor roll, which, of course, I did agree with. As he was getting ready to leave he challenged the students with adding 4 more students to that number by the end of the semester. After he left, my teacher proceeded to say that she thought 19 (which would be 6 more) could achieve honor roll. She asked me, "Don't you think so Miss Lewton?" I responded that I believed that that many plus more (EVERYONE) could achieve that. I wondered if this "erked" my teacher at all. She didn't seem to really jump on that ban wagon with me. How awful to make your students think that they can't achieve something...I wonder if any of them thought that they would be the 3 she could see "not making" it. Perhaps they didn't think a thing about it. I am just kind of disappointed in how much this school exploits honor roll/grades in front of all students. I have to be mindful of this when I get out there...I just must be.
I have a student that I'm just not sure how to reach. I am really trying hard to "check" all my students throughout instruction and work time. I am trying to move around the room more, use less "out loud" focusing tecniques (or use whole class instead of individual), etc. This student though...he is never on task, is almost always frowning, is hard to make that connection with. My teacher and I talked about it today, and we are both perplexed. Hopefully, between the two of us we will come up with a few ideas. I just need to work on getting to know him and earning his trust. (note to self)
I implemented the checklists on the desks today. I laminated them and then realized that I had to give them all a dry erase marker. Which is ok, but today they were playing with them, decorating them, etc. I'm ok with this because I know it will take time to adjust to and now that I know how they are with them, I can crack down on appropriate behaviors with them. It is hard since my teacher and I are still team teaching. I don't know if she is too fond of the idea. She didn't seem to excited. I think it is a great idea and worth trying but like anything, again, it takes time, practice, and repetition. I did have on there for them to put their assignment books and folders in their desks (trying to remove the clutter); I thought trying it for a week would be a good idea, but my teacher reminded me that she doesn't want that since she worked hard to establish keeping them on the desks, which I can respect and follow. I just don't know if it's the best idea. I should have asked her about this one first; I'm not sure why I didn't.
I haven't heard back from the DOE, but as soon as I do I'll let you know for my 2nd observation!
Have a great evening!
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Olivia,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that with your student you are struggling with that you need to develop trust. The student needs to see you as "safe" and that you care. Taking time to get to know the student should help...though you may not be there long enough to totally see the progress...it could take time therefore, as teachers we need to not give up but to continue toward our goal of having the student on task and doing well.
I also don't agree with making a big deal about grades if it doesn't encourage everyone...why would I try harder if I'm not expected to do well. I know I'd just give up. You have to maintain a positive attitude for all students.
I'm sorry about the checklist thing with your teacher. Never thought that she wanted to have the stuff on their desks all the time. It seems like it would be in the way??? I guess this is where differing philosophies come into play. You can always put the blame on me that I offered the suggestion when we conferenced...which I did:).
I'll be praying for wisdom!
Prof. Forshey