Well, Monday of course was Labor Day and we did not have school. It was nice having that three day weekend. This week I continued to observe. The majority of the time was spent teaching students procedures. During our schoool day we have to station times. We introduced a schedule for the afternoon stations on Thursday. I think this group of kids will get the hang of it soon. I am really amzed at watching calendar time in the morning. The 20 minutes spent is well spent. We cover a lot of things during this time like math and reading. I feel like the kids are able to stay focused during this time as well.
During morning stations, I have had my own table and worked with students. On Tuesday and Wednesday, we used dry erase boards and practice writing letters, names, and small words. On Thursday, we cut out alphabet strips and glued them together in order. Friday, we spent finishing our morning work and doing coloring pages because it is Fun Friday.
This time observing has been beneficial. I can observe the kids and find out some methods for working with them. I can see who needs extra help and what motivates them. I think this will help me out when I begin teaching.
This week was the longest so far, but I am sure this next one will be longer. I have also determined what stinks about kindergarten... 1. Having to push the swings instead of swinging. 2. Not being able to color (even though I have been sneaking it in).
2 comments:
Calendar time is SO important for the early grades. You're right, the children do pay attention during this time and it sets the stage for the rest of the day. I bet the students would love for you to swing with them sometime. Maybe that could be a reward for good behavior.
Your observations were obviously beneficial, because the lesson plan you have prepared for teaching calendar time is great. You picked up on teaching and behavior strategies that I've been using. Every group is different (sometimes, in kindergarten, every day is different) and so this routine varies for me in both instructional and behavioral strategies. Some days you'll find they have a longer attention span than others, and you have to adjust accordingly. Similarly, some days you really hit upon a topic that they grasp, and you extend that until you're sure they have it, perhaps sacrificing other things you might have meant to teach that day. You also have to concentrate on varying instruction for all the different levels so that you're meeting and challenging all students.
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