Blog: The Learning Academy
Week 2
Day One: The Learning Academy
Date: 1/20/2016
Author: Lezza Merrill
Classroom of: Mrs. Chandler
Classroom Observations:
Today, was the first day in this new classroom. The first thing when I walked in, I noticed that this class is particularly small and the students very quiet. I have never been in a classroom that was so calm. It was a change that more or less came as a shock. I have never worked with a class that wasn't full of noise, and students roaming the room. To me, it was hard to differentiate as to whether the students were this way because of classroom management or, because it is a small class of 7, they were just that well behaved. The students worked well individually. The relationship between the students and teacher was also of the calming sort. The class went smoothly, transitioning from one thing to another with no problems.
Reflection:
Not having ever dealt with a class this calm, for me was difficult. I am a very active person and have never been able to sit still. I have always needed that extra chaos in the classroom. The teacher was very relaxed in everything she did, there was no need for yelling or even raising her voice at all. The kids too were overly calming. It was a great atmosphere, but it will take some time to adjust.
Week 3
Day Two: The Learning Academy
Date: 1/27/2016
Author: Lezza Merrill
Classroom of: Mrs. Chandler
Classroom Observations:
Today in the classroom, the students participated more then last week. Most of them still lacked the energy to participate up to normal requirements of the teacher. Mrs. Chandler made the students get up and participate in a group tracing activity to not only get them up and moving, but to use their muscle memory routines. This allowed for the students to be more involved in what was going on. The kids joked around with the teacher and she joked back but it distracted a few students. There is not much for me as a pre-service teacher to do in the classroom. Monitoring the room for students who need help, is the only thing to do. Mrs. Chandler stated that there will be more activities to do with the students in the progressing weeks.
Reflection: I am still getting used to the fact that the class is so small and so quiet. I am getting to know my case study studnt better though. During whole group instruction she tries to be the center of the classroom, but also gets frustrated when she is wrong. Watching the other kids is also interesting because they are all so different. It is a classroom that will take some time to get used to.
Case Study Interactions: Ashley
My case study student attends the Learning Academy. She is a high level student in her classroom. She does well in reading, but struggles in math. Today I helped her with a failed math test, and she became frustrated when she could not figure the problems out. I had her only pick out the numbers, and what the question actually was. When working in a group, she took charge, and became upset, when the other students had trouble following along with her. Today I gave a spelling inventory. She did well, only missing 5 out of 25 words. She struggled most with words like, growl and crawl. The -wl was her issue.
Reflection:
My case study student seems to be extremely smart, but becomes easily discouraged. This seems to stem from her wanting to be the center of attention. During whole group instruction, she blurts out, trying to be funny, but some instances is just disruptive. On her spelling inventory, she seemed to do well on most of the words. the -wl was the only part I really think she had a problem with.
Week 4
Day Three: The Learning Academy
Date: 2/3/2016
Author: Lezza Merrill
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Week 5
Day Four: The Learning Academy
Date: 2/10/2016
Author: Lezza Merrill
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Week 6
Day Five: The Learning Academy
Date: 2/17/2016
Author: Lezza Merrill
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Week 7
Day Six: The Learning Academy
Date: 2/24/2016
Author: Lezza Merrill
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Week 8
Day Seven: The Learning Academy
Date: 3/2/2016
Author: Lezza Merrill
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Week 9
Day Eight: The Learning Academy
Date: 3/16/2016
Author: Lezza Merrill
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Week 11
Day Nine: The Learning Academy
Date: 3/30/2016
Author: Lezza Merrill
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Week 12
Day Ten: The Learning Academy
Date: 4/6/2016
Author: Lezza Merrill
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Week 13
Day Eleven: The Learning Academy
Date: 4/13/2016
Author: Lezza Merrill
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Week 14
Day Twelve: The Learning Academy
Date: 4/20/2016
Author: Lezza Merrill
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Week 15
Day Thirteen: The Learning Academy
Date: 4/27/2016
Author: Lezza Merrill
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