Out of My Element...

This week I had the privilege of going to the school where I will do my clinical observation and teaching at for this class. Surprisingly Dr. Parker put me in a 5th grade class. This is completely different than any other classroom that I had been sent to because I usually get a low elementary class. I had already been briefed about the excellence of the school, so I was a little anxious to see what lied in store for me.

Unfortunately, I was able to find the fifth grade help center that Dr. Parker was bragging about prior to me coming. I noticed where the station might have been because there was an "ask me" sign still out. However, there were no fifth graders out.  I assumed because they were in class already. None the less, I check in and make my way down to the assigned classroom. The first thing I had noticed was that this was not a "traditional" classroom setting.

There were a bunch of desk. The chairs were all different: some rolled, some were bar stools, others were in regular chairs. It seemed like a lot of differentiation just from the first impression perspective. Then I begin to notice the way she had her students grouped. I could tell who the stronger students were compared to the others. I could tell who required more attention and which peers were specifically placed to be peer leaders. After speaking with the teacher, I confirmed my assumption. She strategically placed her students where they were. The classroom flowed form strongest to weakest, with peer leaders in between. The student that had a table (not a desk) to herself said that she would rather work at a table and need some space to herself.

I also learned from the teacher that the school I was in was an individualized learning school- which means that they focus on keeping things student centered.She explained that the reason there were different types of chairs is because each student chose the chair that they are most comfortable in, The rolly, twisty chairs are for the students that just can not be still and have to move as they work. Each type of chair met the need of her students and they actually learned best that way.

I almost forgot the main reason I visited in the first place because I was so impressed from how the class was set up and the way her class flowed. My fear of fifth grade has been suppressed and now I am excited to interact with such a variety of learners.
***Disclaimer: I still want to teach lower elementary, but for the sake of this class-- exposure is beneficial.***
I can connect my experience with standard 2c. Teachers treat students as individuals. It was evident that the teacher was doing what she needed to do for the benefit of her students academic needs as well as social needs.She listened to what they said would help them learn and she made it happen. It is benefiting not only her students but her as the facilitator as well.

Parental Control...

Ok so who's ready for some real life classroom talk?

I have plenty to share with you all this week. If you do not already know, I work at a private Christian preschool as a K3/K4 teacher. We are different than your average preschool because we prepare our students for regular grade school. We plan real lessons for them- ranging from kindergarten/ first grade content, they learn Science and  Social Social studies, Sign language, and Spanish.


You can also imagine how much differentiation we have to put into play to make sure content is taught and learning takes place. Our lessons are very visual, exaggerated and hands on. In addition, students have homework assignments Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and possibly Friday. Not Wednesday due to church (chapel day is Wednesday).


Days, as you can imagine, can be very long, especially when you add the typical behavior of a 3-5 year old (sometimes two going on three) into factor. The students emotional development can sometimes seem like a learning disability and have to be treated sensitively. The accidents, runny noses, cries for mommy, or even power struggles can make you want to run and hide. But nothing-- I repeat, NOTHING-- is worse than the parents.

I wish there was a GWU class that helped you interact with parents. I mean, some of the ones that I have this year, I never knew existed.

Dont get me wrong, I understand that preschool age can make you "touchy" , but we are raising up the next generation. What happened to accountability? Teaching children to respect adults? Or parents that are involved in their students learning and school activities? 

Nowadays, it just seems like parents want teachers to do everything-- raise them and teach them," but don't tell me anything is wrong with them".

I just dont get it.

Specifically in my work situation, I play the role as the "teacher leader". This usually means, I handle the parent-teacher interaction (major conferences, parents concerns, questions, behavior concerns,etc.) that does not require my director to be present. Thankfully my director has trained me enough to tactfully handle these parent (sometimes irrational) concerns. For example:
 Me: Hello parent of Susie. Susie is doing a great job in Spanish. I can tell she enjoys it because she always remains engaged and attentive during the lesson. However, I have noticed that when Spanish is over and Susie has to transition back to her original classroom, she behaves a totally different way for her lead teacher. There is a lot of  back talk, loud interruptions, redirecting from her teacher, and sometimes she has to leave the classroom.
Parent of Susie:  Why is always my child. I just don't think her and this teacher mesh well. Is there any way she can stay with you during the day or you come down and check on her Mrs. Durham?

Me: I am with K3, and I don't want to start a habit of her coming into my class as her way of escape. Eventually, she will have to obey the rules of her teachers class.

Parent of Susie: Also, she stayed up late-- until one o'clock-- so that can be why she is misbehaving as well. 

Me : (in my head: are you kidding me!!) Outloud (with a smile): I can understand where that may effect her behavior today....
 
You would be amazed by the excuses parents make up for their students. If its like this in preschool, I can only imagine how it is in the upper grade levels. This is the fine print that goes along with being a teacher that I believe school cannot prepare you for. Luckily, I am blessed with experience now that will help me in my future.
 ALL I can say is get you best smiles in order. Hopefully one day one of us will be nominated a teacher award for best performance!

NCTCS number 1: Teachers demonstrate leadership, 1C: Teachers lead the teaching profession, and 2E: Teachers work collaboratively with families and significant adults in the lives of their students.

**please feel free to share any parent interactions that you might have experienced that you thought was unique**