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.