Today's class has been very enjoyable. I pride myself at trying to be ahead of what the Cooperating teacher might need, so I began the day by setting up for her class before she asked. The fifth grade classes completed their paper plaiting projects and hung them for display. I worked with students to keep them motivated to finish the project strong. It is always exciting when students complete a project. Working with the students directly continually reminds me of the true reason for my venture into the teaching profession. Though many are quick to add discouraging sentiment about the current state of affairs facing educators, I still truly believe in the power to influence young people to create positive change. In addition to the fifth graders, I worked with the first grade classes, to complete their straw weaving projects. Some of the student were considerably behind on this project, so I created a challenge for the the students to try to keep up with my example. This was highly effective. Some students even started a second project.
 |
Here is a Mattise Project that was replaced
with the completed Plaiting project |
This experience has allowed me the necessary experiences in classroom management, and also practice teaching and using the principles found in the love and logic model. There are several cases where I was able to help empower the student who was facing difficulty, or being a distraction to other students. For me this is one of the best parts about teaching. Being able to empower students to solve their own problems, without the need for teacher intervention.
Thursday will be the day in which I, will teach a lesson on cubist drawing. The goal of this is to help the students better understand how to use charcoal, as well as working with the students to learn the basics of shading. I am looking forward to this experience, as is my Cooperative teacher.
