Describe the physical state of Partnership Elementary. How does this impact the teaching and learning process? How would you describe the classroom climate, teachers' style of instruction and the involvement of students? What were your initial reactions, thoughts, questions or concerns as you completed your first observation? Remember describe, analyze (So what?), and reflection(change and future implications).
Please post your response by 12:00 pm on Sunday, January 27th. No exceptions.
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My first observation was a wonderful experience! When I walked in the classroom, all of the second graders were participating in a dance. The music was on and they were all having a blast! The children were laughing and having fun releasing all of their energy. Afterward, the children worked on fractions for math. There was a little girl who was having trouble understanding and I was there to help her. It felt really awesome to help a child understand something they were having trouble with initially. I was able to interact with all of the tables in the class and I felt very comfortable interacting. Initially, I did not believe I would be as comfortable in the beginning, but I was more comfortable than I expected!
The physical state of Partnership Elementary is put together in a convenient way that is efficient for both the teachers and the children. The classrooms for each grade are all connected together. This makes it easy for the teachers to integrate all the children for group exercises. Even though the classrooms are connected, there are room dividers for privacy amongst the classes. Connecting the classrooms I believe is an excellent way for children to learn to work together with their peers. Not only are they working with their classmates, but they are also working with their peers in the other classes as well.
The desks in the classroom for the second grade were all pushed up against the wall. Doing this provided a large space in the front of the room for group exercises. Extra space is also convenient because the children can freely move around without bumping into desks. This classroom setup impacts student learning by making the children feel more comfortable and not cramped. I believe leaving an open space can help them think better and feel more open with themselves for learning.
I expected the second grade classroom to be warm, but to my surprise, it was a bit chilly. I believe the reason behind this is to keep the children awake and alert. If the classroom was warm, the children would probably begin to get sleepy and not be as alert. Keeping the climate chilly is a good idea for keeping the children’s attention and possibly helping them learn more efficiently.
The teacher’s style of instruction was firm but she was still able to maintain the class’s attention. The transition from subject to subject was orderly and somewhat calm. There were some rowdy kids, but the teacher was on target in getting them back to task. The teacher’s tone of voice was firm when she was giving directions, but was calmer once the activities were started. The teacher’s involvement with the children was wonderful. When she was explaining how to do fractions, she was passionate in making sure all the students understood. She was also very patient with the children and made sure every student was accounted for. I think her teaching style was excellent and I liked her approach for the children. I liked the firmness she used for giving directions, but afterward was able to be on the child’s level. Being on the child’s level during an activity is an important aspect of teaching. Doing this helps the teacher and the students connect.
My first observation was more than what I expected. It was a wonderful start for my future teaching career and motivated me even more! I am looking forward to experiencing other classrooms and the different teaching styles.
When I first walked into the classroom, I was a bit taken back. My children (the second graders) were so well-behaved and happily working on an assignment. And for the most part, that was how the children were the entire time. It was such a surprise to see them playing and interacting and learning in such an organized way! At first, it didn’t register for them that I was there, but once the teacher introduced me, they absorbed me like a sponge. They wanted to know where I went to school and what they should call me… I was “Ms. MK” the whole time! And they wanted me to guess their names and talk to them, and when I left, one of the boys gave me a hug and told me to come back!
The physical state of the classrooms was different than I pictured. Every inch of every wall and every inch of every shelf was covered with posters, books, signs, pictures, binders, etc. However, as cluttered as I initially thought it was - it grew on me. I ended up realizing how organized it was and how well the teacher functioned with the set up. When I walked in, some of the parents were still there helping with the art project. I accidentally made the mistake of thinking one of the moms was the teacher! But, it was sort of neat because the kind of working relationship that the teacher and parents had established was great! The kids obviously loved having their parents there and it was such a neat way to incorporate “specials!”
I remember Tamara saying that especially in these first weeks, that we should “take take take” ideas and remember things that we like and don’t like. Well, in one of the classrooms I was in, the teacher used the names of the days of the week to organizer her tables. So, “the Tuesday table can line up” or “the Wednesday table can put their folder away!” I thought that was a great idea for the kids because they can get excited about being called and it helps the teacher have control.
Also, the overall environment of the classroom was very structured.
The desks in the classroom were all pushed up against the wall. At first, I wasn’t sure how that worked; but by doing this provided an extra large space in the front of the room for group exercises and activities. A great example of having this extra space was when the children were practicing “DEAR – Drop Everything and Read!” and they could sit or lay on the floor so they could be comfortable reading. This classroom setup impacts student learning by making the children feel more comfortable and not cramped. I believe leaving an open space can help them think better and feel more open with themselves for learning.
As a result, I had a wonderful first experience! When I walked out of the doors of the classroom, I didn’t want to leave! And when I walked out of the doors to the school, I knew that this is what I want to do for the rest of my life!
The first day at Partnership I worked with the 1st graders. There are 3 classes of 1st graders in an open pod divided only by a half wall between classes. There are small round tables enough to fit 3 to 4 students at each table. The walls were decorated brightly, with the typical teaching tools such as a number board, alphabet, sight words, and behavior flip charts. I felt like the openness of the classroom made the rooms too noisy and distracting to the children. All three teachers were doing the same math unit working on counting by 10's using colored links and then the children were to write down the different combinations of adding up to 100. While the middle class was already counting the one next to it was just getting their instructions. I saw how a child in the back side of the class was not really paying much attention to the student who was attaching the links and was listening more to the teacher next door. This environment may hinder the learner who has auditory processing issues. Which brings me to wonder how the school implements their full inclusion policy and with no Special Ed. teacher available in the classroom? I liked how the students were asked to work together at their desks to put together links grouped by colors and in tens. The round tables and small numbers of kids made this more successful. In between the classes is a communal space that all three classes utilized during the science unit. The teachers brought all of the students onto the floor to listen to the information being read about Grizzly Bears. At this time there were a total of 60 some students with one teacher. The others were gathering materials for the upcoming lesson. The use of interns and parents are helpful when it comes to this scenario. I was impressed with the good behavior with so many children on the floor at one time and the teacher did a good job redirecting without much disruption. The positives of having an open classroom are how the teachers can collaborate during their day without leaving their room. Overall I feel like the building has been utilized to its best ability, especially being an older facility. The staff is incredibly helpful and friendly and the teachers are very relaxed and seem to enjoy having us. She even allowed me to read to the class, something I really enjoy!
My first day at Partnership Elementary school I was with the kindergarten class. When I first walked into the classroom they were preparing to slip up the classes because half of them were going upstairs and the other half were going to stay where they would be partnering up with a fifth grader who was interviewing them and asking them questions. As I was observing the class today I noticed that the classes were only divided up my a moveable shelf which made for a really loud and distracting room. I think that having that large open classroom has its advantages. Since there are three teachers in there they can work together and even combine classes for activities and other events. You might also be able to get quick advice from them, if you are having a problem explaining a math problem and you need another view they are just right there to help you. I think that it also has its disadvantages as well. I thought that that being in one big classroom could be distracting. Even with me just sitting in there while I was with children on the floor I felt distracted by having to listen to the teacher next to us give her class there instructions. I saw this a couple of times when there would be kids from classes talking to one another when they should be paying attention to the teacher. The climate of the classroom I thought was very positive and encouraging. When they would be helping a child they were so encouraging and never said anything that would discourage the child. I think my first thought before going into the classroom was “are the kids going to like me?” or “are they going to think that I am mean to them?” I think that since it was only my first day I do not really have any concerns. I had a great experience and it really made me realize that I can not wait to be in my own classroom. I look forward to going back and seeing the other classes and how different they are.
Upon entering Partnership Elementary for my first day, I was flooded with several different thoughts and feelings. “Have I come at a good time?” “I hope that my teachers likes me.” I hope my KIDS like me!!” “Don’t interrupt, but interact with the students.” “Be in the class, but don’t be in the way.” “This is it!” Even though I was a “ball of nerves,” I was quickly put at ease when I slapped on my volunteer badge and entered into my Kindergarten classroom.
The room structure is unlike anything I have ever experienced before. The classroom is one giant room intended to be divided amongst three teachers as opposed to 3 sets of 4 walls and 3 separate doors. Initially I was taken aback and wondered exactly how this arrangement could possibly be effective. I wondered if teachers felt that they had to compete to talk over one another and if they ever felt like they were gypped out of having their own definable territory. Although I do not think that I personally could be happy with this particular arrangement, all three of the teachers seemed very well adjusted and I did not notice any apparent power struggles.
Another thing that I noticed that worked surprisingly well in this unconventional setup, were the students. I felt that if I was concerned about whether or not I was going to be able to focus, then to be sure the kids would be twice as scattered and unfocused. Not only was I able to keep my attention on one “classroom” at a time, so were the kids. The kids displayed an amazing level of self control and focus for a kindergarten student. I was concerned that a nomad student might wonder over from his or her respective corner of the room, or that one child might try to converse with a fellow kindergartener in another class but I was proven wrong. The groups of children may as well have been in three separate classrooms because again, they had amazing focus and were otherwise unfazed by the surrounding lessons being conducted.
My overall experience was very positive. Even thought I not yet able to see myself being content in such an unconventional setup, I can see that is does work. The children took some time to warm up to me but after a while I realized that they were a very sweet group. This experience has further reinforced my personal calling to work with kids but has made me realize that now I really need to focus on which grade and age group I am most compatible with. My nerves and jitters have been eased and I am looking forward to my next visit with the first graders!
When I first arrived at Partnership, I was amazed at the layout. At Partnership, there is ONE class per grade level. This allows the kids to meet all of the other kids from their grade level. It’s amazing how the teachers are all in the same room and are STILL able to accomplish their goal. I was a bit unsure about having so many students in ONE room, but when I observed my first class I found it shockingly quiet. It was much like a ‘normal’ classroom. The kids, although they were all doing their own ‘thing’, were all friends. It was much easier for them to meet new people because there were more people surrounding then! Before arriving, I was afraid and a bit nervous. I wasn’t sure what to expect. After meeting a few of the teachers, and seeing the kids, I was set. They are all so eager to learn. My first class was kids in the first grade. As I sat in on my class, I saw that the children were each given special attention. They were all silent and well behaved as the teacher was giving directions. When it was time to participate they all raised their hands anxiously, but patiently waited to be called on. From this experience, I learned two things. The first thing that I learned is that no matter your teaching style, there are going to be some kids who just don’t fit that mold. While watching the first grade class I noticed a little boy who was constantly distracted. No matter how hard the instructor tried, the little guy was determined to do his own thing. He would leave his seat at the most random times and walk around the room. As the teacher requested for him to return to his seat, I learned my second lesson. I learned that in this profession, you must have patience. You can be the greatest teacher to ever walk the face of this Earth, but if you don’t have patience, your degrees don’t mean anything. When working with these young kids, you have to have patience and a high tolerance level. I noticed that there are going to be things that a student does that drives the teacher up the wall, but you, as a teacher, have to learn to deal with these such matters appropriately. Looking back on this first experience, I would have to see that overall I was rather pleased. The school, although it is different from many others, was great. They have truly dedicated teachers and administrators. The ‘senior partners’ were open and friendly as well. I was, however, uncomfortable with one thing. As I observed my first grade class, I noticed that some of the teachers would finish their lesson early and would like to move on to the next topic. I think it was a great idea to put the kids all in one class, but when it came to reading time, some kids weren’t ready to move on. The kids in my class were finishing up math, but the other two classes were ready to read. I’m not quite sure what I would about this issue. In the end, I had a great time, and I can’t wait until this Tuesday when I can start on the second grade class.
My first day at Partnership was with the 2nd grade. I was so excited when I walked into the class because I just wanted to absorb everything like a sponge, the kids, the teachers, and the environment. When I first walked in, all of the kids were at the end of the room learning a dance for their talent show. That was the best part of my day, just watching all of these children laughing and having fun with these dances. It was great to see these children up and jumping around during the day, and knowing that they can release all of this energy during times other than on the playground.
After all of the children split up and went back to their teachers I stayed with one of the classes for a little while and sat with them, while they learned about money. The kids were split in two groups, some stayed with a parent, and the others went with Ms. Shepard. I stayed with a group on the floor and listened while the instructions were given, and then helped a few of the children, that we having a little bit of trouble. It was such a wonderful feeling to have to know that you can help a child when they are having trouble understanding something. I have missed working with children, and seeing those looks on their faces when they understand something, it is just such a great feeling. After spending a little time with that class, I floated over to another 2nd grade class and helped a few students get ready for a fraction game. Both of the teachers were very open, and inviting which made everything more comfortable for me and the rest of the kids, because I knew that could interact with them and feel comfortable and not like I was intruding.
I had been informed about how Partnership was set up before I walked into the school, so I was taken back when I got into the classroom and actually experienced it. I never thought that a set up like this, a long open classroom with half dividers between each class, could work, but it does and it is wonderful for the children to be able to interact with each other so frequently. I thought that with such an open space that it would be disturbing to the children to be able to hear the other two classes, but when I was sitting down and paying attention to Ms. Shepard, I did not hear either of the other two classes. Ms. Shepard has her four desks in the middle of the classroom, and then a nice area off to the side for reading and free time. The other two classrooms have their desks against the wall, so that they have a lot of room in the front of the class for activities, etc. All of the walls and the ceilings are painted with clouds, or lakes, or animals, which is so great because it just makes you smile, and puts you in a good mood when you look at everything. For such a small space, there is a lot of “clutter” but Ms. Shepard knows where everything is, and it works well with the area that she has set up for her children. She seems like a wonderful teacher, who loves what she does and her children. She was very positive, caring and very interactive with the children, but at the same time, she knew her role, and was able to keep her kids under control and in a great learning environment. I was able to talk to her a little bit and she was explaining the things that they did, and how parents come in and teach Art to the students once a week, which I thought was a great idea to keep the parents involved with their children and their peers.
I enjoyed being at Partnership so much, and I have soaked up so many things in just my first day that I will keep with me. I think that this school is wonderful, and for the space that they have, they have done a wonderful job with it and I see that the kids truly enjoy being there. I did not want to leave this afternoon, but I know that each week I come back I will learn something new, and I will be able to spend time and help more children like I did today.
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