Monday, April 25, 2011

Reading Block Reflection #6

We made it! We're almost done! Wow! I can't believe how fast this semester has gone. Of course now, it's crunch time. We're going crazy trying to get everything ready for our portfolio and for our technology class. It feels like there aren't enough hours in the day for all of this stuff. But it's been an awesome semester. I absolutely loved my practicum experience, and I love first grade. It is definitely my ideal grade to teach. Those kids were so sweet and so smart. It amazed me to see how much they learned in the short period of time I was there and even through all of the wretched TCAP prep (but we'll not mention that anymore). I know if I had observed them throughout the whole year, I would REALLY be amazed! Mrs. Melissa said that was one reason why she loved first grade so much. It's a crucial year for students. You go from just learning to read small words to reading whole books and even small chapter books! That would definitely be such a rewarding grade to teach because you really get to see the fruits of your labor by the end of the year. Of course, I would be grateful for any job I was offered, but if I had my choice I would choose first grade! :)

Monday, April 4, 2011

Reading Block Reflection #5

Wow! I am so excited about how my field study is going! I love those kids, and first grade is definitely my calling. Last semester when I had 5th grade, I was very timid and shy and had a hard time gaining authority over the class. The same is definitely NOT true for first grade. I feel right at home in that classroom, and Mrs. Melissa makes everything so exciting and easy. I really look forward to walking in the classroom every day.
I read my first read aloud yesterday, and the students seemed to really enjoy it. They understood making connections between the book and their own lives, which was wonderful. On a much different note, this semester has really opened my eyes to some of the different things outside of the classroom the teachers have to deal with. It's been a very interesting experience. And I've also been very surprised and concerned about some of the situations the students are in at home. I knew I would have to encounter some of these things in my field study and when I have my own classroom, but I never realized it would be like this.
Aside from that, this semester has definitely been such a wonderful experience so far. I love those kids already, and I know that will only increase as time goes on.