Residency, Whittier Elementary School - Alex Lange, 7 hours
It’s been approximately ten years since I’ve stepped foot in a 5th grade classroom but I must say, most things have stayed quite similar aside from the way students are taught subtraction (I’m still deciding whether the new way is easier or not from how I was was taught). We went through the typical school day, had morning meetings, practiced math, went to the specialist (the art area that students attend - that day we did square dancing and singing), had recess, ate lunch, practiced Spanish, did independent reading, and lastly had closing circles.
Off the bat, the students were wonderful. They’re all so charismatic and funny, and more over, just brilliant. Yes, I most definitely was reminded by a student to carry the one, and now I’m wondering if the standard method of subtraction holds true.
I was also really happy to be referred to by my pronouns. Mr. Alex, as he is called by everyone, including the students, talked to all of the students in a respectful but firm manner and accommodated for their needs. During opening circle we played a game to warm up and release some energy. The game included half the class sitting, and the other half standing behind those that were seated. One student stated that she didn’t want to stand and that she very much wanted to sit because her feet hurt, however, the game was basically a form of musical chairs wherein the point of the game lied in who got to sit and who got to stand. Instead of making the student stand, Mr. Alex offered that the student sit down to the side and watch until the game was over. The student said thank you and sat quietly. There was no back and forth, but instead the teacher listened and believed the student and what she said she needed.
Most of the disciplining methods I observed revolved around respect, patience, and sincerity. When a student had a negative attitude towards clean up, Mr. Alex told him something along the lines of “I know you’re a good and kind person and you respect yourself and the space you’re in when you act like how I know your are. If you want, you can sit down until you feel better and are ready to have respect and kindness,” and instead of arguing, the student sat down and cooled off.
I’m going to follow the disciplinary method that most closely resembles Mr. Alex’s for now as it seems to be most effective with his group. I’m excited to continue learning through mentorship and experience and a lesson plan is in the works!