Monday, January 13th, 2020
First day at Expo Elementary
2nd-grade teacher Ulla Tervo-Desnick
7-8 years of age
7:30 a.m -10:30 a.m
3 hours
Around 2-3 hours each week
Today I began my student teaching with Ulla Tervo-Desnick
I entered the classroom at 7:15. As I helped finish up with the setup of the classroom, students slowly trickled in. Around 7:40 most students were in the classroom.
Ulla started with a circle meeting in front of the classroom. In this meeting, I was introduced and students got the chance to share about their weekend. They then reviewed their classroom rules and read a short phrase on the board. After this, they went to their writing workbook and made restaurant reviews. Here I was allowed to go around the room and assist any student that was stuck. As the classroom activities continued I took some students to the hall to give them extra special attention.
As the day went on a few students attached to me and asked me many questions. I also assisted with students as they went to recess and answered any questions they may have had. After recess, the students were allowed to use their iPads to read. This gave Ulla the time to sit down and give students individual attention for reading lessons.
After the students finished their reading lessons on their iPads they got dressed to go out for another recess before lunch.
I left after this. I will be back tomorrow morning at 7.
Tuesday, January 14th, 2020
2nd day at Expo Elementary
2nd-grade teacher Ulla Tervo-Desnick
7-8 years of age
7:30 a.m -10:30 a.m
3 hours
Today was more of hands-on experience. I was paired with children who needed special attention outside of their daily activities. During the beginning “good morning meeting” I sat down with two students to draw. These two students had a specific behavior program where they would get checkmarks when they successfully accomplished a task.
We started by drawing a panda. They were very into how they wanted it to look and took to the activity very seriously. I was drawing a panda on my own piece of paper to give them a general guideline. When they finished the basic outline they started adding their own creative aspects. After the panda, we began drawing an owl.
When the activity was switched Mrs. Ulla paired me with students who needed extra help reading, coloring, or focusing. I would take some of the students into the hall so they could focus more on their tasks in hand. I switched between giving extra assistance to 4 students who either had trouble reading, behavioral issues, or troubles focusing.
When the class went out for their first recess break Mrs. Ulla had me correct assignments so I could stay in the warmth.
Some observations that I really enjoyed.
Mrs. Ulla gives the students the freedom of choice.
Ex: If they are having trouble behaving she takes them aside and asks them how she can assist them with their behavior.
Furniture designed for ansty/moving kids.
They have Hoki stools. This allows the students to move around instead of forcing them to sit still in normal chairs.
Mrs. Ulla also has a “spoon and board.” Which seems to be assigned to the students that have trouble sitting still. I would describe it as a balancing board where they can stand and move around.
Wednesday, January 15th
Second shadowing session at MSS in Oakdale.
Teaching artist Matthew Bindert
18-75 years of age
Students with disabilities
8:00 am - 11 am
2 and a half hours
This session Matt sat me down with the student that wants to become better with photoshop. I got to teach him different tools and techniques. We spent 2 hours focusing on learning more about the tools and editing his photos. As I was teaching him I observed Matt and his teaching skills.
I would describe Matt’s presence as an assisting collaborator. Instead of giving the students an assigned project he allows them their freedom to choose. Every once in a while he asks if they want to try a different color or try painting instead of drawing. He makes sure that every student has a voice. I really appreciate the relationship he has created with each individual. He is caring and understanding. He never tells them they have done anything wrong and allows them to come and go as they please. Matt doesn’t treat his students like their teacher, parent, PCA, etc.
As I observe Matt I wonder how he can add some lessons into his teaching. The way he has his session set up right now is like a free studio. I came in the middle of their projects so I wonder how he began the sessions a couple of months back.