Monday, February 3rd, 2020
Expo Elementary
2nd-grade teacher Ulla Tervo-Desnick
7-8 years of age
7:00 a.m -10:30 a.m
3.5 hours
Today the class was more rowdy than normal. Due to a 3 day weekend, the kids seemed to forget classroom behavior. Ulla handled this fairly simple by reminding them how they should behave when inside the classroom. She refers back to the classroom rules constantly so the kids understand exactly what is expected of them. A couple of the kids seemed to be not in the mood for school this day. One kid who has a hard time listening and following the rules became agitated when Ulla told him he must stay still and read. He began acting out and slamming doors. Instead of instigating the problem and giving him more attention she quietly called for some assistance and continued her routine. I think this was a solid approach because it seemed like he wanted attention in some way, even if it was negative attention. After a couple of minutes, an aid stepped in an took over so Ulla could go back to teaching the classroom. Ten minutes later he returned and the aid left. At first, he was still acting up but soon, with Ulla’s positive attention, he got quickly got back into the routine.
Here are some observations that I have noticed that I thought were interesting.
Ulla reads books that integrate culture from all around the world
She has cleaning supplies available so the kids can clean up their own mess (She expects them to do so)
No candy is allowed at school
When they finished their reviews she made sure to teach the students how to properly present when in from of the classroom
Ulla makes the listeners give 5 compliments about the presentations
She plays calming relaxing music during work time
Tuesday, February 4th, 2020
Expo Elementary
2nd-grade teacher Ulla Tervo-Desnick
7-8 years of age
7:00 a.m -10:30 a.m
3.5 hours
Today everyone remembered what was expected of them and followed the classroom rules. Ulla made sure to point out when students did well following the rules. During this class period, I got to assist Ulla with some projects. I have been working on an Expected Behavior book that shows how students should behave. Both Ulla and I walked around and took pictures of the students when they were behaving properly during a task. We then put the pictures in a book and wrote a sentence explaining what was expected. As I was working on these projects many of the kids were very interested and loved reading the text. They were also very thrilled to find themselves in the book.
I also got to work on a little art project. They are currently listening to Peter and the Wolf Audiobooks when they are drawing. Ulla wants to help identify the instruments to the characters. So I created some signs with the name of the Character and drew a little picture next to it. Then we hung up the associating instrument next to that page. Ulla hopes it will help the kids get a visual of what character belongs to what instrument. In the next couple of weeks, they will be going to a performance where they will be listening to a play/orchestra playing the Peter and the Wolf songs.
When I was making the posters the kids were very amused and interested. Sometimes too much where they forgot to listen to Ulla. But this makes me excited to work on the project with them next Wednesday for Valentine’s day.
Wednesday, February 5th, 2020
Last Shadowing Day
MSS in Oakdale.
Teaching artist Matthew Bindert
18-75 years of age
8 am - 10:30 am
Students with disabilities
Today was my last Shadowing day with Matt. When I arrive Matt was finishing up a meeting so I got to socialize with many of the students. It was fun to listen to their stories and what they had to share. They all said they were disappointed that I was leaving.
When Matt finished his meeting we went to the classroom to get everything set up. The students slowly piled in. Matt is wonderful with them. I have heard many times how Matt is one of their favorite mentors. He remembers everyone’s name and has a personal relationship with every one of them. It is very interesting to observe how he makes sure to make each student feel special.
After the classroom was set up I went with the same student I have been mentoring through Photoshop. He has many questions as he tried to do the same techniques I taught him earlier. He is excellent at using all of the tools and it only takes him a couple of tries to understand how to use them. Halfway through Matt told him that he should watch me edit a photo so he could see how I would do it. He made sure to watch every move and ask many questions. In the end, he loved the photo. I combined two of the photos he took together.
This experience overall was amazing. All of the students and staff are upbeat and positive. The atmosphere is calming, inviting, and warm. It’s a place where people can come and relax. As Matt said on my first day, “ All of these students have so many outside expectations and pressures, I want them to come here and not have to worry about any of that. “ MSS is a beautiful company.