For my field experience I was placed in 4th grade math at Kennedy Elementary. My cooperating teacher was Mrs. Ramler. I was scheduled to be there Monday’s from 12:00-2:00. I want to start out by saying that having a busy schedule and getting sick is very difficult. I had gone to one day of my experience before I became sick with mono. So I missed a few days because of being sick and rescheduled softball games.
In my classroom my teacher actually had me teaching the lessons in groups to the class. We did a lot of work with whiteboards and dry erase markers, and always worked in groups. Many of the lessons we did were related to preparation for the state testing. Also, my teacher did not leave time at the end of the class for me to teach the FERMI math our pre course had said we would. Which was fine with me, I really enjoyed being engaged in the students’ actual curriculum.
My first day was actually on Valentine’s Day! The first hour of my time was spent helping my teacher and the students with their geography work. After that we had a short math lesson which was split up into groups. With thirty minutes left in school the students had their Valentine’s Day party. I brought a candy treat for each of the students. I didn’t not have a candy bag, so some of the students were nice enough to share theirs with me. I was very nervous for this first day, but it ended up being very fun and easy!
I have completed six days of my field experience so far. I have two days to finish yet. My days spent in Mrs. Ramlers class were very useful to me. She does a great job of engaging her students, and provides a fun and efficient learning environment. Also, she knows how to get and keep the attention of her students. She uses a simple clapping tune to get her students attention. Instantly when her students hear that sound they are quiet and have all eyes on the teacher. Also, Mrs. Ramler uses a ticket system. Student can receive tickets for good behavior, work ethic, and assignments. The students then collect the ticket until they have enough to get a small treat. If a student misbehaved she would simply stick out her hand and ask for their ticket. The student cannot object to her authority, and this I believe gets students to gain respect for the teacher.
When I was working with students in group work this ticketing system was very helpful. I would pass out tickets at the beginning, and if the students did a good job and paid attention got to keep their tickets. Otherwise, I would hold out my hand and the students knew to hand over their ticket for the misbehavior. Even being just a field experience student, my students respected me and thought of me as authority.
I have really enjoyed my field experience thus far. I have learned many techniques I can use in my future. I was able to develop my skills and really learn through experience. The only problem I had with my experience is that there isn’t much diversity. In my class there is one African American girl, and one American Indian girl. There is also another student who is part of the special education program. I am very upset that this student is not mainstreamed into the class at all. I can tell Mrs. Ramler would love to have this student in her classroom more often, but he just isn’t allowed. It blows my mind and I feel terrible because I have never even talked to him before, I don’t even know his name.
I really would have loved to be place in a classroom that had more diversity. I really want to gain that experience of working with students of different backgrounds. I know being in a diverse environment would help me strengthen my cultural competency. In the future I hope I am placed in a school with more chances to experience these differences. I have enjoyed my class very much, and the students have been fantastic. For my overall experience I would put this at 3 out of 5. I know I could have built my skills and gained great experience in a more diverse classroom. Overall though it was an amazing experience, one that will help me create a future as a teacher.
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