Lori Murray

EDU 451

Week of Reflection - January 8, 2021

Rate and explain your overall experience of the week: 1 - Very difficult to 5 - Great week

I would rate this week as a 4. This was the first week back after winter break and the first time all students and staff have been totally virtual at the same time since the spring semester. It was also a 4 day week. It was great to see all of them after the break and without masks. I would have given the week a 5 if not for some glitches with technology.

Respond to these questions to end your week:

Observe: What pleasant surprises/accomplishments did I achieve this week?

My major accomplishment that I achieved this week was navigating Zoom. I was able to share screens and videos with few hiccups. During the live Zooms, I kept an average of 10 first graders engaged.

Reflect: What lessons did my work/experiences teach me that I will build upon next week?

This week we started a new unit in Social Studies on maps. Next week, I plan to build upon what they learned about maps and have them move into maps that show mountains, bodies of water and other landforms. This will then lead into science and the study of habitats. 

Focus: How are my short-term efforts and my long-term goals still aligned?

My short-term and long-term goals are to continue to build bonds and relationships with my students. I believe that by building strong relationships I am intune with my students and how best to meet their needs and ultimately reach the goals of mastering standards.

Be Productive: What could I have spent more or less time doing?

I stayed very productive all week. When I was not in live Zooms with my students, I was meeting with students to work on areas that they were struggling with. Sometimes these were small groups and other times they were just one student who needed a little extra guidance. 

Have Courage: How did apprehension and indecision impact what I did and didn’t do?

Surprisingly, I did not have any apprehension and indecision that impacted what I did or didn’t do this week. This is surprising because this is the first time I have ever taught my whole class virtually. Hopefully, the same will be true for next week.

Begin Anew: What is the first logical step(s) for next week? What mental clutter can I clear?

The next logical steps for next week is to ensure that I have my materials ready and to have all the activities for the students set up on Seesaw.  

What were some data you analyzed this week and how did it help inform instructional decisions?

The only data that I had from this week was a check in for their understanding of the new phonics lesson they had. This was done through a short spelling test on today, Friday. I also had them to draw a map on their own with a compass rose and map key. The students had to hide a toy in their house and draw a map to its location.

What is one piece of advice you can share with other student teachers?

To not sweat the small stuff. Just let it go. Always remember that these are kids and things happen.

NC Teacher Candidate Standards (Be sure to reference activities from your lesson plans to solidify your answer.)

• Pick an element from standard one of the evaluation tools and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.

Teachers lead in their classrooms (1a). I followed our “normal” classroom schedule even though we were virtual. Before we left for break, I sent home a class schedule that we would follow. This included our normal breaks in the day for specials and recess. By doing this, the students were able to have a sense of stability.

• Pick an element from standard two of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.

Teachers embrace diversity in the school community and the world (2b). I chose a book for the literacy lesson that was not only relevant to this time of year it was also very diverse. The book was “Shante Keys and the New Year’s Peas”. By sharing this book, students were able to see how other cultures celebrate New Year’s day with food.

• Pick an element from standard three of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.

Teachers align their instruction with the North Carolina Standard Course of Study (3a). My lesson plans and instruction aligned with the standards that North Carolina states we should teach in the 3rd quarter of first grade. For literacy that is R.L.1.2 retelling a story and for social studies the standard is 1.G.1 using geological tools and understanding basic elements of maps. 

• Pick and element from standard four of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.

Teachers integrate and utilize technology in their instruction (4d). During virtual learning this week, I have had to use a variety of technology tools. The first is having live lessons via Zoom. During these lessons, I have shared screens and also had students use their devices to help work out word problems and determine directions on a map. I have also provided supplemental work through SeeSaw, Freckle, and Raz-Kids. 

• Pick an element from standard five of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element. 

Teachers function effectively in a complex, dynamic environment (5c). Teaching virtually has taught me a lot of things. One of which is that when you use technology expect that sometimes you must readjust. It was clear by day 2 that I needed to change how I was implementing small group instruction. Starting next week, I will give the students a time to come back to Zoom. I did not use break out rooms, because some of the students would be unsupervised.