I am going to rate this week a 5 out of 5. Even though it was very hectic finishing up edTPA and making sure everything was in order, it was a rewarding week because we SUBMITTED. At around 4:10 on Thursday when I pushed the button to submit, I felt such a relief. I am sure everyone else felt the same way. The process went very smoothly. A large shoot out to Mrs. Suttle, Dr. Lord, Dr. Betts, and Dr. Wesson. You ladies rock!

Reading Across America week was a lot of fun. My kiddos loved it. Our superintent was unable to come by due to an issue, however he promised to stop in another day. Lookin forward to his visit. Tuesday was wear your favorite color day and Wednesday was wear a college shirt or dress for the job you would like to be when you grow up. Thursday was crazy hair and/or wacky socks. My students wondered where my crazy hair was and I had to tell them that I was leaving early for an appointment and I didn't want to scare people with my crazy hair. Yes, I worked half a day on Thursday, my turn in day. I worked until 11:30 then came home checked every thing one last time and headed over to GWU. I was observed this same morning by our district Reading Coach. I know like I was not stressed enough.  She left me the best note and wished me the best of luck on submitting. That eased my stress a little.

I gave my students several informal assessments through out the week. I noticed that a few of my students are still struggling with word problems. Since next week is the end of the quarter, I have plans to spend time reviewing math concepts such as word problems, telling time, measurement. Since my students had to complete iStation testing, I was unable to have small groups in reading this week. My plan is for next week to resume these groups again. Since we are still in Cohorts, I am able to listen to each student read everyday. Wonderful!

Standard 1a: Teachers lead in their classrooms.  My small group lessons are running smoothly in math. I feel as though they are really paying off. I can see improvements in how my students are understanding word problems. Since the class size is small I am able to meet with all my students daily and spend extra time with each group. 

Standard 2a: Teachers provide an environment in which each child has a positive, nurturing relationship with caring adults. My students and I had a great week. As we are entering the last week of the 3rd quarter, I can really see the bond that we all have formed together. Even in such a topsy turvy year., I can tell that my students know that I care for them and only want the best from each one. They also trust me which is so important for some of them who come from unstable homes. 

Standard 3a: Teachers align their instruction with the North Carolina Standard Course of Study. This week I introduced articles to my students in literacy. These articles coincided with our Social Studies unit on recycling, reducing, reusing. The articles showed students that how there are many forms of text. When it was time for Social Studies, I referenced back to the articles and applied what the students had learned from them into the Social Studies lesson. 

Standard 4b: Teachers plan instruction that is appropriate for their students. Last week I noticed that my students were very curious about what happens when the items go to the recycling center. I searched and found a couple of great short videos that shows what happens. One of those videos was from Reading Rainbow. My kiddos were fascinated by what happens to plastic and paper. In fact, were are going to make paper in out class. I have put this in the plan book for Earth Day in April. 

Standard 5a: Teachers analyze student learning. I continue to use informal assessments to plan for small group instruction. I am able to quickly identify those students who need more support and those that need more of a challenge.