The Learning Curve

  The teacher I am working with definitely makes movement a priority in her lessons. It can be difficult to sit still and focus for a whole activity or lesson, so there are a few activities that have to be completed while out of your seat.  My cooperative teacher has created some activities that purposely get students up and moving throughout the classroom.  As I have watched, it seems that students are more focused and engaged when moving. I have also noticed that it is meaningful for students to be able to decide what they will work on at certain times. My cooperating teacher allows her students to decide what they will work on during the first hour of school. They can decide between a few different assigned activities and projects.  Each time I have observed students during this time they seem very engaged in their tasks.  Another way my cooperating teacher engages her students is through compliments and feeding their excitement and curiosity. She likes to le...

  Blog Entry #3    Describe a time your cooperative teacher has offered choice to students.     Students were working on an assignment and my cooperative teacher let the students decide between reading and coloring after they finished. Every once and a while I think it's important to let students choose what activities they will   participate in .     What has your cooperative teacher done to make students feel loved and safe?   My cooperative teacher has made a very safe and loving environment for her students by creating a space where students can share openly or one on one i f needed. It’s clea r her students trust her and space .   What clear routines are established in the classroom?  How do they support a productive learning environment?   Some routines that have been established are cleaning your desk/area after completing an activity. Tucking in your chair when you leave your seat. When leaving the class...

From what I have observed so far , I would say my teacher uses the behaviorism learning theory the most. I have mostly been in a kindergarten classroom which requires quite a bit of control . Students are rewarded with centers once they have finished their work and they get stick ers on homework pages t hat are turned in on time.   These rewards motivate students to finish their work and enforc e control in the classroom. Students are excited to see what stickers and they   enjoy being rewarded with free time to do centers because they can spend some time chatting with their friends.  

 The School & The Students  The elementary school I will be volunteering at looks a little old, but also very welcoming. The office staff were very friendly and full of information. I didn't speak with any parents but I did see quite a few parents walking their students to where they line up for school.  The neighborhood surrounding the school is very nice. As of right now I don't know a whole lot about the students I'm going to be working with because  I haven't started yet. I do know that I will be working with second graders, fifth graders and maybe some other grades as well.   Service learning is learning by doing or through experience. By volunteering at an elementary school, I will be able to learn through observing and helping a teacher in the classroom.   This type of learning will help me to truly understand and develop the skills needed to be a teacher.