Last week I feel that I was able to achieve my goals. I was able to incorporate more technology, although it didn't always work, but I was able to utilize a wireless music components that my students loved. I found myself enjoying more of the day because I was able to be motivated and my students loved listening to the music as well. I found that the day went quicker and it minimized the loudness of noise in the gym which for some student is beneficial.
Additionally, I was able to visit another school last week in which I had fun watching other points of view and then thinking how my actions are similar or different from the other teacher. When I was observing I found many good points and saw that how I teach was similar and felt confident in my work. I was pleased with what I saw and obtain some other good ideas for my future. This week I will be doing to another school and observing some other classes.
This week my goals are to finish up my projects and begin to make some more network opportunities. I am hoping to obtain some more resources that will be beneficial for my future as well. I hope to adjust my resume, develop my teaching video, and to adjust my cover letter as opportunities will soon be posted.
Write one word that best describes your teaching experience this week. Resourceful
Reflection is vital throughout my time when teaching. I find that when teaching you are constantly reflect and if you are not then you are too comfortable in what you are doing. On a daily basis and within each class, I am always trying to think of new ways to motivate students. Whether it taking a time out to begin a relay race or adjusting and having the student meet in the middle to re-explain some materials, we are always reflection. Without reflection, your classroom is at a standstill and there is no room for adjustment and if things decide to topple you need to reevaluate before chaos erupts.
At the beginning of my placement, we had planned on teaching team handball which for some students was simple and to others it was more difficult. In the past, Mr. Quaid taught that once you get tagged you stop in place and then you pass the ball to a teammate. In the game of handball, you are only to hold the ball for 3-5 seconds and only take 3 steps. When I was going to teach this I wanted my other students to play more according to the rules rather than them playing to a lower standard of waiting until they got tagged. I also noticed with this way of teaching the same students were handling the ball and other students were not having a chance to touch the ball by itself. I added in some rules like a girl just catch and pass it before their team can score or that they have to use 4 passes before they can score this way more students are involved with playing. What I realized is that these students were having such a difficult time with counting their steps and forgetting what they needed to do because I added so many rules that I decided to take out the amount of steps out of the rules and have the students concentrate more on the passing skills rather than how many steps they were taking because in essence everyone was moving. The students were happy with this result because the game increased more movement, more than what I thought it would and the students were able to incorporate more teamwork because they knew they needed to pass to their teammates and include others. It diminished the one person team player who always had the ball and because he was quick scored.
For me working with kids with disabilities is something I have done for over 3 years. I feel that I understand Autism a lot and continue to make sure these students are able to follow directions and get their necessary breaks their body needs in addition to adding sensory options for my students. I continue to seek assistance from aids, find alternative options online, and to talk with the adaptive PE teacher for alternative options for my students to succeed. Overall, when talking with the adaptive PE teacher is has been pleased with my changes and aids are comfortable with the changes I make for my students with disabilities.
A couple of weeks ago, I emailed my prior PE teachers and told them where I am at in my teaching. I asked them that I was in need of some games that can be played indoors, in smaller spaces, and outside. I wanted these ideas because at the elementary level, we are constantly having to move. When asking for these resources I found a lot of useful information and was able to feel more confident if things were adjusted quickly.
I love the handball story and what you learned from that. Your reflecting is strong and it will serve you well with your classes when you begin teaching.
ReplyDeleteChallenge yourself to find a mentor the first year. You blog so beautifully, it can easily be set up in this fashion. Write 1-3 goals a week or a month and have them hold you accountable for this.
Your experience, plus how compassionate you are, serves you well when you are teaching special students. You absolutely see that each child is a unique creation of God and come alongside them to ensure growth. A trait that is a gift you use well, Julie!
Continue networking for new ideas....there has never been a teacher in my experience that doesn't see sharing as a compliment.
Relish in the next two weeks and enjoy the scoring challenge of bowling:).
Oh My Goodness! You do exactly what you should do - plan, assess, teach, asses, reflect - simply excellent Julie!
ReplyDeleteKathy already highlighted many of the areas that I say kudos to as well. I also liked your point about observing after student teaching. There is a definite difference between observations before and observations after student teaching and you have highlighted some of those important differences.
You mented networking and that is another valuable resource that you have gained via student teaching.
What a pleasure it has been for me to be part of your adult studies career from the beginning to the end. Thanks for sharing so much of your time with me.
Dr. Z