Professional Semester 1 Fall 2014
Placement: Coalhurst Elementary School, Coalhurst, Alberta
Grades taught: 4/5 combined class
Subjects taught: Science, Art, Health, Gym
Teacher Associate: Mrs. Pauline Peddle
University Consultant: Mrs. Rhona Harkness
What I've Learned
I have learned that children, no matter what level of ability or talent, want to learn, and will learn from you when you show that you care and are interested in them. To do this, you need to show them who you are, so one way I did this was to wear a different pair of colourful socks each day. I have quite a collection of socks, and this was a way to engage with the class and provide something for them to look forward to each day. One student even started keeping a running log of the different socks I wore each day.
I have learned that no matter how planning and preparation you put into a lesson, you need to be able to switch gears and your focus on a moments notice. Some lessons will take far longer than you thought, and others will surprise at how much time is left over, so having some backup activities is essential. Details really do matter, and students will follow your exact words, so the need for clarity is paramount.
I have learned that students love to do a variety of tasks in the same subject area. Some of the best advice I ave received regarding teaching is to "tell a little, show a little, do a little" and then repeat throughout the lesson, the day and the school year.
I have learned how important movement is to our students, and they probably don;t get enough of it, which is why gym class is so popular, even for the "less-athletic" students.
I have learned how truly important literacy is, and the incredible variety of ways in which it can be incorporated into lessons. I have really seen how students will literacy challenges can be affected in a variety of areas. I understand better why there is such a focus on literacy and will look for ways to include literacy in all my teaching.
Most importantly, I have learned the power of having the idea behind Love One Another at the core of the classroom, and the magic that will happen as students are taught and learn what it means to be part of a Love One Another classroom. This is the greatest lesson I have learned. No matter what else or how much students are taught in any of their classes, learning what it means to truly Love One Another will the most valuable lesson anyone can learn.
Grades taught: 4/5 combined class
Subjects taught: Science, Art, Health, Gym
Teacher Associate: Mrs. Pauline Peddle
University Consultant: Mrs. Rhona Harkness
What I've Learned
I have learned that children, no matter what level of ability or talent, want to learn, and will learn from you when you show that you care and are interested in them. To do this, you need to show them who you are, so one way I did this was to wear a different pair of colourful socks each day. I have quite a collection of socks, and this was a way to engage with the class and provide something for them to look forward to each day. One student even started keeping a running log of the different socks I wore each day.
I have learned that no matter how planning and preparation you put into a lesson, you need to be able to switch gears and your focus on a moments notice. Some lessons will take far longer than you thought, and others will surprise at how much time is left over, so having some backup activities is essential. Details really do matter, and students will follow your exact words, so the need for clarity is paramount.
I have learned that students love to do a variety of tasks in the same subject area. Some of the best advice I ave received regarding teaching is to "tell a little, show a little, do a little" and then repeat throughout the lesson, the day and the school year.
I have learned how important movement is to our students, and they probably don;t get enough of it, which is why gym class is so popular, even for the "less-athletic" students.
I have learned how truly important literacy is, and the incredible variety of ways in which it can be incorporated into lessons. I have really seen how students will literacy challenges can be affected in a variety of areas. I understand better why there is such a focus on literacy and will look for ways to include literacy in all my teaching.
Most importantly, I have learned the power of having the idea behind Love One Another at the core of the classroom, and the magic that will happen as students are taught and learn what it means to be part of a Love One Another classroom. This is the greatest lesson I have learned. No matter what else or how much students are taught in any of their classes, learning what it means to truly Love One Another will the most valuable lesson anyone can learn.