What have you seen in language arts/reading instruction?
This week they did their usual reading assignments, but they also focused on vocabulary. On Monday, Nov. 16th, they learned the vocabulary words and the motions the teacher made to go with them. On Wednesday, Nov. 18th, they reviewed the vocabulary words and the motions and then read a story that had those vocabulary words in them. The story was teacher guided with the teacher asking questions about the story.
What have you taught in your internship?
I got the opportunity to work one on one with two fifth grade students on some math problems. I was amazed at how one student understood the idea of decomposing numbers. I also found it astounding that they solved the first problem in their head and very quickly as well. Math is not my strongest subject, so I know that it would take me a while to solve problems in my head.
Comment on any interesting things that you have noticed about your school, the teachers, the students, or the curriculum.
I thought it was interesting that the teacher had the students do motions to go with the vocabulary words they were learning. I felt like it helped them remember them better. I find it very nice that the principal will sometimes eat lunch with the students. It shows that the principal cares about the school, staff and students. There are few students who eat butter and crackers with their lunch. I do not see how that is healthy, but they seem to enjoy it. I love walking into the classroom and seeing the smiles on those students faces when we show up. I also like how they ask us to help them with some of their work. It makes me feel needed and wanted. I learned from the music teacher that this class is her most challenging class to work with. She said she has a hard time getting them interested in what she is trying to teach.
Our teacher has students do motions with their vocabulary words as well! Its a good way to help them remember the definitions though!