I always think the first test is the test ground. I have taken several tests and written several essays that I flat out did not get the grade I wanted to. Most of this was the first test or essay. First tests and essays are the ones you learn from. You learn what to expect on the next assignment and how to better prepare for it. I think the students felt the same.
The next test is coming up Wednesday. I have seen several students write their new terms out over and over, trying to prepare. Today my CT asked that I think of a way the students could review their spelling terms since we would have spare time at the end of class. I asked the students to write a short story using the terms. If they did not want to do that I asked the students to write a sentence for each word. Many students seemed to enjoy this assignment. Others did not. I explained that while it is helpful to write the terms over and over, it is also helpful to know how to use them in sentences. I look forward to seeing their results Wednesday.
My CT and I began discussing our co-teaching method. We discussed co-teaching when we first met, but we haven't really done anything up until a few days ago. I met with D. during her plan period and we worked out who would teach what and when. We decided to break our teaching time into the specific lessons each day brings. As I mentioned before, this class covers grammar, speaking, writing, reading, vocabulary, and spelling. I will be covering speaking, vocabulary, reading, and spelling. D. will take on grammar and writing. As we move on from section to section we will take on our perspective roles. The idea is that I will cover two subjects, D. will then cover two, and I will finish up with the last two. This will give the students a little change of pace and a new presenter to occupy their attention. We are both think this will benefit the students.
I get to play with a program called Smart Notebook. It is a program for the Smartboard. I get to use lessons already designed by the company that produced the program. D. asked that I incorporate some of my own stuff into the lesson plans. I am excited to see what I can come up with.
The co-teaching will begin October 1st, which happens to be my birthday. I hope this will be a wonderful experience!
Ms. H.
Ms. Hays,
ReplyDeleteSounds like you had a similar experience to my own when it came to thinking about when and what you would teach. Glad to hear you have also gotten an idea for what your teaching will look like in your class! I liked your two ideas that you had for your students to use the vocabulary: either by putting them in sentences or writing a story using the terms. Could you think of any other activities for students who did not like these alternatives? I wonder if there is something they could do that did not necessarily involve writing that could help them understand the spelling and the meaning? I have noticed with some students I work with that I could tell them to write and maybe 25% of them would just sit there and do nothing. It's these students that I want to reach on some other level. Maybe not even in writing but another literacy that would interest them enough to learn and use the material. I am always up-to-date and aware about pop-culture and wonder what information I could utilize from there to help students learn vocabulary or other English-related things. I realize pop-culture is a huge part of public school kid's lives, so I think it could be a great tool to help them learn if I could parallel pop-culture related things to English class things.
Mr. Wike
Amanda,
ReplyDeleteIt's wonderful that you're first few weeks are going so well! I totally understand what you're saying about the first tests and essays being so hard but so helpful. I wonder if there is anything we can do as educators to help alleviate that stress? I know I don't feel like I can breathe in a class until I have taken that first test or written that first essay and know what to expect from it. I also think its wonderful that you and your CT will be co-teaching. It's nice so you don't feel like all the pressure is on you but she still gets to interact with her students as well. I think its wonderful that many education programs are going towards that method rather than it simply alternate between observation and teaching. Maybe you should tell the kids its your birthday and they'll behave extra good! :-) I look forward to hearing more from you!
Lauren
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ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you are well prepared, know your students and genuinely care about their learning. I'm sure your lesson will go well. I agree with you sentiment about things going better after you've done them once. I think it will help the students now that they have a feel for the content of the examinations. As far as more practice goes, I once saw a teacher have the students create a story incorporating some or all (depending on the amount) of their vocabulary words. The students seemed to enjoy this exercise, yet be challenged at the same time. The stories were really interesting, and kind of bizzare. Perhaps this is a method you could try to help with thier retention. Best of luck to you!! This should be an awesome birthday
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