Thursday was the 8th grade field trip on the Potomac Eagle in Romney, WV. I'm really glad that I got to have this experience with the students. Not only did I see some beautiful sights, but I also got to know these students better. I haven't started teaching this group yet, so it was really great that I got to have this experience.
I started teaching the 6th grade this week. I have realized that this group is going to be more challenging than the 7th grade class. First of all, there are 20 students in the class, but the biggest issue that I am having is accommodating the special needs students in the class while not boring the higher achieving students in the class. The higher achieving students will finish an assignment in a couple minutes and understand the concept while the special needs students need at least 20 minutes and still may not understand entirely. I think that more group work would benefit these students.
Everything is going well with the 7th grade class. I'm going to try to come up with a late work policy because my biggest issue with this class is students not turning in work/turning work in late. Hopefully a new policy will solve this problem. I start the second half of my action research next week and am really excited about it! I think that the students will enjoy the change of pace of not using their textbook and workbooks so much. I am hoping everything goes well!
I missed Week 6. I was getting ready for my chicago trip, but no excuse, so I read your week 6 and 7 posts.
ReplyDeleteweek 6: the homework issue is always a big one and there are many opinions about this. I believe as an intern you have limited time to influence students with this approach. I believe in homework in general - in general, meaning that sometimes students need repeated practice on some skills. Math mostly. When you have your first classroom you'll be able to have a consistent policy on h/work during the school year. I was wondering what Nancy had to say about this issue.Overall, you're making teaching decisions and thinking LIKE a teacher.
Week 7: I love field trips for just the benefit you cite: getting to know the students in ways that would be impossible in the c/room. This event should really help you with them during the rest of the year.
see u tuesday!
Sounds like a nice field trip. How long was the train ride? Did you see any eagles or any other wildlife? Did the students enjoy the trip? Field trips provide an opportunity to see your students in a different setting other than the classroom which is always interesting.
ReplyDeleteHomework..homework... It's sad to think that students don't even complete an assignment when it is given for extra credit. Is their homework averaged in as part of their grade?
Your sixth grade sounds like my second grade and is typical of a lot of classrooms. I think working in groups or even in pairs would be beneficial to your students who are struggling.