SBL W7

This week at SBL I conducted an investigative math interview with a yr  5 student based on 24 hr time. Observed another math and science lesson, got involved in both the math lessons. Spent a whole day in my fave class. Observed shared writing in action.

Highlights
Being in my fave class for a whole day, really making a connections with the kids.
Massive shared morning tea. :)
Having a girl come to read with me in the morning two days in a row and really making a connection with her, she doesn't read much at home, and her teacher has asked her to read with me.
Learning about fractions!this will help with my math test coming up in the 3rd term!
Spending one on one time with my yr5 student and talking to her about what she knows and what she still needs to learn etc.

Challenges
A yr 2 math group, had taken them before, this time for some reason the two boys got a bit out of control. I had to raise my voice and say ' boys you both need to cut it out! Or go and tell Mrs X that you have being misbehaving!' After that they did calm down and start to listen. I did get to a point where I didn't know what else to do with them, so my knowledge needs to grow.
Understanding the concept of shared writing with a template.
What do I say when children say things like 'I have no dad'? Took me by surprise. And I just sort of said oh ok.

What I learnt.
How to order fractions :)
That I need to have more knowledge of maths before I can teach it.
That when children don't understand something, try and give your own example as a teacher and then ask for more suggestions from class once you have clarified what you are asking of them. (In context of shared writing)

SBL W6

This week at SBL I had an interesting week. Was good to be in a class for a full day on Wednesday and see how the day goes start to finish. Tuesday I observed a senior science lesson, and a middle math lesson. I choose both my children that I am using for my assessment and happy with the choices.

Highlights.
I'm really enjoying the science lessons, I thought this would be an area that Im not interested in but I've surprised myself and I like observing them.
Watching a teacher making a mistake during a math lesson and realising this and fixing it, made me realise teachers are humans and aren't always right.
I really enjoy being in a yr 2 class all day.

Challenges.
To control children who do not listen. I managed to do it in some situations but not another. I still think that the children do not see me as teachers, even though the school calls us Candidate Teachers at the school. I need to work on my firm voice.
Being professional with a teacher when they asked about other CT's maturity levels, I just held my tongue even though I wanted to agree with that teacher.
Keeping my mouth shut when I see and hear innaporitae things the other CT's are doing and saying, I think it's imbarrassing and reflects badly on the rest of us and the institute where we study.

What I learnt.
That modeled writing and shared writing are two different things, have seen examples of both.
That teachers make mistakes.
That most teachers don't even think of learning theories after teaching training.
That I should learn the guitar as it's a great tool for learning in class rooms as well.