Practicum #9

United States
November 10, 2009 4:53pm CST
I'm still battling a cold and feeling very tired. So, this log was once again almost delayed a week, but no one seems to be reading it. So, I guess it doesn't matter when I post it. However, it's nice to have this to look back on it. On Wednesday, we did the morning greets. I read a story to the students that my mentor teacher picked. I forgot what it was about, I think Thanksgiving, and the children didn't seem to enjoy it. They always want to touch the book when I read to them. It's very distracting. However, they liked when I asked them questions about it at the end. Next, we washed hands. I gave them breakfast and set up their toothbrushes. Next we did centers. One little boy wanted to fight with everyone and had to sit in the library by himself. After that, we had lunch. My group seems to be eating faster. One boy cried, because he wants to eat school lunch, but can't because his mother doesn't pay for it and gives him lunch from home. I think the lunch he brings looks better than what the school serves. So, he cried and refused to eat lunch and my mentor teach wrote his mom a letter and sent her another lunch calendar. Next, they took a nap. The aid went to lunch and the students went to the bathroom. Then, it was my turn. The aid gave me money and I got her something from McDonald's. The teacher and another teacher went with me and we got something to eat. I gave the aid her food and ate with the other two teachers. I felt bad, because one of the students saw the bag. Next, we took our scooters and played outside. Then, they came in and put on their coats. We took them to the bus. It was a pretty good day. I have tomorrow off for the holiday.
1 response
Anora_Eldorath
@Anora_Eldorath (6028)
• United States
10 Nov 09
Smartie- What age are you doing your practicum with? Where do you live and go to school? It seems a young age as I've never had to have them "brush their teeth", but it would be nice if they encouraged such personal hygiene at the elementary level. My practicums were never very long, only a total of 15 hours. My student teaching placement though was several months long where I was in the classroom daily teaching. With young readers it is important for them to be able to touch and read, but this is soon left behind as they become fluent readers. I know it can be distracting, so you could remind them ahead of time that you will point to the words as you read if they can sit without touching the book or anyone else. Good luck hun. Namaste-Anora
smartie0317
@smartie0317 (1610)
• United States
11 Nov 09
Thanks for your advice. I'm working with four year olds and one of the children turned five on Halloween, but he is ESL and missed the kindergarten cutoff date anyway. I like that they encourage brushing teeth. I think it's a good habit to get the children into. At my school, we do two observations called field works. One is 15 hours over the semester and the second is 30 hours over the semester where you just sit in on a class, or daycare, and take notes. Then, we have a practicum which is 15 full days over the semester. It's every Wednesday for me, but the first day was a meeting, we had one half day, and today the school is closed. So far, I've missed 2 and a half days but it's ok if it's related to the school they place you. Next semester I'm going to be there five days week. I always remind them not to touch the book, but I think a lot of it has to do with the mentor teacher, who is there five days a week, let's them do a lot of things I think she should not.
1 person likes this
Anora_Eldorath
@Anora_Eldorath (6028)
• United States
12 Nov 09
Smartie- That is always difficult when you and your lead teacher have differing teaching styles. I am sure you willd o a wonderful job. I have never worked with four year olds, so my hats off to you. Have a wonderful week. Namaste-Anora