Data Presentation Reflections

One of the things that I loved about the data class, especially during the presentations, was hearing other peoples' ideas and what worked for them and what didn't. After this year I feel confident with my reading instruction and I have the data to back up that what I did worked. I will always continue to improve, but next year I would like to focus on math. I heard some really great ideas about math that I would like to try next year. I made several notes about computer programs like IXL, and other math resources. At our last grade level meeting I asked about getting a subscription to IXL or a similar program, and it sounds like something we will be able to get next year.
Jennifer and I had very similar projects, so it was great to discuss how things were going throughout the year. I would like to implement some of the things that she did next year, like having students track their own growth. I struggled with having the kids set their own goals, because they don't really know what a realistic goal is. I like the way she had them chart their word reading, so they can see what they did last time and the times before and set a reasonable goal. It is a great visual for them and for me, and I think it brings more meaning and understanding to them about what they are doing and why.

Focus: More Thoughts

Most importantly, this course offered me the opportunity to reflect on my own teaching practices. I feel like for a lot of this first year I have been in survival mode, just trying to get through one week at a time. I know I have so much to learn, but this course made me stop and look at what I am doing, and what else I can do. I'm not going to be perfect after a year of teaching, but if I stop to reflect on specific subjects or struggles, I can work toward a solution rather than just getting frustrated. While Schmoker's words were important, the discussions that we had as a group will be what I remember. I have enjoyed hearing ideas from other first grade teachers, as well as teachers from all grade levels, subject areas, classroom teachers and non classroom teachers. It has been wonderful to hear all perspectives and relate them to my own.

Focus: End of the year thoughts....

As I reflect over the past year (I can't believe it has already been a year!) there were times that I agreed with what the book said, and other times that I felt like his world was totally disconnected from my first grade world, and the connections felt like a bit of a stretch. Overall, I agree with his philosophy. I believe that we need to really "Focus" what we teach, and go into depth vs. trying to teach everything. I remember him talking about cutting down the standards by 50% and only teaching what is most important. This is something that I wish we had more control over. I am interested to see how this feels as we transition into common core standards.
The chapter that spoke to me most as a first grade teacher was Ch. 4:English Language Arts Made Simple. I am responsible for teaching all of my kids how to read before I send them on. This chapter had a couple that run through my mind all the time.
"If you were born poor, you'd better start reading." -Joe Queenan 
"Every year, every student needs to spend hundreds of hours actually reading, writing, and speaking for intellectual purposes."
"Wide, abundant reading is the surest route out of poverty and the limitations that impose themselves on the less literate."
This speaks to so many of our kids in Lebanon. Fortunately we can give them the tools they need to succeed-an education.

Preparation for College, Careers and Citizenship--for All Pg27

I know not all go to college.  I educate my first graders as if they are going to college.  I teach a college prep class.  What can it hurt?

Schmoker tells us in his book "Focus" that there are 3 elements we should approach with simplicity and diligence..

What we teach...

How we teach...

Authentic literacy...

What we teach...Curriculum/standards

This is decided for me.  Some are easier to teach than others.  Even though, as a district, we have the same standards and curriculum to teach for each grade, I feel, as far as first grade is concerned, we don't do it justice.  I am to blame in the area of math.  I have trouble with our curriculum, so I might not use it as I should to teach the standards.

How we teach....

I am pretty much a "My Turn", "Our Turn", "Your Turn" or "I Do", "We Do", "You Do"...sort of teacher.

Authentic Literacy..

I have worked on this during the school year.  I teach core reading, and am trying to add more authentic literacy to that core.  The district has a new Science curriculum.  It excites me because it is full of authentic literacy.

I am missing some posts.  I am going to go through the book Focus a second time and see what else hits me.
Simplicity, essentials, clarity and priority. (pg 5)
This is what the book is asking us to embrace.  I am ready for this.  As the school year ends I am purging.  Throwing it away, taking it home....I don't want "it" all around me to muddle me up.  Maybe the cleanliness will create clarity in me and my students.

SOOOOO Disappointed. :(

I went into my classroom yesterday and saw Miss Teresa. It was SO disappointing. She had been doing so well with her behaviors. When I went in yesterday, she was in charge and did whatever she wanted. If she wanted in the next room, she went. If she wanted a different toy, she ran and got it, over and over and over again. She was blurting like crazy and I heard poop over and over again. And there were no consequences for her behaviors from any of the staff. It was very sad for me to see that in just over a month of me not being there she had regressed so much. I am very nervous for what will happen to her next year. :( I even talked to the Autism Specialist again while she was there that day too. She was also very disappointed in what she has seen. We had made so much progress with her.