My final full week in the classroom! I am so excited and proud to say that I have almost completed my internship :) It is a bit odd, though. I am currently typing this blog while my students are taking a benchmark test, that I am not administering. Although I am not certified to do it anyway, it still feels like I should be teaching everything still. It is so natural to now be teaching a full day without a second thought.
I was asked to tell about skills and troubles that my students are facing at this point of the year in my classroom. Students are easily confused with subtraction of three digits, especially if there is a zero involved. I feel that students understand it when I am teaching and they are responding on the board, but their test results show another side. Mrs. Blickenstaff has begun adding review here and there to keep this skill in their mind. I feel this is very important because if they never master it, the skills will keep piling up on them and they can never move forward.
I had mentioned the test scores in my previous section, but I feel testing is where students fail to express what they know. Ironic isn't it? I do not know if it is because of the pressure they feel taking it, or the lack of interest and motivation, but it worries me. I see they can understand many different subjects through discussion and in class work, but they do not show me through a test.
I can go on and on with this blog as to reasons they are not excelling at testing, but one reason I think, is the same with all testing. Students need to know how to read! If you can't read directions or problem solving questions, you can't choose an answer. If there are comprehension questions based on a story that a student could not read, can they respond? No.
All of these ideas will come into play when I have my own classroom. I know that each year will bring new problems. Not all groups will struggle with subtraction, some may be confused with verbs or sequencing. It's important that I try my best to help all students surpass what I know they can accomplish.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I'm asking everyone this question. What knowledge, skills are your students in 3rd grade having troubles with?
ReplyDeleteDOes Miss Streets really have to go? It's not fair that she has to leave? Is she coming back after Christmas? These are the latest and most frequently asked questions by my 3rd graders.
ReplyDeleteActually, I feel the same. Kimberly has made a difference in my students lives. The class quickly picked up on her genuine care, concern, and love for the kids.
Miss Streets will be greatly missed, however, it is exciting to know that she is a future teacher.
This time goes by fast. The last semester will seem like so much, so pay attn to the details this spring. once you get past portfolio review, you'll begin to see the light at the end of a tunnel. Now's the time to take a big picture look at the program - it was designed to give you real experience. can you imagine teaching in your first job with just 6 weeks of teaching experience? Can't be done. Keep in mind that to be an expert teacher takes time, so be patient, but you're already ahead of many of your peers from other places. You'll thank yourself for getting through this experience the first day, the first week when you have your own classroom. Send me a picture.
ReplyDeleteDespite the politics of school, I remind grad's of this one big picture reality: there are kids out there who need you. This will keep you grounded and ready for tomorrow.
i will miss you