Week One in Dyad Placement

Going from kindergarten to eighth grade...

I was overwhelmed the first day, trying to wrap my mind around how different this placement is from my main placement. It would be easier for me to list the few ways that they are similar than to go through the many, many ways that they differ. And how would I remember all of their names when the class period keeps ending, and there is a whole new set of students each hour! I went home, reflected on everything I'd learned, and really let the day sink in.

The second day, our CT had us "jump right in!" and we each taught a lesson on a different period. It was fantastic. It gave me a lot of ideas, I was able to do some constructive reflection on my own lesson, and now I feel much more at ease in front of our silly, smart, and enthusiastic class.

I'm thinking about how, this week, we really started from scratch and jumped right in- knowing very little about the classroom dynamics beforehand. We each taught the same lesson, but they were both so unique. The purpose and the format of the lesson were the same, and even so, each time it turned out differently. I think it's something to think about, especially because I was thinking about the  many districts that require teachers to use a set curriculum. Even in a set curriculum, aspiring teachers can make lessons their own, and that realization was comforting.

Reflection on my Reflection (Paper)

It was hard to go all the way back to my May 30th frame of mind- so much has happened since then! I started out that reflection by discussing classroom communities, how that was a novel idea for me, and how inclusion was such a central aspect to building a good classroom community.
Since May 30th, I've actually seen a classroom community in-the-works. From the very first days of school, until the end of September, I've been there while 24 kindergarteners (some who haven't been to school before) learn what it means to be a part of that classroom community and really grow together as learners. Inclusion was an important idea for me in May, and it still resonates with me today.
Another thing I wrote about in my past reflection was Sir Ken Robinson's "Changing Paradigms". I'm so intrigued by all of the divergent thinkers in my kindergarten placement. They are still so imaginative, and willing to try, and so creative. The first piece of art I received from one of them appeared to be different shades of pink scribbles made into the shape of an arch- and I had absolutely no idea what it was but didn't want to ask. I thanked them for it and said it was wonderful and I like the color pink, etc. The student told me it was "an all pink rainbow!" and I still think that was such a cool thing. Rainbows, in her mind, don't yet have to be ROYGBIV. In my reflection, I also wrote a little about Greene's ideas about the importance of imagination. I hope I can foster an environment where my students can be imaginative, and one where they can apply those ideas to build up their creative genius.
I'm still seeking for a balance between what I wish I could do and be in a classroom, and the reality of the situation. I will be working with a set curriculum, and there is very little wiggle room. I'm so focused on the light at the end of the tunnel (finding a job!), and upcoming challenges (TPA! Affording this! Finishing homework with what time?) that, sadly, there isn't much else that is getting attention. Lately I've been wondering more about classroom management, and how to capture the attention of 24 kindergarteners, than much else.