Thursday, 8 March 2012

My Visit to "C School"

     Today I drove out to visit my cooperating teacher for the first time at "C School". I had never been to the town before but Google Maps assured me it was about an hour commute from the university and, wanting to be early, I scheduled to be there about 5 minutes before our meeting time. Well, needless to say, it was only a 35 minute drive and I arrived at the school over 30 minutes early (oops)! The secretaries were very friendly, however, gave me a great welcome, went over some paperwork and I was able to meet my cooperating teacher (CT) right away.

     I should tell you that this school is absolutely gorgeous! It was built in 2008 so everything is brand new, modern and very inviting. I feel very spoiled to be in such a great facility! When I arrived, the students had just finished music class and were coming back into home room so it was a good transition. I was introduced by the CT and had the opportunity to observe math corrections, reading records with the resource teacher and TUSC public speaking presentations. There are 28 students in the class and I will be teaching science (the Electricity Unit) and be observing and assisting with the other classes. There is also another Grade 5 class that I will be teaching science in as well (I haven't met them yet though). I had a discussion earlier with my CT about incorporating Whole Brain Teaching while I am there and he was so supportive. It will be really interesting to see the differences between the Grade 10s that I used WBT with last fall and the Grade 5s. I am thinking of definitely trying out Mind Soccer! If you are not sure what it is I am going to feature it in my WBT Wednesday post next week. Overall I am very excited. The students were very inviting, my CT was very supportive and the school is amazing! It will definitely be a different experience from the Grade 12s I was with last term but I am ready.

     On a fun note, I decided to try out the Clay Yourself website from my "Resources to Start Off Your Week 5" post. It is a cute website that allows users to create a claymation-style avatar of themselves. There aren't a lot of customizing options, but it is a fun option to use if your school doesn't allow you to upload actual photos on your class blog or website. Here are my creations of my CT and myself!
Cooperating Teacher at "C School"
Miss L


6 comments:

  1. I hope you love 5th grade. I taught 5th grade for 5 years and 4th grade for 3 years-- I loved those Intermediate ages. From what you've shared of WBT, I think it will be perfect for the intermediate ages. Good luck!

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  2. Thanks Jackie! I am really looking forward to it. I will have to give you a shout if I get stuck for activities. I think it will definitely be a learning process during the first week or so to see how my planning actually works out in the class.

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  3. I thought being with 5th graders would be horrid, since I am used to younger kids. But I really like the 4th and 5th graders I'm with now... they're very sweet, and lots of fun! I can't wait to hear more about your class. :D

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  4. Grade 5 is wonderful because the students are so able in so many ways but still finding learning interesting. I enjoyed teaching grades 4 and 5 and they are really able to discuss subjects do so many things in technology. Have fun! Carolyn

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  6. Thanks Angel and Carolyn! Tomorrow is my first full day in the classroom so I hope to be on here in the evening blogging about it. My fiance was with students K-8 last fall for his student teaching placement and has told me similar things about the Grade 5's. So I think between him, my cooperating teacher and all of my online support (like all of you) it will be smooth sailing haha :)

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