The second week of school has been really exciting and challenging for me. We have started to switch classes for math and reading groups. I began teaching the high math class, which I really enjoy. Wendy is able to provide me with wonderful feedback and always offers great suggestions to polish off my lessons! One thing I continue to struggle with is time management. I have been spending a lot of time on the lessons so the students understand them, but then I find there is barely any time left to complete other partner or individual seat work! I hope this is something I can improve upon as the days go by!
In our reading class I am still observing and helping individuals or groups of students. During this time we have below level students for almost 3 hours! We teach them reading, writing, and spelling. This class helped Wendy and I decide on my action research topic, writing! These students can really use some more support in their writing, even basics like spelling sight words and writing a complete sentence! I hope that we will be able to devise a strategy for me to use in the research that will show us positive results!
As you already know, I think your inquiry will be an exciting one. It'll be important to help your students see how writing can be relevant and meaningful to them...and to start where they are and help them to develop the skills they need to become better able to express themselves using the written word.
ReplyDeleteYour comment about not having enough time is an interesting one. I have to wonder....are we providing students with the time they need to learn the content in a deep and meaningful way. Are our ideas about how long it takes to deliver and understand content out of line? Maybe we are expecting too much, too soon, or in too short of a timeframe. Are some of the ways in which schools are currently structured creating circumstances in which some students can't succeed? I know there are expectations you need to meet....but there are also many things to think about. You're very lucky to have a mentor teacher who is providing you with feedback that is enabling you to polish your lessons and accomplish your goals. I'm sure the two of you will be able to accomplish great things with your students!
Sharon