• Rate your overall experience of the week: 1 - Very difficult | 5 - Great week. 

I would rate my overall experience of this week at a 4.  It was a busy week! I turned around twice and it was Friday again! My students were great, a little talkative but nothing unmanageable and we learned about community helpers this week.  I think they were very interested in the lessons I had prepared each day to learn more about doctors, nurses, teachers, police officers, and firefighters. On Friday students were encouraged to dress up as what they would like to be when they grow up and shared with the class what that occupation was and why they had chosen it.  To my surprise, about six of my students want to be teachers when they grow up! This is encouraging to me because just like I used to tell my own children when they would get upset when someone copied their idea for example, a picture in art, I would say "look at it as a compliment, not as something negative, they like your idea so much that they want to copy what you do or be like you" it is a reminder that little people are always watching and to possibly inspire a child to aspire to be a teacher when they grow up is very exciting to me! 

• Seven questions to end your week:

1. Observe: What pleasant surprises/ accomplishments did I achieve this week?

The pleasant surprise for me this week was that many of my students aspire to be teachers when they grow up.

2. Reflect: What lessons did my work/experiences teach me that I will build upon next week?

The lesson that my work and experiences taught me this week is that I should always strive to work hard and provide as many opportunities for my students to learn as possible within each week. Make every minute count!

3. Focus: How are my short-term efforts and my long-term goals still aligned?

My short-term efforts of student teaching and building my portfolio aligns with my long-term goals of becoming a graduate of the GWU SOE.

4. Be Productive: What could I have spent more or less time doing?

I feel I prioritized well and keep plowing ahead full steam ahead!

5. Have Courage: How did apprehension and indecision impact what I did and didn't do?

One way indecision impacted my week was in developing my philosophy video. I had a hard time deciding on what material to use.

6. Begin Anew: What is the first logical step(s) for next week? What mental clutter can I clear?

Another big component is complete in my portfolio √.

What were some data you analyzed this week and how did it help guide your decisions?

Some data I analyzed this week was several fluency worksheets about number bonds. This provided encouragement that my students are catching on to how a number bond is filled out correctly using the whole and two parts.

• NC Professional Teaching Standards             

1. Pick an element from standard one of the evaluation tools and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.

1c. Teachers lead the teaching profession

I collaborated with colleagues when planning to utilize their advice and guidance gained by years of experience in the profession.

2. Pick an element from standard two of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.

2d. Teachers adapt their teaching for the benefit of students with special needs.

I differentiated instruction during writing times by dictating students' thoughts so they could copy.

3. Pick an element from standard three of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.

3c. Teachers recognize the interconnectedness of content areas/disciplines. 

During our maths lessons, we have begun to see word problems where students will draw a picture, use a number bond and write a number sentence to match. The interconnectedness of using reading skills will become more and more important when it comes to working problems out like these as the math progresses.

4. Pick an element from standard four of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.

4b. Teachers plan instruction appropriate for their students.

I planned instruction that aligned with the kindergarten standards. They were relevant and easily understood by my students.

5. Pick an element from standard five of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.

5b. Teachers link professional growth to their professional goals.

Through my experience I have gained during my students experience I will be more prepared to assume my position as a first grade teacher at Harris Elementary School in the fall!

• Other: 
• What components of your portfolio have you started to complete? Philosophy video, observations, website
• What support does your clinical educator need from Mrs. Suttle? not at this time
• What support do you need from Mrs. Suttle? not at this time