2/25/08
On February 11, I had the opportunity to meet and observe
Penny Smith's sixth grade class. In the beginning of the class period, I wasn't sure what to expect. However,
throughout the class I began to understand what was going on in the classroom. The children were answering questions
in their "Weekly Readers." They had time to discuss the stories amongst eachother.
Also I had the opportunity to look at the students' journals
and get an understanding on what reading and writing level the students were on.
I think journal writing is important. It gives
the students the opportuninty to reflect and write about their own experiences. They can write anything they want.
This is a great way to encourage students to write.
On March 3, 2008 I had the chance to observe the class
again. This time was a bit different. I was very interested to find out about the Iditerod (sled dog race).
The children also seemed to be very interested and they chose to read a book that had to do with the Iditerod. I am
excited to find out more about the students and their likes and dislikes.
On March 10. Sarah and I got the chance to work with
the children in a small group setting. We assigned each student with a job to do while we read aloud the book the children
chose. The students seemed very engaged. I am waiting to read what they are writing in their journals about their
experience as well. I hope to become more comfortable reading the book with the students.
Overall Reflection: I had many chances to work with
the sixlets. Montel, Jonathan, DJ, and Wyatt. They are all very brilliant students with four different very valuable
views. Each week was a challenge to keep Jonathan focused on the material at hand, getting Wyatt to be involved, keeping
DJ and Montel interested. Each of these boys brought great insight to the table. Each of them had something to
offer in their own way. Somedays, Sarah and I would read the chapters in order to get through the book and somedays
we would let them read. Either way, all four of them were able to read along and stay on track. They were able
to summarize each chapter and illustrate the chapters. Each time they would trade jobs and everytime they were on track
and very birlliant. Overall I thoroughly enjoyed working with these students and I really hope they feel the same about
Sarah and I. The Iditarod (even for me at college level) was a very hard book to follow and at times very gruesome and
violent. The boys did a great job staying with it, enjoying it and understanding it. This for me was a wonderful
experience and no amount of words can explain it. So I will end with that.
