first impressions

I was really excited about being around this class, but it's become really dull. I was introduced to the class and that was it. I didn't and still haven't gotten a chance to have the students introduced to me. I'm picking up their names here and there, but I'm nervous to talk to them because my teacher is always telling them to be quite and shushing them. As soon as class starts she hands them packets of work and tell them to do it individually. The class isn't very interactive and I feel awkward because I really don't get to engage myself with the students. I excited about teaching my lessons to give the students a bring from packet work, but I nervous how they will react to change. I guess I'll just have to find out!

First Impression of Practicum Placement

Now that I am finally signed in after 10 minutes of trying, I am ready to tell you all about my first impressions of my Practicum placement. The first day I arrived at my placement, I knew just from the outer look of the school that I was going to like it. The inside of the building is just as gorgeous. The atmosphere for me before even meeting anyone was very inviting. This truly made a good impression. Walking into the office on the first day is always nerve racking, but the staff made me feel very welcomed. From that moment on, nothing could stop me. I went into my cooperating teacher's classroom with confidence and a positive attitude.

During the first few weeks at my placement, I have been trying to get to know the students and their interests. I usually walk around the room and ask questions about their work. The students at my Practicum site this semester are talkative, but otherwise well behaved. They listen to the teacher's requests and stay on task for the most part. I will be teaching my first lesson this upcoming Tuesday, and I am really excited. I will let everyone know how it goes. Wish me luck!!

1st impressions of social studies practicum

My experience at my practicum location has been wonderful this semester. I really enjoy working with my cooperating teacher because she is so thorough, engaging, and organized. It is a very different environment from my previous practicum/observing locations.
This is the first time I have worked with eighth graders, and it was slightly intimidating at first. The main focus of this academic year is American History. I was surprised at the number of students that seem interested in American history and know what is happening in the world around them today. During a lesson on the Bill of Rights they asked wonderful questions about the effects this document has on us in modern times. It was exciting to hear the students' questions and thoughts about freedom. On one of the first days of my experience I discussed the concept of state sovereignty and the difficulties the colonists had when there was no strong national government. The students were still slightly uncomfortable answering my questions and responding to the discussion, but I guess this is a part of them trying to get to know a new person in the classroom environment. My pacing in the class was slightly rushed that day because I was so nervous. I didn't know I was going to be addressing the whole class on my way in that day, so I was a little unprepared. I realized how fast I was going through the information and realized I needed to slow down and explain things in more detail for the students. I think this is something I'll get better at with more experience and preparation for lessons.
Transitioning from language arts to social studies this semester has been difficult. I'm not used to discomfort with information, but I am rusty on some of my history facts. I need to get involved with the subject so I can feel more comfortable with the topic. I think jumping in the middle of the year is rough because I'm not quite sure what has already been covered. I've spent time with my practicum teacher discussing the topics that remain for this year so I know what will be coming up. Of course, that feeling of discomfort means that it is an opportune time for learning, as the textbook discussed!

First Impressions

They say that you never get a second chance to make a first impression. Well, my school (which will not be named here) did a poor job there. I have not had a good experience so far. First off, I have yet to witness a social studies lesson. During the social studies classes I have been in, all they have done is work on their portfolio writing pieces. On Thursday, my cooperating teacher (name will also be withheld) was out, and she left them a worksheet to do (half of the students wasted time and did not complete it).
Also, the student behavior has been less than ideal. They are constantly talking and getting off task, and I have seen a student get sent to the office every day I have been there. I have been there for a total of four days, have not yet taught a lesson or done much other than work with a reading group and help keep them on task, and some students are already being disrespectful to me. (they probably hate me because I am not as permissive as my cooperating teacher appears to be) Dr. Faulkner has also accused this school of a lot of wasted time, and I am finding that to be true. My cooperating teacher shows movies for half of her DI (Direct Instruction Reading time) time. One movie (Mean Girls) that they saw is, in my opinion, inappropriate to be showing in a school setting. Just because most of these students have seen the movie already is no excuse to show--in a classroom at a school--a movie that contains sexual innuendo and foul language.
Maybe things will get better--I hope they do--but the school I am at is not leaving a good impression on me. The way things are going now, I will not set foot there again after my practicum is over.

Social Studies

The other week, a student was caught cheating on her homework. When the teacher noticed what she was doing, he did not become overly upset, he just asked the student to stay after class. After talking together, the student felt very sorry for what she did, realized how what she did was wrong, and apologized. The next time I went to my practicum, I noticed an e-mail from the student to the teacher. The student truly felt sorry that she had betrayed the teacher's trust and promised she would never do it again. I felt that the teacher handled this situation very appropriately and professionally. The student realized the seriousness of her actions, and will not partake in plagiarism again.

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here i am

Practicum Placement

I had a GREAT first week and my practicum. Being in a 7th grade social studies class, I am really starting to enjoy my time with the students. Students are eager to learn and share their opinion. One student was convinced that Confucius wrote all the sayings on fortune cookies!! They are a fun group, and I am very excited about the rest of the semester!

Anticipation

Wednesday is the first day at your placement - I'm sure some are nervous. What do you anticipate the classroom to look like? How do you think the students will react to you being in the classroom? Take a moment to create a new post - make these predictions. On Wednesday, take a moment and share with us your 1st impressions.

Welcome to the EDU 348 Blog

Welcome to this blogging group. The purpose of this blog is for you to reflect and share the social studies eduction experiences that you have in your middle school practicum placement. I look forward to reading all your reflections.