We are almost done practicum and I cannot believe it has come and gone this quickly. This week we had TOC day. This was interesting in itself. I am normally in a grade 2/3 class so going into a Kindergarten class for the day was an experience. I have a new appreciation for kindergarten teachers. It requires more patience than ever and even the tone of your voice changes when talking to kindergarten students. I am so glad I got to experience a kindergarten class. The day was an interesting day and I learned quickly that this day was going to be a ‘go with the flow’ kind of day. With this mentality in mind I attempted to conquer the day. I quickly learned that instructions have to be as simple as can be and consisting of one-two steps. As well, I found it difficult to get kindergarten students quiet and focused for a consistent period of time. Necessary management strategies were necessary to help keep them focused however I noticed that strategies I use in my grade 2/3 class didn’t seem to work as well. I am eager to learn more strategies that I can use in a kindergarten classroom in the future. I had support in the class in the form of an EA which helped me a lot when those difficult moments arose with particular students. Overall, it was a good experience and will always be remembered as the first day I taught in a kindergarten classroom.
This week we went on our fieldtrip as well. It was a long day from 7:50am-4:00pm. We went to Grouse mountain and took the gondola up the mountain. This was something many students had not experienced before so it was new and exciting for them. Too bad out of all days the weather was cold and rainy however, we all made the best out of it. I think seeing Grizzly Bears and birds such as a hawk, vulture, owl, and bald eagle made up for the awful weather. The animals were so close that we could almost touch them. Students loved this and I did as well! We also got to experience an Aboriginal presentation and learn more about respect, stories, elders and traditions. Overall it was a full day of learning and experiencing new things. I am so grateful to be able to go on so many wonderful field trips as part of my practicum.
jonesrox
June 10, 2016 — 2:09 pm
I am so glad you enjoyed the experience of a TOC day. Classrooms are all so different as are the students in them and strategies that work in one class may not work in another. As you begin this journey you will continue to develop the repertoire of tools that work for you.
The field trip sounds like it was a fabulous day full of learning and engagement with your students.