Today was the first day of my practicum placement at John Norquay Elementary School. I was super excited and nervous to start my practicum journey. I had a lot of questions racing through my head as I walked up the stairs to the school. What would the school culture be like? How would my school advisers(SA) be? Would my SA’s have the same view on teaching as me? What is it like teaching Kindergarten? How do you manage so many children at such a young age?
I was greeted by the principal and shown to my classroom where I was greeted by colorful artwork on the walls and tiny desks with chairs. I then met my two SA’s that I will be working with the rest of the year. We discussed our backgrounds, the students, and I met the Education Assistant who works closely with one student in the classroom everyday. The warning bell rang and the teacher opened the door to welcome the smiling students into the classroom where they hung their coats and backpacks. They all found their name on the chart, to sign in, then sat down on the carpet. The teacher introduced me and they went on to their daily calendar routine. The routine consists of numerous steps that are mostly carried out by the special helper such as: shape of the day, weather, # of days in school, number of students in the class, morning message etc.
After some songs the teacher read a book Then the students had to draw a fall picture in their notebook and write the date. Once they are done they raise their hand and the teacher or myself ask them what their picture is about and transcribe it into the back of their book. When they are finished they are allowed to work on puzzles and games. 15 minutes before recess we have snack in the classroom which consists of students washing their hands and eating their snack at their desk. If they are finished early they are allowed to read a book silently at their desk. One boy finished early and decided to read the entire book Brown Bear to me.
After recess all the kindergarten classes came together in the library. There are 4 kindergarten classes in the school which in total is 86 students. We practiced how to act during an assembly by walking to the gym, sitting down, and watching a presentation. The students then had lunch and time to play outside. After lunch the teacher read the Brown Bear book and they all finished their own copy of the Brown Bear book. The students then participated in center time which allows them to work individually, in pairs, or groups, on any activity in the centers they wish. While this was happening we were calling four students at a time to paint for an art project.
Soon, it was the end of the day and the students went home. It was crazy to me how fast the time flew by! It seemed like I blinked and the whole day was done. It was a great first day! I started to interact with the students and learn more about them. I witnessed how a kindergarten classroom is managed and the daily activities associated with that age group.
The entrance of John Norquay Elementary
Melanie, your writing is very clear and your excitement about your placement is contagious! Thanks for sharing