Week Eight

03.05.12

Today started out like a normal Monday. A few of our students with accommodations started CRT this morning. The rest of us had reading group and core reading with Iditarod. At lunch Mr. B asked to borrow me for the afternoon. I had the opportunity to sub in the library. Sounded good to me. Mary was going over test taking strategies and how to fill in a bubble sheet with our kids. So as riveting as bubble sheets are I figured I wasn’t missing too much.

Sadly, I did not get to read all afternoon to the kids (one of my favorites!). We watched Reading Rainbow and checked out books. Things I learned today are:

First grades do not self-regulate well, listen to directions, or keep their voices at a level one.

The new and improved electronic card catalog and check-out system is AWESOME and easy.

Library is a pretty exciting time for kindergarteners. They love to do yoga while ‘watching’ a movie.

Overall a good experience. I learned I still really like 4^th-5^th graders but the young ones are growing on me.

03.06.12

First day of testing, let’s do this thing. The kids were almost excited to finally be taking the CRT. We did our brain dance and had lots of snacks and mind mints on hand. I was assigned to work one-on-one and do dictation with a student. During the test I read the questions and possible answers and write his written response verbatim. He is great to work with and I am learning so much about different students and their abilities. However, the students, and myself, are beat after today. There is no way we can do any other teaching (reading/math) at this time. Which is fine, there is plenty else to do. I feel a cold coming on. The little guy I am helping keeps hacking all over. Yuck.

03.07.12

Yep, defiantly am feeling a cold. Not much to write about today just more CRT and dictation. Our kids seemed to do better this afternoon. They are getting into the swing of things. My relationship with the kids is so strong right now. It feels amazing to be equals with Mary in the students’ eyes. I feel confident to do whole class takeover but things are so smooth with two of us. I would be happy to continue our co-teaching model until the end. Not much else to say. I’m going to watch a movie and drink tea.

03.08.12

Today was rough. I’m feeling these tests. The kids are feeling the tests. The morning started out strong but it turned a little ugly this afternoon and I do not need to retell the events. Two long tests a day is rough. As teachers we’ve all had those days. Today was one of them. ‘Nough said.

03.07.12

Standard Friday today. The kids were glad to not have testing and extra recess on such a beautiful day. I’m heading to Missoula tonight so this is a short entry. I’ll (try) and be better next week.