Ms. J met with me after school on Friday for a planning session. We discussed which class she could take over for her first week, and we both agreed that, due to edutesting claiming the early morning hours, her best choice would be the 10:20 a.m. 1st grade writing class. There are six students in that class, and she has already had several observations. The students know her, and she feels more comfortable taking on that class. She asked if she could take home with her to study the Write from the Beginning notebook to familiarize herself with the writing curriculum.
After we planned, we went out for dinner at Golden China in Graham (my treat). We were able to discuss a few more details about her upcoming role as student-teacher. She seems excited, and happy to finally be in this place, both geographically and professionally.
I feel very positive about our first few days together in this teacher-student relationship.
Today, I drove through the dreary rain to school for my Sunday planning time. Got there at 3:30. I made room in one closet for her to put her things, made room in another closet for Ms. B to put her things, and added a heavy duty plastic hook to the inside door of a third closet to hang my coat. Now each of us has a personal space to place our pocketbooks, bookbags, and coats.
By 4:30 I was ready to sit down and look at lessons for fifth grade reading, to include guided reading and focus lessons, and writing. Once I had those written up, I looked at second and first grade maths, and prepared some materials to teach what they needed this week. Finally, I planned for second grade reading and writing, although I didn't write up any full-length narrative plans for Ms. B because during the first two days we are edutesting.
It was 7:30 pm before I finally turned out the lights and trudged through the dark rain to my car and headed home. It was a good planning time.
So, I'm off to bed feeling confident about Ms. J and her taking on the class this week. I'm also feeling pretty excited about being her mentor teacher. Finally, I get to explain and demonstrate what I do to someone who really is interested, who wants to know more, and who will try to emulate me if what I do is effective.
I take this role very seriously. I'm teaching a teacher!
12 comments:
I know the feeling you are experiencing in teaching a teacher. I am a training coach, and I teach police officers those last few bits of knowledge before they go out on their own. Both of our "students" have learned the book end of things, but it is up to us to show how it all works out in "real life". Enjoy your role, I'm sure you are great at it!
Greg
I have no idea this role suits you and will be a huge benefit. Good Luck tomorrow
hugs
d
Have a wonderful week!--Sheria
http://journals.aol.com/aimer/on-my-mind/
HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEK!
GOD BLESS,
LIZ IN VA.
http://journals.aol.com/bethjunebug/Bethjunebug
you are so wonderful Bea!
love,natalie
I'm exhausted just from reading about your day, and all that it entails! You are one awesome teacher, Bea.. to students both young and old!
Hugs
Jackie
This girl will never, ever forget you and all you have done for her!
Lori
http://journals.aol.com/helmswondermom/DustyPages
wow!!! sounds like you've done an awesome job seeting up for this teacher:) i am going to go back to school and be a teacher because thats where i think that i will most likely fit in and where i want to be, so i might be back to ask you some questions :) Thanks, ALisa
Your subject is way over my head.
But, I'm interested, and admire you
greatly. I've been a teacher, but that
was in the theater. I taught sense memory,
and directed plays. The only teacher I've
ever loved was Lee Strasberg, co-founder
of The Actors Studio. His teaching method
was unusually quiet and utilized asking
questions a great deal. I've not known
anyone else who taught via diffidence.
But, in that regard I guess he was unique.
(At least in the modern world; the Greeks
practiced something along those lines.)
If it weren't for teachers everything would
come unstuck.
Barry
http://journals.aol.com/bbartle3/Vengeance/
I love to see this. As an educator who teaches pre-service students at a college this is just a fabulous entry to read! I love watching the dynamic play out as teacher helps student and student helps teacher. It can be such a dynamic relationship!
You go!
Charley
http://journals.aol.com/CDittric77/Courage
Hi Bea,
By the time I got round to reading your entry, your first week with Ms J. is almost over. I do admire your meticulous approach to planning and the way that you have made personal space for each member of staff. I am sure Ms. J will have been made to feel very welcome and I look forward to reading about how the teaching of a teacher is going.
Kate.
http://journals.aol.co.uk/bobandkate/AnAnalysisofLife/
That's awesome! : ) As for the second grade reading....I have been having a problem with my son Jacob being tested. He seems to read fine at home, even chapter books but when they test him with those little level books, he just loses everything. His score was low but even the teacher agrees that he reads better normally. I keep telling them it's because of the lady that comes to pull them out of class to test them. He doesn't know her very well and she takes him outside to sit at a picnic table? But that's the way it is I guess. He still makes good grades somehow. : ) Have a great weekend! Love, Shelly
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