Journal 10.1

Question: When you read the description of the 'future' kindergarten teacher, what qualities do you have that match the ones described? What might you do to continue to develop other characteristics or qualities of a kindergarten teacher as described by Pam?

Pam described the important qualities of a kindergarten teacher. She said the teacher is ultimately responsible for the learning activities in the classroom. She looks for teachers who genuinely enjoy children and have the flexibility to work with parents and volunteers. I definitely qualify for this because I love being around children and helping them learn about the world around them. I am always willing to collaborate with others and I would be more than willing to accept the help of parents and specialists in my classroom. Pam also looks for someone with the ability to explain a personal philosophy of kindergarten and kindergarten curriculum. I have a general idea of my educational philosophy but I am definitely still developing one. I need to learn more about different philosophies and ideas and gain more experience in the classroom in order to help me to develop my own educational philosophy. I am looking forward to continuing my education and gaining more experience so that I will be able to articulate my own philosophy of education in the future!

This week I observed a second grade class. It was my first time in a second grade classroom and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The classroom was set up with desks facing the smartboard at the front of the room. The students had assigned seating. First thing in the morning the teacher went around the classroom to each child and asked them if they were "thumbs up" or "thumbs down" today. Each child had interesting reasons to why they were in a good mood or a bad mood that day. I thought this morning activity was very good because it gives each child the opportunity to participate and share a little about themselves. It helps everyone to get to know each other. The students switched to their RBI classes first thing in the morning. My classroom teacher had to teach math to the students who were not advanced. They learned about pattern making and used manipulatives to create their own repeating pattern and growing pattern. After math, a new group of students came into the classroom for language. This took most of the time that I was there. The students reviewed vocabulary they had learned that week and reviewed a book that they had been reading all week. Then the students took a test on that book. The teacher said that most students did not pass the test and they rarely ever do. Her class has students who are slower than average in language. Overall, the day was informative and interesting to observe. I learned a lot about teaching and I am very excited to get to know the students in the classroom and teach them lessons of my own.