Field Experience

Last week on Wednesday, October 5, 2011, it was my very first day exploring what it is like being in a 3rd grade setting all day! I have observed in a 4th grade classroom and a kindergarten room, so I have had some experience out in the teaching field. My first day, after the students were all settled in that morning and did their morning work to get their minds functioning, it was time for morning meeting! I was great because I get to sit in the circle with them all and we all went around and said our names and what was one thing we like to do. This was a way for me to see and understand what each child was about and now I can maybe asking them questions so they know I am interested and am here for them. I learned about their curriculum, what they were learning about in math, social studies, reading and writing. I didn't get to sit in on a science lesson, but I'm sure I will get to do that soon. I spent time seeing how the students interact with one another, what they social patterns were like, and who were the ones who had cliques. I am learning about how the teacher explains lessons to them, and how she monitors the classroom or how she keeps the students engaged during her lessons. My host teacher is great and all the students seem to like her a lot. It will be great to see how the rest of the semester goes with the class and hopefully get to learn more about them!