Sarah Gilbert
Thursday October 15,
2015
Week Rating: 3
Questions to end the
week:
What pleasant
surprises/accomplishments did I achieve this week?
This week has been very stressful for me, but it has
structured as well. Monday was not a
great day for me, and it showed. I have
been working so hard to build myself up a bit from the breakdown that I had on
Monday, and while I am mentally exhausted, my CE told me today that things were
definitely improving, and gave me several compliments, which was wonderful to
hear and made me feel better.
What lessons did my
work/experiences teach me that I will build upon next week?
This week, I worked hard to be involved and as rehearsed as
I could possibly be in my lessons, and as on top of things as I could and I
tried to re-create my personal routine to figure out better ways to organize
myself and my whole day.
How are my short-term
efforts and my long-term goals still aligned?
This week, I worked especially hard to create better lesson
plans, and showing better proficiency and efficiency within my planning.
What could I have
spent more or less time doing?
As always, I feel like I could have spent more time planning
for next week. I think that no matter
how much I plan and prepare, I will never feel like I am completely covered.
How did apprehension
and indecision impact what I did and didn’t do?
Indecision wasn’t a problem this week, but apprehension has. I am constantly afraid of doing something
wrong, and it has definitely been getting to me this week. I am in the mindset (and I’m not sure how I
got there) that if I make the smallest mistake, it means the worst will happen.
What is the first
logical steps for next week? What mental clutter can I clear?
As always, the first steps for next week is to get a head start
on planning. Again, I don’t think that
it is possible to start planning too early.
As for mental clutter, I do have a lot that needs clearing. Some of it is personal stuff that I have
spent months trying to clear, and I am still struggling with. Some of it is just the stress of the week.
What were some data
you analyzed this week and how did it help did it help guide your decisions?
North Carolina
Professional Teaching Standards
· Standard 1a – Teachers lead their
classrooms: I have definitely been leading the classroom in every
way I can. I am also beginning to become
a little more involved in school activities.
Fall festival sign up sheets were available today, and I am signed up to
help my CE with the two events that she signed up for.
· Standard 2d -Teachers adapt their
teaching for the benefit of students with special needs:
I am still finding ways to help my special needs
students. I am still recording books for
some of my students, and all of my special needs students read aloud to me
throughout the week.
· Standard 3b – Teachers know the content
appropriate to their teaching specialty: I am constantly trying to
catch-up with the new math methodology, which is getting better. Time on a number line has been hard for the
students to grasp this week, but their math work shows that they are making
progress on that.
· Standard 4b – Teachers plan instruction
appropriate for their students: This week, I have been planning the
lessons that I will be teaching next week.
I am also working to find more ways to boost my effectiveness.
· Standard 5c – Teachers function effectively
in a complex, dynamic environment: Compared to others, this week has felt very
long. It hasn’t been bad at all, but I
am glad that this week is closing down.
This week has felt like it has been one thing after another, and I feel
like I am stretched very thin this week.
I am looking forward to having the weekend to decompress a bit.
Sarah,
ReplyDeleteI am so sad to hear about your breakdown but it is understandable...we are all under a lot of stress. However, I am so glad to hear that you are bouncing back. Organization is something I need to improve on as well. It is key to our getting through student teaching. I worry about making mistakes too and usually beat myself up when I do. Unfortunately mistakes are going to happen, we just have to work through them. I agree that telling time on a number line is a hard concept to teach. This new math can be difficult to communicate and I constantly try to figure out ways to deliver my instruction more efficiently. I hope you get some rest this weekend. There's a lot of sickness and you need to rest so that you can stay healthy. I'm gonna pray that we are stay healthy and make it through. Get some rest!
I feel as if our weeks were extremely similar! Monday was a very tough day for me as well! Monday and Tuesday were the toughest out of the week. As the week progressed, it slowly got better. It's nice to hear positive feedback from your clinical educator, that's always a plus! I'm sure you are doing wonderful in your classroom! I can also agree with you when you say no matter how much you plan, you can never fully say you are prepared for the week! Just hang in there! I know things will get better for you :)
ReplyDeleteSarah,
ReplyDeletePlease remember: tomorrow is the start to a new week. Last week is gone and Monday morning starts a new opportunity! You had successes last week as well (don't forget about those!). Build upon those successes and keep improving!
I hope you were able t relax this weekend and I look forward to great things from you next week.
JP