5th Observation

On one of my last observations I returned to Mrs. Smith's 8th grade English 1 class.  They had just begun reading the tradgedy Romeo and Juliet.  First they read aloud "O, Romeo, O, Like, Wow!" and then they had to do a background knowledge chart.  Mrs. Smith gave notes on Romeo and Juliet, and there was a timeline of William Shakespeare's life on the smartboard.  After they learned about theatre and Shakespeare's life the class read the prologue and the first scene.  When Mrs. Smith's English 1 class was over I went to Ms. Hoffek's 6th grade advanced science class.  She always has a warm up, essential question and standard on the board so the class knows what the objectives are for the day.  Class began with the warm up/reinforcement to refresh the student's minds after the long 3 day weekend.  Some independent work was assigned in the book and lastly there was a Brain Pop about the Earth's Atmosphere on the smartboard followed by a quiz.  One thing I have noticed about Ms. Hoffek is that she has excellent classroom management.  Her students are well behaved and do a good job of transitioning from one activity to the next.  I hope when I become a teacher I will have good classroom management!

4th Observation

I arrived during Mrs. Smith's English 1 class during my 4th observation.  English 1 is an 8th grade class offered that can count for 9th grade english at the highschool if they make a good grade.  Her class was doing "independent reading" where they are suppose to read at least 3 essays and when they finish complete an evaluation for one.  The evaulation writing sheet included beginning, explanations, focal points, arguments, supporting details, figurative language, etc.  After this period was over I went to Ms. Hoffek's room.  This period was 6th grade advanced science and they were given a warm up on the smartboard about clouds- How do clouds form? What are the 3 types of clouds? Then there was an activity called "commingled clouds."  Everyone was given an index card with a particular type of cloud and the definition on the back.  The class commingled and had to pair up, come up with different types of clouds, read the definition, switch cards and commingle again.  The number of students were uneven so I got to participate! After commingled clouds there was a T-chart on the smartboard and students shared what they came up with.  Ms. Hoffek wrapped the period up with "think pair share" where she had partners work together on a weather worksheet.  I really enjoyed the commingled clouds activity and was glad when she asked me to join.  Both of these teachers have been very friendly and helpful when I come visit.

3rd Observation

On my third observation at Pineridge Middle School I went on an early release day.  Because of this the periods were much shorter. It was also job shadow day where students were given the opportunity to shadow someone for the day at a job they would be interested in.  I first stopped into Mrs. Smith's room who teaches 8th grade English.  They were finishing up the novel "To Kill A Mockingbird" and watching the movie.  Her class has tables with chairs rather than desks and her classroom has a wide variety of books all around.  Along with a smartboard Mrs. Smith has 4 computers in the back of her room for student use.  I went to Ms. Hoffek's room next where she teaches 6th and 7th grade science.  Her class was watching a Magic School Bus video on the smartboard.