Well, today was a lot better than yesterday until i made it to my car. I went to start it and nothing. But while sitting in the parking lot it made me think of how safe school makes me feel. In many ways id rather have my car parked here than in the parking lot next to my apt.will be continued once I get to a computer.
Well luckily my battery wasn't dead but I just had a loose cable. But as I was texting before, school is a safe place for kids and it should be that way. I remember staying at school for various functions until late hours of the night in high school and I never once felt scared walking back to my car whether I was with a few other girls or just myself. I think this was because my school created a safe feeling. I believe most schools relay the message that school is not only a place to attend class but almost a second home. At the school I'm working for the teacher has referred to the class as being a family and there is a sense of pride the school radiates. I think this is extremely important for the students, especially those that may not have a comfort zone outside of the school premises.
Back in our classroom the students were better than yesterday (considering it was friday). There were still a few issues to work out but I believe with time and constant reminder of how to behave they will be great third graders! One student that caused us the a lot of trouble yesterday (the one that was off her 'meds') was practically a little angel today. She had no problems and listened attentively. I also learned that she was one of the highest performing students in her class. She is the only student in our group that has an advanced list of spelling words (the more difficult words of the main list with a few added for a challenge). It was spelling test day so I took her to the hallway and she had a 20/20 and instead of me giving her a sentence for the word she would tell me one. It also seemed as if she didn't even have to try at spelling the words. We also had a worksheet of math facts that they had to solve then color in the spaces with a corresponding color for the answer and this student began coloring with out first working out the problems and had them all correct. While watching her she seemed to mostly know the facts in her head while other students were still using their fingers. While working in the computer lab she had finished her test a bit early and decided to begin drawing/coping a picture out of a book. I was surprised on the amount of detail she was adding in. The picture was of a bear surfing in water and about to go down a waterfall. She added the small lines for the water and strokes on the bear for the fur. Most students of her age are more likely to just draw the bigger picture. I think that she could probably draw better than me! (which isn't to great) I was also able to observe during art. They were using watercolors and making sun flowers. The child copied the colors as they were on the flower and even adding the small brown spots in the peddles. Other students were not looking at the object they were coloring and choosing whatever color they wanted.
Art was such an interesting special to watch. It's unlike other classes where students have to sit and listen. They were able to stand and work, sit on the floor, or just get up when needed to look for their supplies. The room probably appeared to be a mad chaotic mess from the outside, but after watching the system it was very structured. The students knew that supplies had to be cleaned a certain way and put back in appropriate places, they new where to take their finished projects and where to go to start the next. There was a minimal amount of instruction, just a few reminders of what they were doing. The students seemed to be in their element in this classroom. I would like to watch this teacher start a project at some point. (they were in between two of them).
Today was our first day of school and in the assembly, the principal talked about creating a safe environment for all of the children. My CT also talked about it when we went over some recess procedures. I can tell that safety and building school as the 'safe place' is very important throughout my school. It is sad because there are so many students who don't have that safe spot at home or even in their neighborhood, but creating at least one place where they can feel that safety is very important. I think it helps students in all aspects of school. If they feel safe, they trust that no one will make fun of them if they ask or answer questions. They also trust the faculty and are able to create a positive relationship with them.
ReplyDeleteI was able to pick up the students from art today and I have the same feeling. When you walk in the door it looks like a tornado hit, but when you look a little closer you can see that the teacher and students know where everything is and the students feel comfortable by having the choice of standing or sitting. I get the chance to sit in on art next week and I can't wait to see how everything goes.