2nd week on~

First week of observations is over in a blink. Learnt a lot from the various teachers in terms of classroom management. I was impressed with how some certain teachers can carry out group activities with ease. If it was me, I think I would have trouble getting the students organised. (Shall try it out during one of my lessons- much planning involved.)

This is something I prepared for the child with autism in my class.

Monday & Tuesday were CA1 for the children, so I did not manage to observe any class. However, I did go into class on Friday on the first week to talk to my class for the next 9 weeks - 3 Honesty.

I did talk to them a little about their classroom rules, my expectations of them & also conducted a Multiple Intelligence Test with the class to assess their learning needs. (Results to be updated)

After their examinations on Tuesday, I asked for some time to read to them. The kids have just finished Unit 2 of Stellar, which is The Wolf Story - a fractured tale of 3 little pigs. I decided to read them this book, to expose them to more literature. The kids seemed to enjoy the book, and is engaged. Hopefully, I can bring in more books into class and read to them.

In the following weeks, I hope to also implement the Star Pupils of the week idea. Basically I want children to vote for their friends to be star pupils and to be able to articulate the reason why. In doing so, they can reflect upon their own actions and model after their peers.

22nd Feb Wednesday

Feeling between practicum and contract teaching is just so different. It was easier building rapport with the children when I was a contract teacher. Now in practicum, it is harder for me to relate to the students when they have another teacher around. I just got to try harder to talk to them outside of class... Get to know them.

I did 3 class observations today:

5 Diligence

• Setting routine - wednesdays are their narrative writing day, so students know what to do/ bring on that day without fail.
• Supportive classroom environment - when a student answers something difficult, or effort was shown to accomplish something, the class will clap in support of that person
• iRead books - encouraging students to read stories

3 Charity

• Teacher got weaker student to the front to sit down
  
• Today was comprehension, so teacher reads the passage for students first while pointing to the words at the same time. (Good practice)
• Teacher will ask question before calling names

5 Kindness

• There was not much teaching involve as teacher was mainly going through papers. However, I was impressed by how teacher can make use of this to revise concepts with the students.
• Teacher got students to highlight the important keywords in questions
• Teacher asked key questions; (i.e What topic do you think this question is about? Why did you say so?)
• Teacher uses table bell to get students' attention
  
  

Had our first contact time today and we were briefed on RAMS.

Observations for 21st Feb, Tuesday

3 Honesty

• When loud videos were played, Xandyr exclaimed it's too loud
• Students like watching videos
• Teacher uses simple games to engage students and signify the transition of lessons

5 Joy

• Always get students to clear tables before class
• Pop Quiz was used to help students recall concepts and address mistakes
• Group work - 4 roles were given (resource manager, task manager, noise controller and time keeper)

First Day Back!

Today marks my first day back in my contract school - Townsville Primary School. Having served 9 months there as a contract teacher, everything was familiar and quickly fell back into place. My colleagues are still as welcoming as ever and I just felt so at home. I know that these 10 weeks are going to be hectic but with their support, I know I will 'blossom' (Dr Yeo, 2011).

First thing we did in the morning was attend assembly and today is "RESPECT", so basically teachers and students are encouraged to be dressed in purple. The character assembly was initiated last year and students enjoy it. This morning, we had the care classes perform a skit for the whole school. It was tremendous effort on their part as they acted out what they think respect means to them.

Next, we had a talk with the principal, Mr Ong and vice- principal, Ms Teh Wan. They prepped us for our 10 weeks as well as for the PGDE STs, our years ahead with them. Mr Ong related a story about how a simple act of kindness/love from a teacher could easily change the life of his/her students. I must always bear in mind the stories behind each and everyone of my kids and that I should not pass judgment too easily.

Shadowed my CT, Mdm Saleha, for the rest of the day. I will be taking 3 Honesty for the 10 weeks. The students are so bubbly and active. There is a child with autism in class, so I have to be more careful when speaking to the children. I walked around and managed to talk to a few students and they were pleasant. I also jotted down their names and wrote down their names.

Observations for the day:

• Students are engaged in visually stimulating activities
• To get the class to settle down, teacher uses command "1,2,3" and students response "SHHHHH"
• To ask a question, students are required to raise their hands
• Toilet - no pass was issued, students just walk out of class as they like (might have to clarify with CT)