28/04/2016 - Day Thirteen - Professional Placement - Berserker Street State

School
Today I dont have too much to reflect on. The two areas that I do have to reflect on
though are;
o Reward Systems
o Student Injury and how it interrupts the classroom
Reward Systems:
The positivity surrounding the student who has been getting rewarded for
his efforts today was evident. He was so proud of his badge that he had
received the day before that he wore it again today. This particular
student was showing everyone that he came into contact with his badge
and how he had earned it. My mentor teacher mentioned to the principal
what had happened in class and asked if she sent him to the office with a
message could she too acknowledge his positive behaviour and
continuing efforts. The students when he came back from the office
couldnt wait to show us what he had received from the principal and the
conversation that they had. He showed off his notepad, pencil and sticker
that he had received with pride. I am so privileged to have witness this
turnaround in this child and how it has effected everyone around him. I am
bursting with pride for this student as he continues to achieve success in
the things that he does in the classroom.
Student Injury and how it interrupts the classroom:
One of the students came to school with her writing arm (right arm) in a
cast today. I didnt realize the affect that this could have on simple tasks
in the classroom. The student is in year 3 and has her Naplan exams in
two weeks. The school has had to organize for a scribe for these exams
and special consideration. In class at the moment either myself or my
mentor teacher has been acting as a scribe for this student. It hasnt
affected this class in any great deal at the moment but it makes me
wonder what it would be like if there werent two adults in the class that
could act as a scribe and the disruption this would have on the single
teacher. During my final professional placement, I am seeing challenges
that the class and my mentor teacher are being faced with that I would
never have thought of before coming on this journey. It is making me think
about how the slightest change to the class dynamics can affect a class
and how resilient teachers need to be to cope with these challenges.