Entry 1: For this lesson plan I observed Mrs. Parker teaching about financial citizenship.

She
began the lesson by pointing out the four main points of financial citizenship. They are
donating, earning, saving, and spending. Then they began reading a small book as a class. The
book is called “A Chair for My Mother” by Vera B. Williams. While she was reading, she would
stop and ask different questions like “How is she being a good financial citizen?” “Were her
neighbors’ good financial citizens when they donated things to her family?” etc. I think the way
Mrs. Parker structured her lesson plan was a great. It was a good way to keep the students
focused. I would love to know if she always structures her lessons that way or if it changes. I
loved that she integrated reading with social studies as well. I think integration is very important
in lessons because nothing is ever a single topic in life. I think seeing this integrated lesson was a
great lesson for me as a future teacher. I was able to see something that is taught in my
classroom at the University in a real-life classroom.

Entry 2: This worksheet comes

from an ELL student in the
classroom I was placed in. He
barely speaks any English and has
to find other ways to
communicate. Overall it is very
difficult to communicate for him.
The children in the class tolerate
him and try and help him where
they can. However, they just
don’t act like his friends. During
class he was given this
worksheet. For this specific
worksheet I had to sit with him
and make sure he finished it and
read something out loud if he
didn’t understand it. It was very
interesting watching him figure
out the best way to solve the
problems.
Entry 3:
1. What is a typical lesson plan?
I was taught using the 6-point format. It goes objective, intro, mini lesson, guided
practice, independent, share. Now I use a lot of integration methods because
there is just not enough time to do each subject separately. I make sure
everything is planned at least the week before I teach.
2. What are some challenges with having time to instruct?
The most challenging thing is finding enough time to teach. There never seems to
be enough time to actually teach material. I resent how much we test.
Differentiation was also difficult for me until I adopted my sons.
3. How often do they receive social studies?
Last year they received it three times a week though ideally, I would want to
teach it every day. I wish I could teach it every day but there is no time. I try to
integrate it with ELA as much as possible.
4. What are some topics for social studies?
This week we are focusing on citizenship. Mainly financial and social citizenship.
5. Why did you choose flexible seating?
I saw how well it worked with my son. So, I began doing it with my students with
special needs, then all my students became jealous, so I implemented it for all
my students.
6. What are some motivation tactics?
I use cultural responses. We play Kahoot a lot. The children are always requesting
Kahoot. The kids create edmotos and create child safe blogs that parents and I
can monitor. I am always looking for new technologies.
7. What is classroom dojo?
Classroom dojo is a documentation of notable behavior. It uses a 4:1 ratio of
positive to negative. We use logical consequences. It has been taken from “Love
and Logic” by Foster W. Cline. We moved over to PBIS language as well. Kids need
a reminder, kids do not always need a consequence. Kids/parents are linked to
class dojo, so they know what is happening in the classroom. I always write notes
as to why they got marked up or down. The are no punishments only
consequences.
8. What is your favorite way to teach science?
I love to have the children create performances when teaching about the planets.
They have to describe where they are and have other children guess.
Overall, I observed what I suspected. I thought that teachers never felt as if they
have enough time to teach. I also really understand why she does what she does in
her classroom. Both of her sons are adopted out of a horrible situation. They both
are severely developmentally delayed and autistic. I think it is incredible that she
 takes what she has learned about her son and is using it in her classroom to better
serve her students. I am going to hopefully implement many of the same things she
uses in my future classroom.

Entry 4:
1. What is it like to be a reader/writer in the classroom?
I like doing it, I have been reading a long time. I started reading in preschool.
2. What is it like to be a mathematician/ scientist/social scientist?
I have known multiplication since preschool. My sister was doing it and its just
groups. I don’t like science, I like social studies more.
3. How do you learn best as a student?
I listen, and I practice. I practice a lot.
4. If you were a teacher in the classroom what would you do the same?
I would teach people different things like math.
5. If you were a teacher in the classroom what would you do different?
I wouldn’t do anything different.
6. What makes a good teacher?
Being nice, new things, and being good at teaching.
7. What makes a good learner?
Teaching others different facts and listening.
The student was very nervous when I was interviewing him. He also did not want to
share much information. The questions were not very personal towards him, but he
still did not want to answer. I think it is extremely interesting how he is one of the
students who finished his work dramatically faster than any of the other students. I
will want to make sure I can get to know my students and their needs. If I have a
student who finishes faster than others than I will want to accommodate them just
as I accommodate the students who need more time.

Entry 5: Through this experience I learned a lot about who I want to be as a teacher when I
finish school. I want to be able to accommodate all types of students and their specific needs.
While I know it will be extremely difficult, the work will be worth the reward. The reward is that
students will learn more and learn a lot about themselves. I also found some really cool things
that can be implemented hopefully in my classroom. One example is PBIS and classroom dojo. I
love the positive behavior interventions and support because you are bringing children up more
than they are being brought down. The classroom dojo is very interesting because they have
consequences not punishments.