Carly Spoulos

Reflection PS1 Week 2

November 22-26, 2021
Grade 1

REFLECTION PS1 WEEK 2

My second week of school transitioned from observing to more time teaching. I was extremely
nervous at first; however, now I feel excited to teach in front of the class again next week. I thrive on
feedback from others and learning new skills to improve my teaching. This week, I received helpful
feedback regarding my voice, tone, and how I form my questions. I have learned that my warm
demeanor and soft voice are suitable for instructing the age group I am teaching; however, I need to
know to change my tone of voice when required to be stricter. I need to learn to change my tone of
voice for students not listening to let them know that I mean business. To let them know that I will not
let them get away with not listening or not doing what they are supposed to. Regarding how I formed
my questions, there were moments when I phrased statements in questions that allowed the students
to answer how the activity was going to run. I need to be self-aware of how I frame statements to
ensure students know that I will determine how we will do the next lesson. I am incredibly thankful that
my TA and UC pointed this out to me, as I would never have realized I did this without being observed.
This area of improvement relates to Demonstrating a Professional Body of Knowledge in the TQS,
specifically, “communicating high expectations for all students”. Additionally, this relates to Engaging in
Career-Long Learning in the TQS, specifically, “actively seeking feedback to enhance teaching practice”.

From observing my TA, I have taken note of how I can incorporate student discussion. I have
tried to be self-aware of asking students questions to engage them within their learning. I have made a
note to ask questions for students to reflect on and to gain an understating of unfamiliar words. When I
take the time to create a whole-class discussion with the class rather than always having direct
instruction, it will be an additional formative assessment to understand my students’ learning. This
aspect relates to Demonstrating a Professional Body of Knowledge, specifically, “using instructional
strategies to engage students in meaningful learning activities”.

This week, I have learned the importance of routine. Heather has brought up the importance of
routine multiple times and how you should expect your class to know your routine by the beginning of
October. In September, students will be exhausted as it is their first-time attending school for the day.
Due to it being their first time in the classroom, a class routine needs to be in place to help classroom
management and for students to know their expectations for the day. If students are not starting the
day doing the same activities, their minds will be scattered, and it will be more challenging to keep
students on track. She mentioned the importance of having English Language Arts every morning as
students will be too tired to write by the end of the day. This aspect relates to Fostering Effective
Relationships within the TQS. Additionally, this reflects Establishing Inclusive Learning Environments in
the TQS, specifically, “employing classroom management strategies that promote positive, engaging
learning environments”.