Jefferson Elementary School Observation Report

During the months of September and October this semester I spent time at two different schools in four different classrooms. Being able to observe different classes and teachers at Westside Junior High and South Live Oak Elementary was a very new and exciting experience for me since I can’t say I’ve always wanted to be a teacher. My experiences at these schools gave me a better insight into the differences between schools, classrooms, and teachers. The purpose of this field experience was to get 10 observation or tutoring hours in an elementary or junior high setting. I chose to observe a

To set the demographics, Lacy Elementary School is a 60-year-old neighborhood school. Originally built to accommodate 500 students, the school is now over capacity, reaching a high enrollment of 650 students. Located in an urban school district, a majority of the students qualify for the federal breakfast and lunch program. The district has recently experienced a new rezoning, and in result there are buses now bringing 200 students from the surrounding neighborhoods to the school. Lacy Elementary opens its’ doors at 7:30 a.m., although school doesn’t begin until 8:30 a.m. Teachers are not required to report to school until 15 minutes prior to school beginning, however, teacher assistants or paraprofessionals are paid a stipend to supervise students before and after school. Although they have this opportunity, there are only two individuals who have chosen to supervise in the breakfast program. To provide additional assistance, PTA volunteers and administration are currently helping supervise when able.

As a future middle school teacher, I know I have much to learn. I have to learn how to effectively make engaging lesson plans that meet the academic standards of my content, I have to educate myself on how to efficiently and promptly determine all of my student’s different learning styles and motivation, and I have to learn how to professionally build classroom management and a safe classroom environment, while still developing a sincere relationship with my students. However, of all the things I still need to learn, there is just as much that I have already learned which has helped build and strengthen my beliefs on what I believe a middle school teacher is and my responsibility as such.

On Thursday, June 16th all 4th grade classes from Hanscom Middle School got their Every Kid in the Park passes, learned about the Centennial and met park rangers too boot. A neighbor of Minute Man National Historical Park, Hanscom Middle School is located on the adjacent Hanscom Air Force Base, located in the towns of Bedford, Lincoln and Lexington, Massachusetts. 50 students were awarded their passes as well as peppering rangers with questions about the National Park Service.

I think that attending Towson High School and being a part of its Law & Public Policy program has definitely changed my perspective and opinions. Towson High School, a predominantly white school, was very different for me because I'm not a localite and I'd only attended predominantly black elementary and middle schools. While I have been able to recognize prejudice at Towson, as someone who is politically liberal in a highly diverse magnet, I have managed to work with, get along with, and befriend a magnitude of students and contributed to conversations that expand everyone's worldview.

In this lab experience I was observing eighteen to nineteen first grade students at Jefferson Elementary. Most of the observations take place in the classroom. I observe at different times of the day, so that I can experience different areas of study. I have observed this class with their regular teacher, two substitutes and the reading coach, as well as a portion of the class with two special activity teachers.

Naperville North students who have taken school lunch this year dislike the policy of having low quantity of food in their meals than last year.

One day in middle school, the whole 8th grade class got to go to the gym because their teacher was out for the day. Everyone knew the gym was were the bullies came to harass the other kids. The 6th graders were sitting across the gym just minding their own business, no one really ever bothered them, unless they came to the 8th graders side of the gym. There were always a few of the kids that would happen to linger across sides and the inevitable always tended to happen. They never really saw a big deal with it, other than it being sitting with the older kids. Two of the older girls were sitting at the top of the bleachers, while the younger two had come over and sat almost at the bottom of the bleachers. Even though the 8th graders were supposed

This observation lasted about 5 hours at Floyd Elementary School for a 3rd grade class consisting of 9 boys and 10 girls ranging in ages between 8 and 9 years old, plus one female teacher named Mrs.Squarzon.

Being the observer of a new incoming generation at Anthony W. Ochoa Middle School, I saw as clusters of students arrive at the doors of Ochoa. Although, I personally did not come to the 6th grade articulation. Two mirrors, one behind, one in the front, reflections of myself in the past and future, copies, filled my mind as I saw the “new generation.” Their glossy, lost eyes shooting worried and eager looks. Their eyebrows leaned towards and away form their eyes, as they observed their surroundings. Their body language, acting nonchalant yet their fearful and eager faces displayed otherwise. Ungrateful and disrespectful in a way where childlike behavior was being displayed.

During my second year of middle school, my parents thought moving to Mexico would be a marvelous idea. A month later I found myself in a small hamlet called San Cristobal. My mother mentioned how much she loved attending middle school there and that pretty soon I would too. My first day of school I noticed strange behavior among the teachers; they were all gathered near a vehicle scoffing at the students. I disregarded the incident thinking it was simply a bad morning for them. Once class had begun-for the whole seven hours-my teacher did nothing but teach us fourth grade math. The level of progress in which the students were in baffled me because at their grade level the adequate math would have been Algebra. Once the students were dismissed,

Since August of my junior year, I have worked with third graders in language development students came to me when they needed help or someone to talk to. R.O.P Occupations with Young Children taught me leadership skills and how to build strong relationships with students who went to me for guidance. I assisted students in System 44, a program designed to help students who were below grade level in their reading and writing skills. Each student was required to read a book followed by filling out a reading log. This is where I came in to help. Most students were unable to read correctly; ordinarily they had no understanding of the reading. While the students were working on their reading log, I was often beside them, giving them ideas and advice about answers to questions about the book. There were moments in which students did not know the definition of a word or the pronunciation; they called me to help them. A student named Luis would always raise his hand and had me go through the book with him.

In that class, the student learns about different teaching methods and how to care for children. As part of the curriculum, we volunteered at Long Elementary as teacher aides. Working with 4th grade students and observing an everyday class room was such an awe-inspiring experience. I had a completely new perspective about teachers. I have so much more respect as before. Teachers put so much time and effort into helping children for their benefits. I knew from the first day I helped with Ms. Williams’ 4th grade class, how much a teacher is a positive influence on children. There is an overwhelming feeling when you help a student with a problem and in return they give you the most heart-warming smile. The experience at Long Elementary helped me make my final decision on whether I wanted to teach elementary or secondary school. As much as I enjoyed helping elementary students, in my heart I knew secondary school was the path God had in store for me.

Description of Location: Outside- The playground towards the southern end has a jungle gym and then rocking toys and chairs spread out through the grass. The playground is guarded safe by study and tall wooden fence. Towards the northern end of the playground, it has a picnic table and a fence to separate the twos and threes from the pre-kindergarteners and the kindergartners. Alongside the wall of the playground near the backdoors of the classrooms, there are red baby chairs and other toys. Inside- The threes room is relatively big. It has two big tables for lunch, one is in the front and one is in the middle of the classroom. There

As big 4th graders you will be coming to the scary middle school next year, only it isn’t so scary. To start with, our middle school’s mission statement is “The mission of the Upper Dauphin Area Middle School is to provide a safe learning environment for students, to encourage them to settle for nothing less than their best, and to build character that will lay the foundation upon which they will build their futures.” First, one of the best parts of the middle school is our character building discovery program. As a result of this program, we are able to believe that character is who you are when nobody's watching. This discovery program encourages positive behavior and helps kids to check their own character. In addition, our mission statement