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Observation Journal Entry #12
Mar. 13th, 2013 06:04 pmWe finished up the state reports today. This was a LONG process, but now at the end, I truly appreciate it. It took 10 days to get through the 5 paragraphs. One day for notes, one day for creating drafts, and the children are responsible for getting finals done during practice periods (i.e. the short 20 minute one today) or at home. It truly helped me to understand how long it can take for children to learn something I've completely internalized (and didn't learn myself until 10th grade). I also appreciate how it was made understandable and accessible for their level. The notes page with questions on it makes a whole lot more sense than the index card method I learned an unmentionable number of years ago. (But I also must admit, I used that process from that point through graduate school.) And I have to admit, I've stolen it. Ike has his animal project and he is overwhelmed with the process and the entire project is being worked on at home as homework. No class time, and I've been struggling on how to help him. I took the notes form that Ms. R gave her class and made a set for my son. I am looking forward to it, as I am quite confident that it will help him. (And me!)
Shortish day. I leave after second period. I got a chance to check in with Ms. R and check in on what I'm doing. Suggestions for another thing to take over (a dictation on a summary of The South, I've written the draft, and need to type it up and send it to her for approval) and a request to tell the story of Washington DC. I've got an idea how to start. I've swiped Ms. R's library book to check up on what it says. It's a good place to start and I think I'm going to pull out my old scrapbook of my trip and see if there's anything interesting to add.
Boys are squirellery today. Lots of energy, lots of mouthiness, but not disrespect. It's all good.
Got a huge laugh out of three of them today. I have been helping a student dictating his notes and drafts. Since we finished the dictation of the final paragraph draft, I suggested he get a piece of paper and work on a final copy of his first paragraph. He stated that he wanted to look at the book, and I said "You know? I think this book is distracting you from doing your work. Lets put it on the floor and you can focus on your work." He proceeds to give me these puppy dog eyes and a pouty lip. I gave him a look over my glasses and said "I have four kids, do you really think a Boo Boo Lip is going to work on me?" He and two other students in earshot started burst out laughing. And then he sighed and got to work. Point for Mrs. Dadek. It was a good way to end Morning Lesson.
Shortish day. I leave after second period. I got a chance to check in with Ms. R and check in on what I'm doing. Suggestions for another thing to take over (a dictation on a summary of The South, I've written the draft, and need to type it up and send it to her for approval) and a request to tell the story of Washington DC. I've got an idea how to start. I've swiped Ms. R's library book to check up on what it says. It's a good place to start and I think I'm going to pull out my old scrapbook of my trip and see if there's anything interesting to add.
Boys are squirellery today. Lots of energy, lots of mouthiness, but not disrespect. It's all good.
Got a huge laugh out of three of them today. I have been helping a student dictating his notes and drafts. Since we finished the dictation of the final paragraph draft, I suggested he get a piece of paper and work on a final copy of his first paragraph. He stated that he wanted to look at the book, and I said "You know? I think this book is distracting you from doing your work. Lets put it on the floor and you can focus on your work." He proceeds to give me these puppy dog eyes and a pouty lip. I gave him a look over my glasses and said "I have four kids, do you really think a Boo Boo Lip is going to work on me?" He and two other students in earshot started burst out laughing. And then he sighed and got to work. Point for Mrs. Dadek. It was a good way to end Morning Lesson.