Domain 2: Personal Development
Elaboration:
Today was my last day at school. It was good but it was also hard. Several of my students cried, which made me feel both touched and sad. They made me lots of cards and gave me endless hugs and goodbyes. Many of the students told me that they would miss me a lot. I had a hard time saying goodbye to them as well. I wrote each of them a personal note. Many of the students were glowing at the words of encouragement. Some said they were going to keep it forever.

Analysis:
I think one of the hardest things that I have come across in my teaching is saying goodbye. I have grown to love and see the good in each of my students. It is hard for me to leave them knowing I can't take care of them anymore. I have realized I simply have to let go, knowing that someone far more capable than me holds them in his hands. I love them, but He loves them more.

Domain 3 Professional Development

Elaboration:
Over the past few days I have had the opportunity to observe several different teachers. Today I observed a kindergarten teacher. Although I am not going to be teaching kindergarten this year, I really enjoy that age. The teacher that I observed did a great job at instructing the students. I had the opportunity to see literacy centers, guided writing, and a read aloud. Since I have not helped in a kindergarten class before, it was great to see some of the things I have learned about implemented. The students responded well and were all actively involved.

Analysis:
I think that simply watching experienced teachers has helped me grow. I notice things that I may not have noticed previously, both good and bad. I have come to a point where I can definitely gain from their experience as well as critique how I might do things differently. This morning I saw great examples of interdisciplinary units using phonics and lots of reading. I also great organization and management. I think that one things I noticed is that the teacher's patience was very short. Although kindergartners need structure and strict expectations, this was beyond that. They need gentle and firm correction.

Domain 1: Content/Subject Matter Expertise
Elaboration:
The school requires that students be tested using Fountas and Pinnell once a semester. My teacher has not yet been able to start the testing, so she asked me if I could do it. I was able to apply some of my background knowledge about running records and the IRI and administer the tests to several students today. It was fun to do something different that enabled me to stay busy and not have to take work home.

Analysis:
Throughout the semester I have seen many of the things I have learned in my classes here at Indiana Wesleyan put into action. While I had to refresh myself on some of the technicalities, I felt very comfortable in administering these tests. I really enjoy seeing that I am able to discuss and use specific strategies or materials with professional teachers. In fact, many of the teachers said that they had never done a running record before and they didn't know how to do it. The experiences that I have had and the knowledge I have gained is truly valuable. =)

Domain 7 Communication
2:30 p.m.
Elaboration:
Today after school I was signing planners. I had to write several notes home because of children who had not been following procedures. Today I realized that many of the children really see me as someone in charge and don't mess around. Especially in contrast to the substitutes that were around. Also, I wrote several notes home to parents that were positive because I had a few students who did really well. There was one boy who is almost always the "perfect" student, and he said to me, "I wonder why no one ever writes a note in my planner." So I wrote a note in his planner. Although he is almost always good, I think it was still nice for him to be reminded that it is truly appreciated.

Analysis:
Communication with parents through notes can be very tricky. I always try to give both positive and disciplinary notes home when needed. The children just beam when you give them a positive note in their planners and really love it. I love seeing the way they respond to the positive reinforcement.

Domain 2 Personal Development
2:00 p.m.
Elaboration:
Over the course of the semester, I have formed a great relationship with many of my students. I love to be with them and really appreciate them as individuals. Sometimes they frustrate me, but I still enjoy them immensely. One of my students came up to me today and said, " I was sorry that I had my head down in math class today. I was embarrassed because I was crying. I know that you aren't teaching it any more and you are going to leave and I was really sad."

Analysis:
I know I will probably address this again when I am processing through leaving this place. It's hard to know that many of the students won't be getting as much attention once I leave. It's so much easier to help and meet student needs when there are more teachers around. This particular students has told be several times that she wishes I was her mom. I'm not ready to be a mother, but I've realized that some parents aren't much older than I am. Some parents are working very hard and don't have much time to spend with their children. These children just want someone to care and someone to believe in them. I want to let the children in my class know that even though I'm leaving, I believe in them and care so much about them.

Domain 3 Professional Development
Elaboration:
Today I had my mock interview with the school principal. Even though I was nervous, the interview went very well. There weren't any questions I felt uncomfortable answering. I felt prepared to answer any of the questions. He told me that I did a great job and have great interviewing skills. All of the improvements he addressed seemed to be easy fixes. I discussed my job for next year with him, as well as the intercultural studies part of my major. After hearing about this, he asked if I would be willing to do a presentation for the teachers that will be working with their international school next year about multicultural education.

Analysis:
This was a great opportunity to grow professionally in many ways. Having this interview with a principal really helped build my confidence as a teacher. I also felt very confident about the things that I have learned and my ability to actually use them. Also, I was extremely surprised that he asked me to do this presentation. I told him that I would let him know if that was something I could do. I would love to help the teachers see ways that they could be sensitive to students of different cultures and especially ways which they could use literature to help students see beyond themselves. This is an exciting opportunity and I hope I have the chance to take it.

Domain 6: Management of Time, Classroom, and Behaviors
11:15 a.m.
Elaboration:
Mrs. Brown had to leave early today for an appointment, so I had a sub again. This afternoon went better than some afternoons. My class did especially well when I reminded them of what they were supposed to be doing and told them I would add strips. Because of a number of things, we ended up switching late for science/social studies. I did not have time to teach my whole lesson. So, I decided instead to do an introductory lesson (since I only had 15 minutes).
Analysis:
Although I am far from perfect, I can definitely see improvement in my behavior management skills. I didn't take no for answer from my students and I required them to follow through with my expectations. Also, I was able to improvise something to work for the 15 minutes of social studies. That class is one lesson ahead anyways, so it will all work out evenly now.

Domain 8: Global and Multicultural Perspectives:
8:15 a.m.
Elaboration:
This morning as the students came in I was greeted by one of the students in another class. Although I do not have him in my class, I have talked to him at recess and I always say hi. One of the things I love about the close knit third grade here is that I get to know all the students, even those not in my class. He brought me flowers, a balloon, and a gift bag with shoes in it. I thanked him and gave him a hug. Later, his aunt (another third grader) told me that he had four dollars and he spent it all on me. I know that this family does not have a lot of extra money to spare.

Analysis:
This may have been a simple gift, but it meant a lot to me. I very nearly cried, being the sentimental person I am. I was especially touched because I know that this was a sacrifice for the child. It brings joy to my heart that I have touched a child's life enough that he would want to buy me a present. I hope that my joy and love is evident to all the children I come in contact, no matter what class I am in. I want to be just as generous and loving to my students as they are to me.

Domain 4: Rights and Responsibilities
2:00 p.m.-3:30 p.m.

Elaboration:
I have been having trouble trying to keep up with all my grades in the past week or two. With so many other things going on, it has kind of taken the back burner. Now that things have slowed down a bit, I have been spending most of my extra time grading and recording grades. This afternoon, my teacher wanted my students to see a movie of the book she and I had read to them this semester. The kids really enjoyed this extra reward, and I was able to get a lot done during this time.

Analysis:
Although this is not something that can or should be done all the time, I think a break like this can be helpful, especially after a busy week. The students got back from spring break this week and they have definitely needed some time to get used to working hard again. Some have come back refreshed and ready to learn, others have been more difficult to motivate. I am trying to continue to motivate myself, remembering that I have a responsibility to these students. I must not only teach them, but also remain a part of their lives.

Domain 6: Management of Time, Classroom, and Behaviors
1:10-1:40 p.m.
Elaboration:
Today I broke up my first fight on the playground. Some of the boys were fighting over a basketball and began punching each other and pushing each other. These were some of the bigger boys in third grade. I had to put myself between them and restrain one of them. One of the students began shouting that he was going to kill the others. He was taken to the principal's office by another teacher.

Analysis:
I was relieved to have another teacher to help me in this situation. However, I feel like I was able to separate the two in order to stop the fighting. This was the first time I had seen a physical fight erupt between students. I tried to be very careful about physically touching any of the students and mostly just put myself between them, not allowing the one student to get to the other. I am a little concerned about the student who wants to "kill" the others because he said he meant every word of it. Although he is mentally a bit unsound, he would have the capabilities to do something dangerous. I think that's one reason it is important to have other adults, like the principal involved.

Domain 2: Personal Development
Elaboration:
Today we had a substitute. I can see how I have grown in the fact that I don't really need the substitute like I would have at the beginning of the year. However, today was a long day. The children were very good in the morning, but when afternoon came they took a turn for the worse. They didn't seem to be listening well. For some reason this was very difficult today. I was running a little lower on patience than usual and their disrespect and behavior just make me frustrated or made me want to cry. As I reached the end of the day, I felt frustrated because I felt like I could do better.

Analysis:
While there is always room for improvement, I am never going to be perfect at anything. I can't be perfect at teaching. I can't be perfect at making portfolios. I can't be a perfect student. I can't be a perfect family member or friend. While I hate looking back and realizing that I made mistakes, I think sometimes it's okay to accept them as a part of our humanness. I can say I did the best I could today. I tried to teach and love my students. Same with all of those other things, while I must always make goals and work hard, I can't do them perfectly. I'm letting go of those things and moving on.

Domain 8: Global and Multicultural perspectives
Elaboration:
Because it is almost time to phase out, I was told that I could pick a topic and do a mini-unit with my language arts class. I have chosen to do a unit on multicultural literature and cultures around the world. I made the mistake of thinking that because my classroom was more ethnically diverse than others I had been in, that my students would be more culturally aware. Most of my student have no idea what a culture even is, let alone what it is like. It's exciting for me to find ways that I can help the children open their eyes to the world beyond them.

Analysis:
Today the children were fairly responsive to the lesson I presented. I think it is sometimes hard for me to realize that they simply believe and know only what they have experienced or teachers and children have told them. Although they have been presented with stories or heard about cultures, generally this is only during special holidays. I want to provide a different approach where students are reading literature and gaining skills, not making it seem forced. I know this is only for a week, but even if the children remember one thing, it would really great.

Domain 7: Communication
8:00-10:15 a.m.
Elaboration:
Happy April Fool's Day! =) My shoes have been untied at least four times this morning. I have a spider in my hair and on my shoe and I have chocolate on my face. The funny thing is I don't even have any shoelaces. This morning for April fool's Day, I put a sheet on their desks that said to read all of the directions before beginning. The last direction was to stop, sit back, ignore directions 2-25 and watch everyone else do the assignment wrong. The majority of the kids fell for it, drawing random things all over their papers. It was a great way to remind them to follow directions and most of them thought it was funny. Also, we shared our projects today in Language Arts. Even after sending notes home to parents, writing it in planners, and reminding my students constantly, I had 6 students who came without their projects done. The presenting for those who were done went very well, but I was disappointed that some had not done anything.

Analysis:
I really enjoyed doing the projects for language arts. A lot of the children had told me that they really liked doing their project. I think that some of the children will have to learn their lesson about completing things on time. They had to work for the rest of the day and whatever was turned in before break was their grade, no exceptions. While some of them may not do so hot on the project because of this, I hope that they will learn to be more responsible. It's difficult for me to do this because I want to be nice. However, I need to communicate clear expectations. I told them it had to be turned in. I also gave them 2 and a half days in class to work and sent notes home to their parents. I cannot communicate any clearer and at some point the children do have to become responsible.