Week 4

This week I continued with shared reading. I was able to take over a guided reading group this week as well. The district spends a lot of time on grouping. So this week was one of the first weeks with the full schedule in full motion. The rotations worked really well this week. I was able to have one group to myself, and that was really cool. Toni was able to come and observe this during my second time getting the group. This week, I also introduced call outs into the class, the students are frequently off task. I believed a good step would to cover expectations and take the time to cover what call outs purpose was and how I want the students to check themselves after a call out. The students were really into the call outs and had a couple favorites.

During guided reading and throughout this week, one of the main themes that I have learned and struggled with, is how your teaching is directly effected by the district. One of my struggles has been taking over, and what I am allowed to take over is very limited in what I can do. The district is strict with the literature that can be used for shared reading and guided reading. I really enjoy the shared reading and I love being able to have open dialogue with the students. However, with how regimented the schedule is, I only get 30 mins for the lesson, which each student doesn't get a chance to participate, I do use call out popsicle sticks to try to let everyone speak. However Guided reading is only 15 minutes and is supposed to be able the students reading, and only talking about the focus topic.  This is the reality of some district and principals, and that challenges my teaching style. I am still not sure how I would react or adapt if I worked within this district.

This week I hope to gain more and more lessons. I hope to be able to balance between taking over lessons and working with my teacher as well. Last week I set the goal of talking to the Principal, however I have not been able to do that. He did observes some of my guided reading goals, as I conducted them in the hallway due to space. He seemed pleased. This week I hope to take over social studies and science this week if I can too.