Opitz 5 & 6

Throughout the reading of chapters 5 & 6 in the Opitz textbook, I took note of how important it is to keep a journal on children of different things that you observe throughout the day. I find this to be very important in that you can go back at the end of the day and reflect on each child. This journal can also be kept to write down conversations between students as well as interests of the students. Preparing lessons around the interests of the students as well as addressing specific struggles within the classroom is key for effective teaching. Being a first year teacher, this course has really allowed me to take notes of what to do with students academically the first couple of weeks of school. Asking students questions about their perspective on reading is crucial in order to get them excited about reading and increase their confidence level if they are insecure with reading. Creating questions to ask students about their reading habits as well as book interests allows the teacher to make connections with students when different books and writing assignments are being introduced.

One of my favorite components that I took away from the reading was the importance of “record keeping.” When I have a classroom of my own, I will be sure to create a portfolio of students writing samples that I chose as well as allowing my students to pick out their best work. This allows students to take ownership of their learning and strive to work harder. Not only are portfolios beneficial for the student as well as the teacher, they can be used in conferences as well as sending them to the students teacher the following year. This will help point out students’ strengths and weaknesses in order to plan effective lessons accordingly.

Being a new teacher, I am still learning all of the standardized tests that are administered throughout schools. The 3^rd grade class where I completed my student teaching during my senior year took the CRCT. A week before the CRCT, my host teacher as well as myself stressed the importance of the students getting plenty of sleep and eating a healthy breakfast. We told them to remain calm during the test and to do their best. I really enjoyed reading about the criterion-referenced test. I had never heard of this test and I found that it would be very beneficial in order to discover each student’s specific strengths and needs. I am still learning about the different forms of assessments and this course is already doing a great job of informing me of important tests.