This years practicum

I wish I would have started a school blog last year.  I want to be able to keep all my good ideas somewhere.  I have stored some in a notebook but if I would have done it digitally it would have been better.  I plan on using my blog for this for the rest of my schooling and when I am a teacher.

I have one more class left!  I am so glad to be almost done.  Spring has sprung here in Medicine Hat and it makes me anxious to get out of the classroom and into my garden.

I was in a grade 4 classroom in my English Literature practicum.  It was great.  I was in the Catholic School Division and I have never worked there before so it was nice to see all that they have to offer.  I learned a lot about literacy circles and how to use them with a novel study.  I really enjoy children's literature and learned a lot from this class and from my mentor teacher.

I was also able to do running records and a miscue analysis; something I have never even seen done before.  You have to be fast doing the miscue but I was glad to have the practice!!

One tip that I really liked was when your students are in pods (which I hope to do in my class) if they need a reminder to listen or they are struggling that day, they get a letter.  Once they spell out the word ROWS their pod is broken up and put in a row.  I thought this was an interesting way to remind them that collaborative work is a privilege and they have to live up to that expectation.

Thanks Mrs. C for allowing me in your classroom!!