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EDE 4504 !
Due: 11/27
II.
This semester, I entered the learning environment and immediately noticed areas of
strengths and weaknesses. I wanted to improve the learning environment as much as possible,
and as soon as possible. I began to notice the length of time it took to transition from one
subject to another, one activity to another, or simply transitioning from the desks to form a
line. September 9 was the first day I noticed that the majority of the class was taking longer
than necessary to put away/take out materials and especially had difficulty with the concept
of lining up for specials, lunch, the media center, etc. I observed one particular student who
strictly follows an individualistic approach, most of the time. http://rachaelcurtis.weebly.com/
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Rachael Curtis
EDE 4504 !
Due: 11/27
Rachael Curtis
EDE 4504 !
Due: 11/27
There are a variety of needs when it comes to my learners in this environment. There
are four students who are ELL and six students with an IEP. Majority of the learners are from a
black, non-hispanic background. More specifically, I noticed there is more than one student
who should be provided with enrichment during lessons. There is more than one student who
requires almost constant redirection throughout a lesson, and especially when released to do
individual work. I would consider two students to be the barometer children of the class if we
focus on how they behave. This lead to disruption many times while the teacher is trying to
teach and the students are trying not to be distracted. Two students, on many occasions,
rarely achieve their class work due to their learning development levels. Many times, these
students require individual one on one help in order to complete their work. There is also
more than one student who is very attentive to the teacher, and directions at all times. These
students are focused on the task and lead by example in our classroom. Many student are
constantly asking to help others, or volunteering to help one another when they have finished
or when they see a peer who is struggling. Overall, the needs of our learners showed to be
powerfully diverse.
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EDE 4504 !
Due: 11/27
Rachael Curtis
EDE 4504 !
Due: 11/27
http://rachaelcurtis.weebly.com/feaps-management-blog--ede-4504/when-children-make-rulesdevries-zan-connections
!Lemos, M. S., & Verssimo, L. (2014). The Relationships between Intrinsic Motivation, Extrinsic
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Rachael Curtis
EDE 4504 !
Due: 11/27
!2a. Organizes, allocates, and manages the resources of time, space, and attention
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My first morning meeting was on 10/28 which was when we made the
classroom expectations for the students, and myself, along with other aspects
of a morning meeting. I feel as if the morning meeting went really well
because of the reaction from my students. At first they were reluctant to do
the sharing activity, because it involved saying something nice to the person
sitting next to them. I remember their reaction before we started which I felt
was due to the environment theyre all used to, which probably rarely
involves complimenting one another. Once I got everyones attention we
completed this activity and no one was allowed to be skipped, considering a
few people asked for this permission. We were able to get through the whole
class and it went smoothly! The reaction received after was much more
accepting and understanding. The students seemed more at ease with each
other and realized that giving compliments, especially in morning meetings/
the classroom, is completely normal. I used the basic outline for morning
meetings that was taught through our Morning Meeting textbook related to
our Creating & Differentiating the Learning Environment in Elementary
Schools course. I also tried to incorporate strategies we practiced in the class,
for example a Kagan strategy (shown below for Sharing). Here is evidence
from my second morning meeting held the next day, 10/29. This morning
meeting went well. I would say it was better than the first because the
students were already getting more used to this procedure. Also, a link to my
blog post which has some further information pertaining to these ideas.
http://rachaelcurtis.weebly.com/feaps-internship-blog-2015-2016/category/
feap-2a
http://rachaelcurtis.weebly.com/feaps-management-blog--ede-4504/whenchildren-make-rules-devries-zan-connections
Kriete, R. (2002). The morning meeting book. Thunder Falls, MA: Northeast Foundation, Inc.
DeVries & Zan. (2003). When children make rules. Educational Leadership, 61(1), pp. 64-67.
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Rachael Curtis
EDE 4504 !
Due: 11/27
!2b. Manages individual and class behaviors through a well-planned management system
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The whole system is designed to directly relate back to her goals in order to
meet them. This is an excerpt from one of my blog posts which talks about
an individual code of conduct idea. I originally came up with the idea mostly
on my own, and it just so happened the reading we were assigned the next
week directly related to this concept. Chapter 5 mainly talked about a whole
class code of conduct. I do enjoy this idea as well. We managed whole class
behavior in a different way using a Bravo Board and Class Pet incentive. With
the entire class as a whole, I mostly started to develop a cooperative
discipline mixed with beyond discipline system. However, circumstances
permitting, I wanted to do an individual code of conduct with a particular
student in order for her to gain self control and build a better relationship
with teachers rather than using her usual AGM (attention getting
mechanisms), which were mentioned in this chapter as well. I wanted to help
manage her behavior in order for her to feel a sense of belonging that she
desired. This chapter reassured me I was on the right track to managing
individual behaviors in order to blend with the whole class. I feel this system
was successful because there was a noticeable change in this students
behavior right away and as time went on. There was complete ownership of
her behavior at this point, which was something we werent used to. She
would verbally remind me about her goals and moments she felt successful in
meeting them, and more. The seriousness of our plan was understood and her
behavior was a reflection of this. Overall, she was able to gain a much better
attitude in the classroom amongst her peers as well as the teacher. It took
time for her to reach her goals and display intrinsic and extrinsic motivation.
It was beneficial for her to notice her progress and take her time in making
these personal, positive changes. Here is a blog post about chapter 5 that has
more detail, and a blog discussing Kohns views. Also, here is evidence
pertaining to the code of conduct system we used.
http://rachaelcurtis.weebly.com/feaps-management-blog--ede-4504/category/
feap-2b
http://rachaelcurtis.weebly.com/feaps-management-blog--ede-4504/chapter-12summaries-charles-senter-connections
Charles, C. M. Linda Albert's 'Cooperative Discipline'. In Building classroom discipline. Boston.
Allyn and Bacon. 2002. Ch. 5. pp. 67-84.
Charles, C. M. Alfie Kohns Beyond Discipline. In Building classroom discipline. Boston.
Allyn and Bacon. 2002. Ch. 12. pp. 189-204.
Rothstein-Fisch, C., & Trumball, E. (2009). Managing diverse classrooms: How to build on
students cultural strengths. Virginia: ASCD.
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EDE 4504 !
Due: 11/27
(The student maintained a personal, more formal, copy of My Contract in her desk)
Rachael Curtis
EDE 4504 !
Due: 11/27
Levin, J., & Nolan, J. F. (2010). Principles of classroom management: A professional decisionmaking model, (6th Ed.). Boston: Pearson.
Clayton, M. K, & Forton, M. B. (2001). Classroom spaces that work. Thunder Falls, MA:
Northeast Foundation, Inc.
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Rachael Curtis
EDE 4504 !
Due: 11/27
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!2d. Respects students cultural linguistic and family background
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One particular day, on September 16, I ended up having to take over the rest
http://rachaelcurtis.weebly.com/feaps-internship-blog-2015-2016/category/
feap-2d
Rachael Curtis
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EDE 4504 !
Due: 11/27
Rachael Curtis
EDE 4504 !
Due: 11/27
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rachaelcurtis.weebly.com/feaps-management-blog--ede-4504/category/feap-2b
http://rachaelcurtis.weebly.com/feaps-management-blog--ede-4504/chapter-8summaries-levin-nolan-connections
Levin, J., & Nolan, J. F. (2010). Principles of classroom management: A professional decisionmaking model, (6th Ed.). Boston: Pearson.
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Rachael Curtis
EDE 4504 !
Due: 11/27
I was able to conduct a survey about what each student would change about
the classroom and something each student would keep the same. I wanted
feedback about what was working for each student and possibly what was not
working. This procedure was able to be completed however, did not quite go
exactly how I wished it would have. This is part of the learning process and if I
had the opportunity, I would repeat this activity and/or I will in my future
classroom. For example, more than 1 response of what would be kept the
same had to do with the color of the walls. I was looking for different
specificities. Although, I was happy to receive some insight from doing this.
Another example of maintaing a climate of openness, inquiry, fairness, and
support goes right along with my team of the week strategy. The Bravo Board
was implemented, as mentioned briefly, to reach our classroom expectations
and also incorporate a more respectful and desirable classroom community for
everyone. My CT gave me the privilege of implementing this strategy and Im
pleased to say how effective this turned out to be! My original idea of this
strategy differed a little from how I actually incorporated it into our
classroom community. I first introduced the Bravo board in a morning meeting
and made sure every single student was on board with how this works. The
whole class showed excitement and were ready for the challenge to become
team of the week. It was personally rewarding to witness such a different side
of these students. They truly demonstrated a noticeable motivation to work
together, respect each other, cooperate, and more. Of course, this was a
world they were still getting used to in a way that they gradually made
progress and still had some downfalls, as expected. Notice, in the picture
below Team 5 has two stars. This indicates they were the best example they
could be, as a group, for two weeks. This also applies for Team 2 who
demonstrated this for 1 week. A specific instance would be, when table
captains were asked to put away their groups science notebooks and table 5s
captain immediately got up to collect science books while the rest of the
group cooperatively handed it to him/her and they were patient and sensible
waiting for the rest of their classmates to also finish this task. Below is, first,
the link to my blog having the idea about implementing Team of the Week,
and second is the link to my blog about the survey I took. The picture is
evidence of the Bravo Board at the end of week 3. The other picture was a
group part of a morning meeting which consisted of making team flags to
create further ownership and community of my strategies. Also, is a picture of
majority of surveys. http://rachaelcurtis.weebly.com/feaps-management-blog--
ede-4504/category/feap-2f
http://rachaelcurtis.weebly.com/feaps-management-blog--ede-4504/chapter-3-4levin-nolan-rothstein-fisch-trumball-connections
Wolfgang, C. H. (unknown). Chapter 4: Assertive Discipline, pp. 79-99.
Rachael Curtis
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EDE 4504 !
Due: 11/27
Rachael Curtis
EDE 4504 !
Due: 11/27
I have integrated technology since the start of preservice teaching. This is something we are
constantly told to include in our lessons. This semester, I have continued to use technology in
each lesson. There are screenshots of the evidence of the technology which was used.
Specifically we were able to take advantage of having the new laptops from the school.
During a lesson on September 30, the students used these laptops in groups in order to
research information on weather for the science lesson. In the same lesson, I used an
informational YouTube video as part of wrapping up our lesson. The reaction from the
students is usually always positive when a clip is incorporated into the lesson, or some sort of
new technology which appeals to them. During the day my CT will send students to the
laptops to complete their time requirements for programs such as istation, myon, or iready.
These programs help students improve their skills. I began helping my CT send students to the
computers in order to satisfy their hours. There is required understanding of who has been on
the computers already that week, and who is behind in their time. An important factor is also
what the rest of the class is doing. We cant have a student on istation and missing the lesson
if its a student that will struggle without this content later.
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Lesson: 9/30
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Lesson: 11/4
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Rachael Curtis
EDE 4504 !
Due: 11/27
2h. Adapts the learning environment to accommodate the differing needs and diversity
of students
I think this FEAP also carries over to the seating chart I made. Shown above in the learning
environment part II section. This chart was carefully designed to accommodate the different
learning needs of the classroom. I felt that the groups were lacking and we could mix them
around in order to take advantage of what each student can offer. The seating chart did prove
to increase the all around needs and diversity of the students in a positive way. For example,
the Bravo Board was first implemented on October 28. This tool was used for many reasons,
one of them being to see which tables prove to be the best example of working together/
cooperating, following our set expectations, respecting each other, moving with a purpose,
and more. Team 5 noticeably was getting the most points day after day, week after week.
When I put together the current seating chart on paper, and then connected their DRA levels,
Tiers, ELL or not, IEP or not, and considered behavior and personality, this led me to
understand why team 5 has been receiving the most points based off off our point system.
After I implemented the seating chart, there was a noticeable increase in tallies on our Bravo
Board, for all tables. The students even recognized their increased potential and continued
striving to work together with their new table mates.
This blog has some information about the behavior system I implemented in order to reach
the needs of the entire learning environment. When there is a single student who is
distracting everyone else, this begins to impact the class as a whole. Here is a bit that I wrote
pertaining to this scenario.
The behavior system Ive been using with the one student is actually built to not cause more
disruption to the teaching and learning and environment than the students disruptive
behavior itself, as mentioned on page 208. The way I keep track of her behavior throughout
the day is with a checkmark/X system which we go over at the end of the day. When she
exhibits disruptive behavior, she now notices when this happens and recognizes what she's
done. The recognition usually occurs along with eye contact and awareness that Im noticing
her behavior, too. http://rachaelcurtis.weebly.com/feaps-management-blog--ede-4504/category/
feap-2h
This student would pout and complain at times during instruction, she would be extremely
bossy to her classmates especially when she is the table captain. Many behaviors she
displayed are written under her weaknesses that we came up with together. Ultimately this
system helped her turn her weaknesses into strengths, while we made her strengths even
stronger. This student has a lot to bring to the table, as any other student can. However,
there was difficulty with her establishing how to do so. One instance specifically where this
system was put in place was when my CT used her own behavior management system by
telling this student to go flip her card. Normally, the student would take 2-3 minutes walking
over, standing in front of the chart, flipping her card, and still hesitating to walk back to her
seat. This became a disruption and was also mentioned as part of her weaknesses. After our
contract was made, she knew that when she was to flip her card, it was meant to be done
with a purpose and with little distraction. As she was walking over to flip her card, it was
clear she remembered these directions. Once she got there, I noticed she started to slow
down and was about to get back into her old habits. We made eye contact and I gave her a
signal basically to let her know that I am watching her and we both know the expectations.
That signal was enough to make her smile and feel guilty that she was doing what she was not
supposed to be doing. This made her snap back into the moment and hurry up to flip her card
and walk back to her seat.
Rachael Curtis
EDE 4504 !
Due: 11/27
The last task I did which directly relates to this FEAP is a line system along with a chant. I cut
and colored 18 footprints to stick to the floor. We ended up receiving another student this
semester, so 18 came in handy. I noticed within the first week or two that lining up was
difficult for this group of students. It could be what theyre used to from previous years, it
could be the length of time they had off because of summer break, or it could be that my CT
thought they could do it with little structure. I found they required explicit structure and
directions in order to form a line and prepare to walk in the hall. I figured if we put a highly
visual display on the floor for each student to line up, this will give them the specific
direction they need. After this was implemented, on October 7, I noticed, from then on, how
quickly the class could form a line with little confusion and little disruption. I still noticed
there needed to be some adaptations to how we act once we leave the classroom. I came up
with a line chant, the next week on October 14, to accommodate the students who think they
could talk in the halls and not follow the directions. They still needed more structure for this
task. I implemented another duty for the CHAMPS monitor, which is part of the classroom jobs
list. This student is responsible for being the first to line up, along with the door holder, line
leader, and lights person. Once this student notices all the others are almost in a line, he/she
begins the chant. This is the signal that everyone should be in line and ready to go once the
chant is over. Once the chant is over, we walk exactly how were supposed to in order to get
to lunch, specials, media center, or wherever. I noticed a huge improvement in the way the
students expect themselves to walk in the hall. Mostly all of them increased their efforts.
They held high expectations for themselves, and every time I witnessed this chant I noticed at
least 16/18 students were participating. At times, I would have to use proximity to help
students realize they must participate. The evidence of our feet-line and chant is below.
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Rachael Curtis
EDE 4504 !
Due: 11/27
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Levin, J., & Nolan, J. F. (2010). Principles of classroom management: A professional decisionmaking model, (6th Ed.). Boston: Pearson.
Rothstein-Fisch, C., & Trumball, E. (2009). Managing diverse classrooms: How to build on
students cultural strengths. Virginia: ASCD.
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Rachael Curtis
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EDE 4504 !
Due: 11/27
2i. Utilizes current and emerging assistive technologies that enable students to
participate in high-quality communication interactions and achieve their educational
goals
When I was developing a wondering for my classroom, I created a document which provided
further insight to my wonderings. This allowed me to take a closer look at my students and
see where we could incorporate assistive technologies for students to meet their individual
goals and objectives for each lesson. We used manipulatives in most math lessons because I
noticed the class is more motivated this way, alongside the manipulatives being a strategy
that majority of the class desires. For two math lessons, I took it a step further and
incorporated candy corn as a manipulative because it was near Halloween and I knew it would
grab interest in order for them to participate in high-quality communication interactions
throughout the lesson. Also, I used dragon eggs for another math lesson for the same reason. I
was able to tie the dragon eggs to our class pet which also completes the evidence for this
FEAP.
I was able to do research on physical activity and how this coincides with academics in an
elementary classroom. The research was positive and showed an increase in academics when
physical activity is integrated throughout the school day. Utilizing current and emerging
assistive technology, my colleagues and I discovered a website which allows students to get up
and move around, basically in the form of a brain break. I explained to the class near the
middle of October that I signed up for an account on gonoodle.com. I told them how difficult
it can be for us to sit for long periods of time using our brain to focus and maintain steady
progress on our work. We discussed that with more physical movement and brain breaks, we
would be able to participate in these videos in order to ultimately achieve our educational
goals. I told the class there will be two times throughout the day when we can decide to do a
video. It was up to them to communicate to each other when they are feeling ready for a
break and agree that we would, or would wait a bit. In order to keep track if we did one, or
two, or if we have any left, we put magnets on the board which represented our gonoodle
characters. The students were also responsible for taking one of them down when necessary.
Research article:
Vazou, S. s., Gavrilou, P., Mamalaki, E., Papanastasiou, A., & Sioumala, N. (2012). Does
integrating physical activity in the elementary school classroom influence academic
motivation?. International Journal Of Sport & Exercise Psychology, 10(4), 251-263.
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Rachael Curtis
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EDE 4504 !
Due: 11/27