Michelle Bolden

LBS 300
December 4, 2015
Reflective Essay

For my early fieldwork, I was assigned to Mrs. Christina Kellys 5 th grade class at
Douglas MacArthur Elementary school in Lakewood, California. This school location appears to
be located in a well-kept working class neighborhood with single family homes right across the
street. The school has a high percentage of Hispanic students at 40%, followed by 26% of white
student, next a 14% of African Students, below 10% of the other demographic students.
According to MacArthurs STAR score for 2008, 2nd grade students had the highest percentage
in proficiency in English/Language Arts (35%) and Math (32%). Third grade students highest
percentage for English/Language Arts were basic (39%) and Math were advanced (39%). Fourth
grade highest percentage in proficiency in English/Language Arts (32%) and Math (39%). And
Fifth grade students highest percentage in English/Language Arts were basic (38%), Math was
proficient (28%), and Science was basic (32%).
During my time in Mrs. Kellys class, I learned that as a teacher you will have students
with different levels of learning. I noticed that she had a couple of students that consistently
interrupt class. She believes that these two students may have a disability like ADHD, but it is
uncertain whether they have been evaluated or not. I also learned that some students in her class
who tested below in English/Reading/Language Arts were sent to another instructor who
specializes in the subject. These students were sent 2 to 3 days out of the week for the extra help.

I also noticed that Mrs. Kelly has a student who recently came from Mexico who doesnt speak
English. He is the first student that I have experience who is a ESL. I learned that he can read
high frequency words, but he does not understand what he has read. He gets help from a young
girl who is bilingual and she would translate the instructions to him.
Mrs. Kelly has several techniques that she would use in her class. One of my favorite
techniques is the way she teaches her vocabulary words from the assign reading to her students.
She would provide 5 vocabulary words. For each word, the students are to write the sentence
from the book that has the vocabulary word, next the students are to write the definition from the
book, followed by creating their own sentences, and finally drawing a picture describing their
sentence. I believe that it is a good learning technique because it allowed students to read and
understand a word to where they can grasp the meaning and applying it to their own words. And
the drawing of their sentences keep them engage in their work.
As a student learning to become a teacher, there are a few strategies that I will keep as I
continue my career. One of my strategies would be the technique Mrs. Kelly uses for her
vocabulary words. Another would be the use of the projector in class. I believe that it is a great
way for students to better understand the work that they are doing, especially for class handouts.
It will allow students to visually see what you are doing, mainly for new material being
introduced. And lastly, another technique is putting students in groups. I believe that it will
minimizes the stress on teachers when students work together, helping each other.
In my time with Mrs. Kellys class I discovered that I have a few strengths when it comes
to working with students. One of my strengths are being able to connect with them. I am able to
keep with some of the things students talk about. Unlike some of the older teachers, like Mrs.
Kelly, may not understand the trends or terms that children use now and days. Another strength is

getting them to engage in their work by showing them attention. I feel that I can make even the
lowest achieving child to participate in their work. And lastly, I have the strength to not let a
child get to me or dispute me while I do my job. Once a student realize that you are in control,
they wont test or run over you.
While I have my strengths in certain things, I also have my weaknesses. My weaknesses
are classroom management, lesson planning, and working with ESL students. As I am able to
non-aggressively handle a disruptive child, handling and managing a whole entire classroom of
students that may have the same qualities may be difficult for me. I have noticed in my time in
Mrs. Kelly class that she sometimes has no control of her class. Lesson planning is still a
weakness for me. As a tutor outside of school, I have to use lesson planning. It is difficult for me
especially when I am sometimes an unorganized individual at school and at home. And ESL
students are biggest weakness. I feel that I wont be able to teach a child who is learning English
as a second language because I am not bilingual. I feel that I will fail as a teacher if ESL dont
succeed under my instruction. As I continue my education, I know I will gain more knowledge in
my weaknesses. This will better help me apply this in my future as a teacher.
As my fieldwork time with Mrs. Kelly and my class time Ms. Abbott comes to an end, I
learned that there will be trials and tribulations as a teacher. Learning from both instructors by
observing and lecture, teaching is not easy. It takes time, patience, and a little firmness to survive
in a classroom with students in this generation. I was taught by Ms. Abbott to also, as she would
say, CYA (Cover Your Assets) when teaching. You have to make sure you are doing the right
thing and not creating bad situations in your career. I learn that as a teacher we have to protect
ourselves in our students. Never personally intervene in situations such as child abuse. Notify the
principal and the authorities. And most importantly have fun and be in control.