EDU 579

Monthly Practicum Log/ Reflective Journal

(Part VIa)

Rebecca Coulter
Month: September 2016
Practicum components completed this month include:

I
I updated my resume and have it ready to add to my website.
V
Three observational visits completed (previously) and reflection written
comparing and
contrasting the three programs.
VII A1b
I have created an interest center to generate excitement for the
elections/ persuasion
unit.
VII A3 I have taught two bibliotherapy lessons focused on students affective
needs. The
students read the book Touching Spirit Bear, and we did a lesson on
dealing with anger
in a productive, rather than destructive, way.
Students also read the poem Where Im From, by George Ella Lyon.
We then had an affective lesson about what makes us who we are. This
was tied in with another affective lesson from Touching Spirit Bear
dealing with a cake demonstration in which the characters learn that
while the ingredients (events) in our lives may be bad individually, we
can still make them into a delicious cake (meaningful and productive/
happy life).
VII A5 I have integrated several kinds of technology. We have used Youtube
for lessons on
mood, using video and audio clips. Additionally, we have used Kahoot
for a review
game. Students used their personal devices to participate. Many days
we have used
powerpoint for the days lesson. I have also used remind.com as a
communication tool.
I have worked with students on using Google Drive to share
documents, and we got all
students set up to use the Chromebooks and the google apps.
VII B I taught a lesson, as mentioned above, on identity, based on the poem
Where Im
From. The students and I discussed how we can all live in the same
town, but still

come from very different places. I encouraged students to make the

poem about the
real them and about the people, places, and experiences who have
made them who
they are.
VII E I attended the AAGC conference and have written a reflection about
the knowledge and
skills I gained there.

September was a very productive month. After a slow start to the year,
with all the back to school business to take care of, I felt like we hit our stride
during this month. It took me a while to get a feel for what their current
skills are. I was very pleased with my students skills in the literature arena,
and this allowed us more time to delve into some affective areas as we read
the book Touching Spirit Bear. I like to read this book early in the year,
because it has a high interest plot, but a lot of symbolism, and it really
appeals to kids from difficult places. I feel like it opens the door to open
communication about the areas kids struggle with emotionally, while still
having a positive outlook and a proactive approach to change.
Using this same text, we also worked on creative and critical thinking
skills, particularly taking time for synectics, using the SCAMPER technique,
and working on some of the Talents. They loved all of these lessons. I think
they are very hungry for gifted activities. I shamelessly stole ideas from
the summer creativity class.
In other areas, I felt like we had to backtrack. Their grammar and
mechanics skills are very weak, so we ended spending time on topics like
capitalization that were not in my original plans, but were such glaring
problems that they had to be addressed. While this was not a thrilling topic,
it was a good opportunity to address issues like doing the best work you are
capable of doing. I am working hard with the students to help them become
independent and proactive problem solvers. I think I have definitely seen
some growth in that area.

I have worked at giving students more choices and have enjoyed their
response to that. Just today, they turned in independent reading projects. For
their assessment, they were allowed to choose from a series of Tic-Tac-Toe
boards. I have also given them choice in creative response options as we
read the novel. I love seeing their humor shine through with some of these
options. That is an area in which I would like to continue to improve.
One area in which I am working to dig deeper is the use of technology. I
have been challenging myself to incorporate a new form of technology every
couple of weeks, and I see some rewards for that in their enthusiasm. I tried
to attend several technology related sessions at AAGC, because I know that
is an area I need to expand in my classroom.
This coming week we will begin out concept based unit, and I am
looking forward to seeing the students engage with it.
I continue to work on the balance between their English and language
arts curriculum and my goals for them as their gifted teacher, but I think the
balance will be there by the end of the year.