Sarmiento 1

Sarmiento, Daisy

Professor Connie Christensen

EDU 201

7 December 2017

ASSIGNMENT #1 (Observation)

1. When I first walked into the classroom, I got the impression that it was very warm and

inviting. There was a lot going on everywhere which was almost overwhelming (in a

good way). Growing up, most of my classes felt almost empty so this was different.

Since it was a first-grade classroom, splashes of color could be seen throughout. Mrs.

Thelen had a bulletin board with pictures of all the students. I thought that was very cute.

Something I was not expecting was how messy it was. What surprised me the most was

that the teacher knew exactly where everything was. It all worked very well for both her

and her students.

2. The makeup of the class consisted of about 9 girls and 10 boys. The majority were

Hispanic with four white students. There were no African-American children in the

classroom. One student named Steven has behavior problems. He would get made pretty

easily. Ms. Thelen said that although he has a few things to work on, he is a very curious

kid that loves technology. He is currently on the IEP program. Once, he erased all of the

apps on the classroom tablets. He has both good and bad days. Another boy named

Adence started school late and has trouble spelling his name. The teacher has to give his

other homework from the rest of the class. Many times, he has to work on easier projects.

Adence is very sweet, and always has a smile on his face. Destiny sometimes chooses not
 Sarmiento 2

to talk and doesn't bring her homework in on Fridays. Sometimes she even cries. Cole is

the principal's son. He loves to crack jokes and is very outgoing.

3. Mrs. Thelen did not have her rules posted in her classroom. To be completely honest, I

do not think she needs them. She has high expectations for her students and they know

what they are. Although, she did tell me that for new teachers, it is important to have

them posted somewhere in the classroom. She also mentioned that for first-graders, the

rules should be quite simple and easy for them to understand and remember. If the group

of students were older, the rules could have slightly more wording. They would probably

deal less with behavior and more with what is expected from them.

4. Although Mrs. Thelen's rules were not posted, she constantly reminded her students of

what some of them were. Sometimes, she would have them say them back to her. The last

day I was in her classroom, she had a poster with everyone's name on stickers. If a

student, or even an entire table misbehaved, they had to move their sticker down. At the

beginning of the day, they would start at green and could go all the way down to red. This

was actually pretty effective in a classroom of first graders. If the students turned in their

homework packets on Fridays, they could choose a prize from a treasure box. When

students behaved or showed progress, she would give them stickers. This was great for

motivating them.

ASSIGNMENT #2 (Classroom Layout)

 Sarmiento 3

1. The classroom was composed of tables. Since there were no individual desks, the

students had to work in groups. Their seating chart was mixed so that students at different

levels could help each other. This seemed to work very well. At one point, Mrs. Thelen

decided to group them according to the same level. This turned out to be a disaster

because one of the tables never got anything done. They were constantly messing around

and had trouble keeping focus. In the classroom, there is a reading center, writing center,

computer station, and tablet station. I felt like all the centers were well placed and worked

for the class.

2. In my opinion, the physical arrangement of the classroom could be improved with

individual desks. With individual desks, the groups can be as big or small as the teacher

deems fit. Also, I would like to see more board space. I know that these days, the smart

board takes over but I think it would be nice to have clearer work space. This is because

sometimes the students go up to the board and write their answers. Those are the only

two things I would change. Everything else worked very nicely.

ASSIGNMENT #3 (Instruction)

1. The posted weekly schedule is the following:

9:15 am - 9:45 am Health, science, social studies

9:45 am - 9:55 am Math-math intervention
11:00 am Lunch/Recess
11:35 am -12:05 pm Language
12:05 pm – 12:35 pm Intervention
12:40 pm – 1:30 pm Specials
1:35 pm – 2:50 pm Literacy
2:50 pm – 3:20 pm Writing
3:26 pm Dismissal
Special depend on the day for example,
 Sarmiento 4

A-day P.E.
B-day Library
C-day Art
D-day P.E.
E-day Music
F-day Humanities
2. Instruction in the morning is given to the class as a whole. Examples and work are

shown on the board. In the afternoon, Mrs. Thelen teaches the class in centers. The

students are usually divided by their reading levels and rotate about every 20 minutes or

so. Sometimes, instruction is given on handout. The teacher then explains what has to be

done. It all depends on the subjects that is being taught and the level of difficulty.

3. I would describe my cooperating teacher's teaching style as direct, firm, but very

caring. She tells her students exactly what is expected of them and lets them know that

she does not tolerate bad behavior. She is caring because she is quick to comfort upset

students and understand what may be the problem. Mrs. Thelen considers herself to be

very old school and describes her teaching style as "nasty-nice." Her students love her

very much and do not consider her to be mean at all.

4. For kinesthetic/musical learners, Mrs. Thelen allows them to dance to educational

songs. She also shows them how to make symbols for words with their hands. Puzzles

and magnets are also incorporated. For auditory learners, she reads books and lets them

use the headsets to listen on the computers. I would say a big part of her instruction is

given verbally which these students must enjoy very much. For solitary learners, she

allows quiet time so that they can concentrate better in class.

5. The students always seem engaged in the classroom. The teacher creates opportunities

for them to move around and participate. While I was there, never did they seem bored or

uninterested. Since they have many opportunities to be active, they get to use all of their
 Sarmiento 5

energy. I really admire Mrs. Thelen's ability to make class exciting for her students and

show them a good time while learning.

6. There are no students isolated in the classroom due to behavior problems. If one acts

up a bit, they just go to their desk and put their head down for a while. There is only one

student that is sometimes separated from the rest of the class to do other activities. This is

only because he is a behind, and can find it hard to complete some of the assignments or

projects. It does not happen all the time though. Besides that, the rest of the class usually

works together and they help each other out.

7. Usually, the students know what subject will be taught next. This is because the

schedule is up on the board. I would not say that the teacher uses transitions to move to

the next subject or topic. She might just tell the class that it is time to move on, but that is

about it. It's pretty effective since the students are used to the routine. I really think they

appreciate that consistency in the classroom.

8. Two very effective "attention getting commands" are stomping and clapping. When

the students hear the teacher do this, they immediately stop what they are doing and

repeat the action. The classroom goes silent in seconds. When the students haven't been

paying attention throughout the day, she firmly tells them they will get in trouble. This

works too. Maybe if the students were older, the teacher would have to use other methods

to gain the class's attention.

9. The students really enjoy talking with each other. Sometimes it can even be

distracting. One students in particular will scream, throw objects, and roll on the floor if

he gets really upset. The other students do not seem to care though. When this happens,

Mrs. Thelen calmly pulls him aside and speaks with him. She tries to never send him to
 Sarmiento 6

the office. When the students make a mess, she sets a timer for them to clean up. This

makes them rush to get things done because they know there will be consequences of

they do not.

10. I think most of her procedures help instructional time. For example, her directions are

very direct and brief. If the students need additional clarification, they just ask. Also, if

she sees that the students for some reason are getting distracted, she quickly gets them

back on track. Since she constantly tells them to pick up after themselves, this saves time

at the end of the day. The only procedure I might change are the transitions from center to

center. Sometimes it takes the students a few minutes to settle down and get to work.

Maybe a different approach could be used besides just telling them to move to the next

one.

ASSIGNMENT #4 (Culture)

Physical Characteristics

1. Overall, the school seems to have an older design. It is quite small too. I had trouble

find the entrance the first time I was there. In the front, there are these huge colorful

crayons that I have yet to see at any other elementary school. Since it is right in the

middle of a neighborhood, traffic can get pretty hectic during arrival and dismissal. They

recently finished building a new parking lot for the staff. Out in the field, they are

constructing a new building. There were not enough rooms inside, so when they finish

the building, the upper grades will have their classrooms there. The community garden

was small but very beautiful. They grew their own fruits and vegetables which I thought

was super cool.

 Sarmiento 7

2. The school's interior is filled with murals and artwork from the students. Color was

very present throughout. It creates a very warm and welcoming atmosphere for everyone.

The floors are kind of narrow and the ceiling is low. This made me feel like a giant. The

classroom I was in did not have any windows. In the center of the school, there was this

quad that did not have a roof. It was wonderful because it let all of the natural light in.

The doors were filled with student, signs, and pictures which was really cute. To get into

the school, you must first go through the office, state why you are there, sign in, get your

picture taken, and put on a badge.

Culture of the School

1. Helen Herr Elementary school's mascot is the Sky Hawk. They believe that each and

every one of their students can reach great heights. Each of them has the potential to

achieve what they set their minds to. They must work hard to be the best sky hawks they

can be. The school's website us still being updated. That is why their official motto and

mission statements are not posted.

2. The first day I arrived at the office, they all kind of looked at me as if I was an alien. I

expected that. People who work in the office are always grumpy and rude, but at Helen

Herr, they were actually very kind. Once they knew what I was there for, they were very

trusting. The rest of the students around the school were very polite. I had a couple open

the door for me or let me pass first. It was the cutest thing. Both the principal and vice-

principal sat with me during my first visit to discuss what I wanted to gain from this

experience. They asked me what grade I wanted to teach, what I wanted to learn, see, and

try. The entire experience was wonderful. They al even invited me to eat with them at
 Sarmiento 8

their lunch potluck. I am extremely grateful I completed my field observation hours at

Helen Herr Elementary School.

3. The lunchroom was very loud. Since it is kind of small, you could really hear the

chatter. Students do most of their talking at recess and lunchtime. There is not much

talking in the hallways because most teachers expect their students to walk quietly.

Something that caught my eye is that there were no "clicks" or anything like that. That

students all spoke and played with each other. This is a great environment to have at

school. It does not encourage bullying or hate. All the students seem to feel welcome and

enjoy each other's company. Any misunderstandings are quickly forgotten.

4. The school is primarily organized according to grades. Same grade classrooms tend to

be on the same location. The bathrooms are scattered throughout the building. In the

center of the building, there is a student quad that lets all of the natural sunlight in. The

lunchroom is right across from the office. Behind the office, there are the teacher lounge

and restrooms. All of the specials are in one area of the school so, it is easy to get there.

Since they need more room, a separate building is being constructed out in the field for

the upper grades.

5. Each month., the school holds an assembly where they distribute free books to the

students. They get to choose up to two books to take home. They also have their annual

book fair for the kids. After school, they hold bingo nights, movie nights, and science

fair. The PTA meetings help plan events such as the spring carnival. The school also

takes great pride in their student garden. It is out on display for passing cars to see. Also,

they have a school robotics team for the higher grade which is neat.

Culture of the Classroom

 Sarmiento 9

1. Like I mentioned earlier, Mrs. Thelen always has high expectations for her students.

No matter their backgrounds or what they look like, the wants them all to produce their

best work. She does not tolerate bullying in her class. Everyone must be kind and helpful

to one another. Also, students must show attentiveness when anyone is speaking. She

understands that all of her students are on different levels, but wants them all to create

their best work. That means they have to show effort in all they do, even if may need

some work.

2. All students participate but some do so more than others. Mrs. Thelen makes activities

that get everyone involved. It is still easy to spot who may be shy since they are not as

into it as the others. They might stop participating if they catch someone staring at them.

There is this one girl named Destiny that refuses to talk to any teachers. She'll converse

with other classmates, but that's it. Nothing Mrs. Thelen has tried so far has worked. She

is working very hard to connect with Destiny and I think she'll figure out how to do it

very soon.

3. The students constantly come up to the teacher. They either have questions,

complaints, or just simply need their shoes tied. They all respect her very much and look

up to her. They do not mind that she is firm and straightforward. The students still find

her very approachable and give her small gifts. Mrs. Thelen has a pretty loud voice, but

her students are used to it.

ASSIGNMENT #5 (Cooperating Teacher Interview)

1. The primary reason Mrs. Thelen became a teacher is to mold students. Growing up, she

saw kids struggle and wanted to impact hem in a positive way. She also states that

students are an innocent reality check and deserve the best opportunities.
 Sarmiento 10

2. As a teacher, it is sometimes hard for her to make that home and school connection. She

doesn't know exactly what her students have to come home to every day. Also, not all

parents are actively involved which can be difficult to adapt to. It is also very hard for her

to see some of her students struggle. She can tell when a student wears the same pair of

pants every day, and seeing things like that can be hard for her.

3. The most rewarding thing about teaching for Mrs. Thelen is seeing things "click" for her

students. That look in their eyes when they finally understand something or learn a new

skill is very rewarding. It's the satisfaction of knowing you made a difference in achild's

life that she truly enjoys.

4. She determines where her students based on personality and learning level. She mixes it

up and tries it out for a week. If she sees there are talkers in the groups she moves them

away from each other.

5. For groups, she tests the students on their reading level and ability. Sometimes they go up

or down so she moves them accordingly. She des these tests a few times throughout the

year. Some tests include AIMS WED, Fry Words, Core Phonics, and Assessments.

6. Mrs. Thelen says she interacts with parents every day during morning pickup and

dismissals. Occasionally she calls home when she has to. Parent teacher conferences are

scheduled in the fall.

7. She says that at least one grade must be put into the grade book per week. Although, she

checks all of her students' work daily.

8. It takes her a few hours each week. Since she has been a teacher for a very long time, she

only takes about 3-5 hours to plan her lesson plans each week. She said for first year

teachers it is way more than that and that if I need assistance, she's here to help.
 Sarmiento 11

9. Mrs. Thelen likes to keep her students constantly occupied. This way, they do not get

distracted as easily. She does centers the old school way to allow students to constantly

be active in the classroom.

10. She uses stickers, front of the line, pencil box, treasure box, and phone calls home. Not

all phone calls are negative. Sometimes she calls home to let parents know how well their

student were in class that day.

11. She says that the students go to specials every day and follow the 7 Habits of Leadership.

12. Mrs. Thelen says that the teachers at her school are evaluated twice a year formally. The

teachers form 1-4 is used for this. For incoming teachers, the evaluations are probably

more often.

13. When evaluations are not favorable, a new plan is implemented. She goes on to say that

you will have to go to meetings to determine low points and what must be worked on.

This way, you can improve and learn from your mistakes.

14. Mrs. Thelen was most surprised about the time that she had to put into the profession.

From lesson planning to staying late, it was all way more than she ever imagined. She

never imagined she would have to master the art of time management to well. Also, she

was surprised by the rewarding experience of making a difference in the community. The

satisfaction is indescribable.

ASSIGNMENT #6 (Observing a student)

I chose to observe a student while the teacher was giving instructions on a worksheet.

The little boy I observed was a bit distracted. Although he is one the more advanced students, he

was not really paying attention. I had observed him before, and it seems like he always has to be

playing with something. Whether it's a book, pencil, or drawing, his hands constantly have to be
 Sarmiento 12

moving. This occasion was no exception. He was playing with a toy he had made earlier all by

himself. After Mrs. Thelen was done, the student got right to work, and did not seem to have any

trouble completing the worksheet. The worksheet was about vocabulary. They had to learn what

words relating the firefighters meant. This was because later in the day, they were going to have

a guest speaker from the fire station.

I discovered that this student's learning style is kinesthetic. Physical activity is very

important for this child. On one occasion, the teacher allowed the students to dance and he was

very into it. To keep this student engaged, it is important to have an interactive classroom also. I

have noticed that this young boy loves to talk and make jokes with the class. He would not reach

his potential in a classroom that isolates their students and keeps them at their desks all day. This

student needs a lot of attention and kindly reminders that he is doing a great job. Interactions like

that can really lighten his mood throughout the day.

ASSIGNMENT #7 (Summary)

These ten hours of field observation have been absolutely amazing. Never did I expect to

enjoy this experience so much. On my last day, I was sad to leave Mrs. Thelen and all of her

wonderful little munchkins. I learned a lot, met some great people, and left with a positive

opinion of the profession. After this enriching opportunity, I have learned more about myself

also.

This experience really opened my eyes to the grand responsibility educators have. Being

in control of an entire classroom can get overwhelming. That is why it is important to start

preparing early on. Also, students look up to their teachers. They must be careful with what they

say and how they behave. Stickers and colorful pencils are a great incentive for the younger

grades. Lesson planning is much more complicated than it looks. If I want to become an
 Sarmiento 13

excellent teacher, I have to put a lot of time and effort into it. There will always be students that

are going through tough times and do not deserve the life they have. As an educator, it will be

my responsibility to provide a safe and welcoming environment for them. An atmosphere where

they feel like they belong.

I got the opportunity to see how teachers and staff interact when students are not around.

They help grade papers, prepare lesson plans, and have fun conversations. I know that it is not

like this as all schools, but it was still nice to see. People who work in the office have to deal

with many tough situations throughout the day. Now I know why they sometimes seem grumpy

or unlikable. Students have their good days and their bad days. They are all unique and have

different needs that must be met. I learned that I must watch how I express myself around some

of them because it would be a terrible thing to make them feel upset or unappreciated.

This experience reassured me of how much I want to become a teacher. The sacrifices

teachers make every day is worth it. No matter what anyone things, it is a respectable profession

that should get way more recognition that it currently does. My admiration for those who teach

has grown significantly after completing the field observation. I hope more teachers can someday

feel appreciated and acknowledged for their valuable efforts.

I have learned that I have a lot to work on if I want to be a successful teacher. When in

the classroom, I must speak up so that everyone can hear me. If I want to remain sane, I will

have to be much more organized and learn the art of time-management. Confidence is something

I must work on. It is important for me to be patient so that I do not for anything that I regret in

the future. The most important thing I learned about myself is that I have to I am 100% sure that

this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. Teaching is my passion and there is nothing else I

see myself doing in ten years.

 Sarmiento 14

This has truly been an experience I will never forget. I hope that in the future, I can look

back and appreciate all of the valuable things I learned. For next semester's field observation, I

know I will gain just as much. Mrs. Thelen was absolutely wonderful and I thank her for all of

the advice she provided. Reflecting upon these past few months has given me a better

understanding of what to expect, and how to accomplish my goals. Being an educator is an

incomparable experience and one day, I will be a part of it.