Week 2 - Lindsey

I think everyone will agree with this...it was one LONG week! It went really well though. The big thing of this week was conferences. I think they went well. I was able to lead some and contribute to the rest. This time I was with Jodi. This was actaully nice since I am doing my lead in the other classroom, which allows me to contribute ideas.

There was one conference I was very uncomfortable about. This one student has divorced parents. We have to do separate things for each parent. So, there was supposed to be two conferences. However, mom and dad (w/ girlfriend) showed up for the same one. The mom argued in front of the kids and us (the teachers). This was a strage feeling for me. Jodi and I thought it was one interesting conference. After that night, I realized why my parents were the way they were and I really appreciate them for that now!

Teaching this week was good too. Social Studies behind from what I planned. However, it is ok. The students really enjoyed putting time in to their colonial billboards. This project took two days longer than I planned. So, on the last day I gave them a time limit and they punched out some good work. They presented well and now the billboards are in the hallway. Take a look if you have the chance!

LA is going well also. Students seem to be excited about the books they are reading for book clubs. They have pretty thoughtful responses as well. We have been working on our Mystery stories as well. They began last week with the clues and continued this week with the characters and a story map. They seem to be doing well with this scaffolding. Next week, we will begin the rough draft process. I am excited to see how the stories come out.

The students are still excited about the raffle tickets that I am doing. They respond well to the tickets as I am giving them out. I have realized that I need to remind them of when to put thier tickets in to the bin. They are getting up in the middle of the lesson. So, I think I will tell them on Monday that they cannot put them in until LAF of before the last switch as I dismiss them. I think this will keep them more focused on the lesson and be a lot less of a distraction.