One of my favorite things I have done so far in my observation is the time I get to spend with a small group reading. My cooperating teacher has me taking 3-4 students down to the teachers lounge to work on reading skills with students who are falling behind in the class. This is a great opportunity for me to get to know students more personally and feel like I am more a part of the classroom. Even though I was really there to help the kids I also was able to learn something about myself. While working with the kids I started becoming aware of or at least looking at the different methods I find effective for me in that certain subject area.
Although the kids became antsy toward the end of our session for the most part they were very interested in the book about insects that they were reading. The kids continuously looked at the pictures and asked just about any question that crossed their mind. It was wonderful seeing how much the students enjoyed learning and how eager they were to show me how well they could read. They also worked together and helped each other when they became stuck on harder words. They did not taunt or tease anyone who struggled. This experience was very positive and the teacher was thrilled to hear that I would love to do it again!
I am glad you had such an amazing experience with the reading group. It is great that you have the opportunity to work in this small group setting with the children. It gives you a chance to get to know the students better and work in an intervention setting. It is awesome that you are learning from your experience and finding different methods to use in the future in your own classroom. Students will get antsy and that is when your creative side must step in. You need to find ways to keep the student’s attention. You could give the students a minute break to let them do jumping jacks, give their brain a break, and let them relax. After a break like that, students can usually concentrate better.
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