Reflection
Rice Elementary School has been nothing short of a great experience. The transition from high school to elementary school was smooth and I was able to jump right in thanks to my cooperating teacher. After being in the classroom for a week, I was able to learn class routines and become familiar with the daily schedule. I began teaching classes the second week and quickly started my own projects for each grade level.
Planning projects for the students proved to be very time consuming. I tried each project before deciding if it would work for the class and to make sure it was grade level appropriate. I went through close to 20 projects before settling on 6 projects for K-5. From there I created objectives and daily plans to ensure that students were getting the most out of their time in art. Prepping supplies and materials went well. I made sure I arrived early each day to make sure everything was set out and ready for the classes that day. At the end of each day or during planning hours, I would prep any other materials necessary for the week. Classroom management was also one of my strengths during my time at Rice. The classroom has numerous routines and rules that the students already knew before I arrived at the school. From the beginning, I watched my cooperating teacher to understand what was tolerated and what was disciplined in order to keep the classroom running smoothly.
Teaching in an elementary school has changed parts of my teaching philosophy. I have always known that routines are important but the more you can impose the rules and routines in your classroom, the more prosperous students can be. This is something that I want to incorporate into my own future classroom even at the high school level. My cooperating teacher has given me plenty of great advice one of which was to do projects where every student can succeed. She taught me a lot about time management and how to handle students that finish early verses students that need longer to create.
Overall, my experience at Rice Elementary School has been very rewarding. From creating and teaching my own lessons for each grade, to helping with a school wide art show, to being involved in school activities, and teaching an enrichment class. I am grateful to have worked with each student as well as the amazing staff at this school.
Planning projects for the students proved to be very time consuming. I tried each project before deciding if it would work for the class and to make sure it was grade level appropriate. I went through close to 20 projects before settling on 6 projects for K-5. From there I created objectives and daily plans to ensure that students were getting the most out of their time in art. Prepping supplies and materials went well. I made sure I arrived early each day to make sure everything was set out and ready for the classes that day. At the end of each day or during planning hours, I would prep any other materials necessary for the week. Classroom management was also one of my strengths during my time at Rice. The classroom has numerous routines and rules that the students already knew before I arrived at the school. From the beginning, I watched my cooperating teacher to understand what was tolerated and what was disciplined in order to keep the classroom running smoothly.
Teaching in an elementary school has changed parts of my teaching philosophy. I have always known that routines are important but the more you can impose the rules and routines in your classroom, the more prosperous students can be. This is something that I want to incorporate into my own future classroom even at the high school level. My cooperating teacher has given me plenty of great advice one of which was to do projects where every student can succeed. She taught me a lot about time management and how to handle students that finish early verses students that need longer to create.
Overall, my experience at Rice Elementary School has been very rewarding. From creating and teaching my own lessons for each grade, to helping with a school wide art show, to being involved in school activities, and teaching an enrichment class. I am grateful to have worked with each student as well as the amazing staff at this school.
