Katherine Bergstrom

Preservice Date: 09-07-07; 10am - 12:30pm
Hours: 2.5

I approached my assigned classroom with excitement. The teacher that I am working with was an old teacher from when I attended the elementary school. I had preconceived notions of this teacher and was hesitant on working with her.
After the first 5 minutes, my opinion of her changed drastically. She explained the rules of the classroom with me by having the students review them aloud. She was very caring towards the students during their independent reading lesson and it was evident on how much the children cared for her as a teacher. Gazing around the classroom, I mentally picked up on a few classroom management ideas. The teacher had the students listed by number rather than their names. With the number system, there was a job list and discipline chart on the board.
I feel like I can learn a ton from this teacher throughout my hours.


Preservice Date: 09-13-07; 10am - 12:30pm
Hours: 2.5

The second time coming to the class. The boys in the class were happy to see me. I believe it is just because I am tall.
I was able to see the students completing a math lesson. Half the class is completing diagnostic tests while the other half is finishing a math lesson. The room, however, is not in chaos. The students are quieting working at their desks. When they have a question, they can either go to the teacher or come to me.
When they complete the diagnostic test and find out what questions they answered incorrectly, they have to explain on another piece of paper what the correct answer was, what their answer was, and how they can achieve the correct answer. One child was having a problem with instructions. So the teacher asked the children to come to the front of the class in a circle. She had one of the other students explain the directions and when they finished she asked another student to explain again. When the class broke back into their activities, the teacher approached the confused student and asked if he had any questions.
I probably would not have dealt with the situation quite like that but it was good to see another way.


Preservice Date: 09-21-07; 10am - 12:30pm
Hours: 2.5

The class was in the middle of a FCAT practice. They were editing their writings and explaining what their strengths and some of their weaknesses. The teacher later explained that the students were learning how to write the middle of an essay. They needed help of explaining their reasoning.
After the FCAT practice, the students went into SRAs. I walked around the class observing and assisting with any student who needed help.