Week 13

Observation reflection week 13: During my participatory observation hours this week at Parker, I analyzed the way my teacher used her classroom space and looked at the organization of her classroom. Immediately to the right after you walk into the classroom is a spot for the kids to hang up their coats and jackets.  Above the coats and jackets are each students “hopes and goals” for the year! I feel the coat hangers are in a good spot because it allows for students to hang up their coats immediately after entering the classroom.  It provides a smooth transition when entering the classroom.  The hopes and goals are a constant reminder to the students of things that wish to accomplish throughout the year.  I think it is in a good place because it acts as a motivator to the students and reminds them they are here to learn. 

Weekly Reading: This week I reflected on Paul Kluths book Access to Academics for ALL students.  Academics for All Students, offers a progressive ideology that academically, socially, emotionally, and intellectually stimulate and engage ALL learners. These authors have created new pedagogy that encourages and promotes social justice teaching, authentic instruction, service learning and the integration of inclusive practice across all social and academic areas in the school systems. They offer practical suggestions for those educators who are struggling to provide appropriate educational experience for the diverse population of learners in schools today. After reading Access to Academics for ALL Students, I’ve been inspired as a pre service teacher, to promote inclusive schooling, set and withhold high expectations stimulate and challenge all of my students, create a classroom/ school culture that strives to meet than surpass excellence, use a teaching style that is built around meeting the diverse needs of all students and understanding that all students learn differently, therefore, providing differentiated instruction to meet EVERYONES needs.