One of our tasks for our Celebration of Learning project was shadowing a student from our onsite classroom. I decided to observe one of my students and just track his day while I am in the classroom. I paid attention to how he learned and the way he interacted with his peers.
Professional expectations
The teacher engages with the student(s) by encouraging participation. She also praises those who do participate or have anything to add. The general vibe throughout the classroom is accepting and comforting, like a family. The teacher has created a safe and positive environment. This student in particular is very open and contributes a lot. He pays attention and is genuinely interested in the material the teacher is giving them. Collaboration is done with this student with check-ins, whether orally asking him every so often how he thinks he is doing, or actually telling him what his progress looks like so far. Also, it is quite simple to track his progress and work through activities, other in regard to the lesson of the day or by looking at his work on SmartyAnts or Achieve3000.
cultural competency
The student is part of a lower-income community, throughout most of the school. However, everyone is acknowledged and appreciated. There are so many murals and messages located throughout the school building that inspire hardworking and learning.
civic engagement
This student is able to be a leader for many of his classmates, as well as other students in the building. By demonstrating proper behaviors he can influence others to follow his example. Through his contributions during lessons he shares his ideas and thought process, thus further inspiring others to think a little bit harder so they can also contribute as he is. The student is part of the decision-making process whenever he uses his voice or physical movements to participate in any classroom or school-wide discussions. He has ample opportunities to engage himself.
grit and growth mindset
When he comes across challenges, this student is able to solve them fairly quickly. He goes through the steps of how he got to where he is, and where he may have gone wrong. For example, when it comes to finding the sequential order of a story, he took his time to see where he went wrong and he actually did not even need my help in correcting him and pointing out exactly where he made a mistake. He figured it out on his own while thinking about it. This student is incredibly smart. He really strives for greatness. There have been a few times where he finished his work around me and I will give him a "challenge" such as adding on or expanding on the activity. He completes these challenges with pride. He is truly a wonderful student to have.
instructional best PRACTICES
The student is provided with plenty of great opportunities that allow him to strive for greatness when it comes to application in and outside of the classroom. The student is eager to learn and you can tell that he has a strong worth ethic and great approach to his education. The opportunities he encounters will really help him develop his reading and writing skills, however, he is truly excelling thus far.
challenge assumptions
I was assuming that this student would not do too well since he is attending summer school after all. However, he truly excels with all of his work. You can see how passionate he is about learning and sharing his opinions. He is always eager to share with his classmates. I love coming in to see how he actually wants to be at school and do great things. These observations certainly challenged my assumptions of this student. Using my growth mindset, I am keeping an open-mind when it comes to how this student will continue doing. I know he will continue to impress his teacher and do well.