Week 5 Blog

   Week 5


  Its week five already. This past week has been very difficult. I've had many family responsibilities interfere with school. I often find myself thinking about school while I'm attending a family function. being an adult learner with a family I once again struggle with balancing both worlds.


 A wise man once said, "Balance your thoughts with action. If you spend too much time thinking about a thing, you'll never get it done." (Bruce Lee)


I have openly discussed my clinical experience with the class from week to week. This week I took ownership of my class. I arrived at my school and met with the school counselor. She shared information on the Multi-tiered System of Support  (MTSS) and  Positive Behavioral Intervention and Support (PBIS). You may remember MTSS as RTI but it has since changed. The MTSS is progress monitoring that uses the data collected to make frequent changes in instruction and goals  based upon a problem solving model. The PBIS is also based on a problem solving model that targets preventing inappropriate behavior by using positive interventions. Both of these models use differentiation. I have provided a model below.

We discussed some of the issues I have encountered in  my class. Her advice was to use non verbal cues and to be consistent in reinforcing good behavior. I knew both these options but what I found most helpful was their new cool down room. She took me to a room that had large pillows, a mat to sit on, some children pictures on the wall, and a radio to play music. The room was set up to help children who needed a safe place to go to when having a behavior issue. I think its a really great idea. The one student that I have has ADHD and often has behavior issue that escalate to violence. This room provides him a space where he has time to cool down and not feel threatened. After meeting with her I went to class and saw the student I spoke about in class. I acted as if nothing had happened and he was happy to see me. After a few minutes I had asked him if he ever felt like he needed his space to tell me and he'll have it. He told me that if he puts his hood up and leaves his desk that is when he will need to go to the cool down room. It works for me because its non-verbal and wont disrupt class. I can simply use a hand signal and he may take a pass to her room. I think this meets several of the teaching standards. Teaching standards one: leadership and  establishing a safe environment. Also, teaching standard two: collaborating with specialist and meeting my students needs.


The most important thing that I was able to observe this week was the BOG's. My clinical class was testing on Wednesday.  I sat quietly and observed four teachers give the DIBELS literacy BOG. Once it was finished I sat with my CE and reviewed the results. I was really shocked at the results, the majority of my class was in the lower percentile. I only had two children in the upper achievement range. Many of my third graders are at first grade reading level, a couple at kindergarten, and a few at second grade. A student from a different class picked a level appropriate book to read a loud to the teacher. The book was called "At the Zoo" the book was  kindergarten level. I watched this poor young man struggle to identify words. He was using pictures to decode the words and it seemed to help him. When he came across an unfamiliar word he would lower his voice and guess at it. During the test I must admit at first I was like how's this possible, but I remember it doesn't matter I need to help fix this. I asked my teacher if I could come help her more. She said Ill have you work with groups more. We are going to meet next week with the other teachers in our grade to plan interventions.




This week for SSED330 I met with my assigned group for our project on the water cycle. I really enjoyed collaborating with my group. I think our group has come up with some really good ideas for the Hyperdoc.  I also review  the Chapter 3 Text Hyperdoc. I really enjoyed the GIF's in the document. They made great connection in the difference of  knowledge and understanding.


Last is my tweets of the week.

Using @1st century skills such as the 4Cs to help prepare children for the real world.


Here are some really excellent resources to help teachers with math. Think of this as your go to for games and activities. I think making math fun and engaging will help everyone.

In the beginning of this blog you'll remember that I had a student who couldn't sit still due to his ADHD well here something to help everyone and him together. Keep your student moving and learning, its a win, win.