Classroom Observations

Jennifer Maybee

Observation 1
West Shore/Art /December 4th, 2013 @ 9:30 Lesson on color blending Synopsis: Students were first instructed to draw 6 wacky birds. Then they had to trace them with a black crayon. Students were then given water color crayons to fill in birds. Then students took paint brushes and water to watch colors blend, and to see how green, purple, and orange are created. Teacher also used water bottles with a water/oil mixed to show how colors mixed and became new colors.

Management: students were brought back to carpet in between activities to ensure understanding of directions. Smartie award was given for good listening.
One thing I learned/liked: I really liked the open setup, and the way that he brought the students back in between activities for instruction. He also made clear the expectations of behavior, and there were no misbehaviors while I was there. I honestly didnt see anything I really wanted for my class. He did many things I do too, perhaps a little better but

West Shore/Kindergarten/December 9 9:45

Observation 2

Centers
Synopsis: Centers w/parent volunteers.
Yes/no question center with headbands style game (who are you?) Reading in loft (independent) Using unifix cubes to make patterns (independent) Smartboard math game (independent Science, making hard/soft graph and sorting materials Writing, letters to Santa

Classroom Management: Color cards Things I liked: Huge loft in classroom with space underneath for dramatic play area. Flags over lights to soften lighting, nice smelling room, everything organized and labeled. Gave warning times between centers and always spoke in a very soft voice. Students are quietly pulled aside to be reprimanded, not in front of others. Use of parent volunteers. Huge carpet area with smart board side and teacher side. Students transition by standing next to chairs to show that they are ready, then they are asked to move. One thing I learned: I had never thought of using online games and stuff at the centers. I liked the way when at the smart board, the students knew to sit in a line, take their turn, then go sit at the end of the line. They followed this procedure well, and we always have problems with students at our smart boards. I would definitely think of something like this in my class.

Observation 3
West Shore/ 2nd grade/ December 10th 9:30 Math Using skip counting to multiply by 5 & 2. Writing- Reviews Synopsis: by using touch math, or taping your fingers, you can multiply by skip counting. First practiced skip counting by 5s & 2s, then showed how to tap to multiply. Then teachers switched and for writing they talked about writing a review of the cafeteria (opinions)

Management: Color Clip Chart

Things I liked- The use of touch math, and having students echo what she says during math. I also like that instead of saying quiet down she would say 1-2-3 and the students would say shhhh. She used the strategies she taught during the lesson while doing guided practice with students. Combined whole group & individual work in one lesson. One thing I learned- I did not understand how you could use touch math for multiplication, and Im really excited about it now that I know. I liked the idea of the two teachers switching classrooms, and the students staying where they are. Lots of teachers switch for things, but they switched for writing and math which I thought was interesting and I would consider doing in my own class.

Observation 4
Torrey Hill/4th grade/ December 2nd 2:00 pm

Science: making shadows

Synopsis: Students used flashlights & unifix cubes to play with shadows and see which direction of light creates the longest shadow. Things I liked: Students were given time to play with flashlights a little before getting down to business. Students also created tables for discoveries, and were able to share ideas at the end. Students worked in small groups, and moved freely around the room. Clear instructions were given, then conclusions and ideas were shared at end. Students can pick seats and she uses a microphone so she can talk softly instead of louder. Idea I want to use: She had a brain break bucket with little cards that had lots of brain breaks. She did a brain break between each activity, instead of waiting for when she felt the whole class needed one.

Observation 5
Torrey Hill/4th grade/Decemeber 4th 1:30 pm

Daily 5/AR time/Writing (good endings)

Synopsis: Came in during daily 5, students were everywhere. HUGE classroom with lots of open space. Ipads & computers used in class for AR. Buddy reading happened in hallways. Students then transitioned to writing, and worked on good endings. Writing was very guided.

Things I like: bouncyball chairs! I have always wanted to see a classroom with these, and I was so excited to visit her and be able to talk to her about them. I didnt initially know that she had them, but she was recommended to me so I was extremely happy to see them. She said she has been using them for 8 years, and was extremely happy with them.