Prac Reflection One: 18th March 2009

school visit 1: 18th March 2009
the primary school and community.

Bondi Beach Public School
Class: 1S - Year One (Stage One)

REFLECTION ON PRAC: 18th March turned out to be Grandparents Day, which involved an assembly from 2pm-3pm, and also involved grandparents viewing students working in the classroom in various activities.
8:30am - Met my supervising teacher, who informed me what was taking place that day. Cleaned the classroom, removed chairs from desks, talked about what I needed for my portfolio
9:00am - Students already formed lines in the main quadrangle, we went down to stand with the class. The student captains welcomed the students (and parents who were also there) and announced messages, as did other teachers or parents.
9:15-11:00am - All of Year 1 and Kindergarten gathered in the hall for a singing practice for Harmony day the next day. After, Year 1 and Kindergarten joined Year 2 and 3 in the quadrangle to do a run through for Harmony day.
11:00-11:50am - LUNCH. (I thought this was an extremely unusual time to have lunch, seeing the children had just eaten breakfast, and also could impede on their learning after lunch concluded as they may have worn themselves out by playing) I ate lunch with the teachers in the staff room, and it was interesting to hear what they discussed (RFF times, organising groups, parent involvement, disruptive students etc).
11:50-12:50am - MUSIC CLASS. I went with the students to their music class while my supervising teacher went to sort out a few issues. The music teacher involved me in the lesson through handing out sheets/egg shakers etc. The lesson started off well with students drawing what they felt while they were listening to a particular piece of music. It was a 'quiet' activity, and after awhile one girl asked me for another piece of paper as she had 'made a mistake' with her drawing. I initially didn't give her another, encouraging her that her drawing was lovely and that she should keep going. After awhile though, she was asking me so often that I gave in and handed her another paper. I knew this could have implications, as other students may ask for more sheets of paper, and sure enough the girl next to her asked. It was a confusing situation, because I didn't want to appear hypocritical by not allowing her another sheet, but then again I don't think it was appropriate to give them out again anyway. I said no to the second student, only to have this in reply "but you gave her another piece!". I knew I should have just said no and be consistent despite their demands, but now that I was in this situation, I just gave her another piece of paper. I discussed this with my supervising teacher later in the afternoon about what I should do when I make a mistake like that. My supervising teacher said that if that happens, and another child complains that it is unfair, you could say: "I thought I was doing the right thing by giving whoever another piece of paper, but I have realised it isn’t a good idea, so from now on, no one else can have a second piece of paper". I found this explanation really good, as it shows you can be truthful and admit your mistake to the child, yet maintain your authority. The lesson progressed, and the children began to be really disruptive, and the music teacher I felt didn't really control them well. (This could be the effect of having lunch so early).
1:00-1:20 - RECESS & GRANDPARENTS LUNCH
1:30-2:00 - LITERACY LESSON in class. This was the first opportunity all day where I could observe the children in the actual classroom. My supervising teacher was informed by the music teacher that certain children were extremely disruptive, which led her to read out the class rules, asking the children whether they agreed. After this, She demonstrated to the class how to write the letter 'i, I'. After this, she handed out their spelling textbooks, and they sat and did the exercise. While this was happening, grandparents were entering the class (and therefore disrupting the lesson as they were talking to their grandchildren). Eventually everyone got through that activity, and my supervising teacher asked me to go around and mark the children’s work with them. It seemed that everyone grasped the concept well. It was interesting to note that children paired together at the same side of a table seemed to work at the same pace.
2:00-3:00pm - GRANDPARENTS ASSEMBLY. It was my teacher's turn to lead the assembly that day, and everything appeared very rushed and chaotic as the school hall is no where large enough to accommodate all the children and visitors. She had selected about 8 students from her class to do the announcements throughout the assembly, while the other members of the class showed a drawing they had done of their grandparents and read out why they were special. They acknowledged the Traditional Aboriginal Owners of the Land, and sung the National Anthem.
3:00-3:30pm - At the conclusion of the assembly the class assembled outside their classroom and packed their bags for home time. Year 1 has a meeting place in the playground where parents are required to pick their children up from school, so we went there and waited for all the children to be taken home.

Introduction.

Hello, my name is Morgan Campbell. I'm currently undertaking a Primary Education degree through the University of Technology, Sydney. I enjoy all creative artforms, especially drawing and illustration, travelling, reading and music. I am extremely passionate about education, as I believe it is the key for change within this world. To be an influential part of a child's life is something I value very much, and I hope to teach in many different countries to broaden my perspective of education and children throughout the world.

I am aiming for a basic level pass in the E-Skills Development Program.

The four basic software skills I have chosen to demonstrate are from the programs:
- Blogspot.com
- MS Powerpoint
- Mindomo
- Delicious Social Bookmarking

I plan to use this blog to document and reflect on my practicums throughout the year, as well as posting various information regarding my experiences during the university course.
I hope you enjoy reading about my experiences!