Saying Our Good~Bye's

My last day with my students. It was time to let go for now; however, I will always remember them and treasure all the things they have done for me. They are excellent. It is one of my most memorable practicum.

Practicum Reflection

Northern Marianas College
School of Education

ED 471 Integrated Lessons and Activities
Instructor: Mrs. Barbara K. Morale
Spring 2009

Colleen S. Deleon Guerrero
Practicum Reflection

I have always wondered how it would be like to be in a classroom whether it would be half day or whole day and this practicum has given me the chance to gain this real experience. I would have to admit that it feels great to be in a classroom. It was an inspirational feeling. Although, the practicum was a requirement with dedication, it was worth the time, effort, and experience to gain.

It was a pleasure working with Mrs. Ano and her 3rd grade students. I cannot thank her enough for giving me constructive criticism to help improve my ways of teaching. She has given me the opportunity to apply all the knowledge and skills that I have learned throughout my mythology courses that I have taken at (NMC) School of Education. Mrs. Ano was amazingly supportive with the lessons that I have produced and incorporated in her classroom. She has always reminded me to inspire and teach for a purpose. These words of wisdom have opened my mind and heart to become a teacher just like her.

On the first day of my instruction, I must admit that I had butterflies rumbling in my tummy (nervousness). This is a normal feeling that I usually get on the first day but as days go by, teaching comes naturally and the nervousness disappears. My students were energetically awesome and fun to be with. I learned to be clear when delivering directions to them and if it means detailed explanation so be it. This would involve demonstration and examples. Furthermore, I learned that every child learns differently; therefore, incorporating different learning styles was a plus for me to help enhance their learning. Teaching is not an easy career, its hard work especially in helping them find the courage to become academically successful.
I have learned that if you have order/classroom management in your classroom you will get anything done. With every lesson and activity introduced in the class, my students were focused and on task. My favorite part was when they were so enthusiastic to start working on the language arts center stations. They are superb when working cooperatively in tribes.

This overall experience has prepared me for student teaching and has helped in overcoming my nervousness in the classroom. It was an honor to be able to experience this overwhelming journey. However, my journey is not over; it has just begun.

Future Leaders

Culminating Event: Author's Chair

As a culminating event, each student will come up to show their book and share their story with the whole class. They were all awesome. There story were very interesting. It is amazing how they produce their end product.

Learning Center

Station 1: Scrabble Away

Tribes were using letter tiles to create new words; however, they are limited to using seven tiles at a time which makes the game challenging for the students. This helps in improving their vocabulary words.

Station 2: Fishy Words

The words in this game is based on their previous vocabulary words used in their readings. The words are placed on the fish with a magnetic strip attached on the back. Their task is to fish out fishy words by using straw fishing poles with magnetic strips attached on the edge of the string. Once they fish out one word, they are to match it to the correct meaning on the worksheet given. They may use their vocabulary notebook or they may challenge themselves by using their prior knowledge.

Station 3: Text Twist

Text Twist is an online game. They will be using the computer to play the game. It is just like unscrambling a word. However, they are able to create other words. As a tribe, they would have to take turns building words. Their task is to figure out the whole word.

Station 4: Pointillism

Students will be using q-tips a substitute for paint brush with the use of paint to create a image using their imagination. However, their task was to use the q-tips and applying a color then dab it on the construction paper to create a drawing/painting. They may explore with mixing different colors together to make a unique color. Once they were done with their art work, they would have to write about it.

They were all on tasked and focused. It was amazing to see the excitement they all showed.

Creating a Writer's Workshop Folder

This was the fist day of my lesson. My student's are designing their "Writer's Workshop Folder" individually. This folder is used to input all their assignments in given by Ms. Colleen. It's just like a portfolio.

The tribe's of Room 15

It was a great honor meeting the tribe's of room 15 from Oleai Elementary School. I would never forget the wonderful experience that I with them.