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Week 3: Short but Fun!

As week three of student teaching comes to an end, I wanted to take time to reflect on the things that I need to work on and the things that are going well. The end of last week into the beginning of this week was all about COVID, quarantine, and snow days, which ultimately means adapting lesson plans for virtual days. 

Monday came and went quickly with a SNOW DAY! This was my very first snow day as a student teacher, and while we will have to make up the day later in the year, it was a great way for me to plan and organize better for the week. I felt a little spoiled that day! Tuesday rolled around and became a VIRTUAL DAY, because the weather was still not that great. Again, this was a day that spoiled me a lot because I was able to complete work from home and I only had to be available for a student to meet with me for two 45-minute sessions (and no one showed up...). I did try to adapt things for a virtual day so that all students had access to their work, but it really was not difficult since I already have to have these easily available online for my virtual student.

Wednesday was our half day, which means only 25-minute classes, and as always, that came and went quickly. This day turned into a last-minute work day, because I found that most of my students were behind in their school-work. It was not my original plan, but it ended up working out for the best. Every Wednesday is also when Pequea Valley FFA has their officer meetings, which is always a fun time! Next week they are planning for National FFA Week! Thursday and Friday came and went quickly. My Vet Science class wrapped up their Safety & Sanitation Unit and tomorrow they will be started Animal Anatomy & Physiology!

Most Memorable Things From the Week

1. Shopping for Ag Mechanics inventory with my ct at the local hardware store
2. Working with the FFA Officer team more and learning more about them
3. My first faculty meeting
4. Feeling a better connection with my students
5. Attending a National FFA Week Workshop

What I Will Be Working On for Next Week

1. Being more organized while teaching
2. Calling on students (not just asking for volunteers)
3. Looking at my lesson plan more throughout each lesson
4. Setting a timer! (I've been getting a little better at this)

What I am Looking Forward to This Week

1. Picking up another class! (Intro to Ag Mechanics)
2. GLAG!
3. My Cohort meeting to hear how the rest of my #psuaged21 crew is doing
4. Working with the officer team!

While week three was short and flew by, I learned valuable things that I am excited to carry into and incorporate into the rest of my student teaching experience!

Comments

  1. Hi Michaela!

    I also had some virtual "snow days" last week. I am hoping for a "normal" schedule this week but they are calling for snow EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. I can relate to forgetting to set the timer. I usually will give the students directions and say the amount of time they have, glance at my watch then forget what time my watch said! So, what I've started doing is finding a countdown timer on YouTube and embedded it in my slides so I physically see it on the board and remember to start the video. I have found many come with relaxing music or motivational music and that eliminates some awkward silence, too! Can't wait to hear about how week 4 goes!

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  2. Michaela,

    Time will go by quickly for this experience (both the days and weeks)! Learn as much as you can and be sure to take notice of how your cooperating teacher handles different situations and be sure to ask questions about how things are done in your particular school (i.e. payment for the ag mech supplies).

    Dr. Ewing

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