Field+Experience+Journal+2

Journal #2

Mr. Lewis and I are teaching the students a lot more grammar because we feel it is crucial for them. They do not have a great grasp the way it is with grammar and it is difficult because many of them do not care. The most reoccuring thought that keeps running in my head is, "I need to sharpen my own understanding of grammar!" I am pretty good with the basics, however there are still some things I am not certain on so I look them up and try to learn it days prior to class. I really enjoy working with Mr. Lewis! I think he is great at establishing a connection between the students and himself. One thing that Melissa and I discussed was the set up of the classroom. We think he needs to make it more "homelike" and at ease. The color paint is not the nicest and the desks are set up back to back and in rows which is the same old same old. We need to spice it up! Maybe we can have group tables or stations for the students. I think it is important for the environment to be condusive for learning.

I have really been wondering about the selection of texts that Mr. Lewis had used within the classroom. I want to know mroe about how he chooses his texts and if he is required to do certain ones by a certain time. There are some stories he is covering or is going to cover that are horrible! They are either way out dated or completely boring. He said he tried doing novels but the kids never read what he assigned so it was pointless. Mr. Lewis talked to me about wasting time versus using time effectively. He would rather get through to the students by doing something they may like versus boring himself and them with a worn out text. I think it really opened my eyes about what texts are suitable for certain classes and which ones are not. Sometimes the great authors/stories are not going to be able to be done the way you had intended because the students are not responding. As a teacher, we need to think of ways on HOW to make them respond and explain its importance. All in all, I really would like to learn more basic grammar rules and brushen up for myself when I begin teaching!