Classroom Observation Essay

Total Length: 870 words ( 3 double-spaced pages)

Total Sources: 2

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Mrs. Menocal, 1st Grade, Somerset Academy, Blended Classroom

Professional Background -- BA in Elementary Education, MA in English. 15-year veteran, taught English at the Middle School level, and both 3rd and 1st grade at the Elementary level. Additional curriculum certification in literacy.

Specific Training -- 30+ hours in literacy and development reading; classes in ESL and teaching immigrant children to read. These classes have been very helpful in teaching in school systems with diverse populations.

Consultative philosophy -- Regularly consult with school counselor and peers on development issues for children; particularly children who are outside the bell curve.

Development issues -- First graders still exhibit a great deal of "preschool" behavior and thus need help in both socialization and cognitive growth areas. Most of the class is fairly equal in their physical and mental development, with the exception of a few who are quite gifted and have obviously had a great deal of at home stimulation. Socially, these children have both matured a bit more and have higher cognitive needs, thus making it a challenge to integrate into a class of early readers.

5. Challenges -- Our school is set up in first grade for a broad, early reading curriculum. Having 3 students who are well beyond this level intellectually, but clearly at first grade socially and emotionally, poses some challenges.
We can work with para-professionals, more advanced reading materials, but the simple fact is these children need far more 1 on 1 time or are otherwise quite bored.

6. Dominant issue -- For all in first grade, attention span is the most difficult teaching issue. The "regular" and slower students often have trouble concentrating on their work long enough to remain effective at the learning process. The gifted children finish their work in most assignments, particularly reading, well ahead of the time needed for others and if not given the right stimuli, tend to act out and cause behavioral issues.

7. Significant issue -- We seem to have plenty of resources for children who are slower or who have special needs, but not enough for brighter, or gifted children. This is particularly true when children are gifted in one area, but either medium or even slower in other areas -- they just "don't fit." This is challenging for the teacher as well as the student, because it demands a hands on approach and to be constantly "on" so these students are not bored.

8. Addendum -- I believe in the environmentally rich classroom, and even at first grade level believe students should experience learning more than simply be "taught." It is my job to….....

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