In order to support growth and engagement for all students, one student was picked for a motivation project as part of New Teacher Workshop Part 2. An intervention strategy was implemented and data was tracked. Then necessary accommodations were made to promote motivation for the student. To promote self-monitoring behavior and to cope with frustration, growth mindset strategies were established and implemented with the student.

The goal of New Teacher Workshop Part 3 was to be a researcher in the classroom. I completed an action research project to determine some of the best ways to meet my students’ needs.The research question was how does play affect social emotional development in kindergartners? Research showed purposeful play and creative play aided in the social development of the three focus students. Play has many benefits in the kindergarten classroom. The benefits of play include fostering social skills, enhancing self regulation and executive function, improving language skills, supporting math and science skills and reducing stress and anxiety. Based on this research, I will continue to incorporate various types of play and hands on learning experience into all parts of the school day.

Aligned with Mineola’s mission statement, it is my goal to continue to be a lifelong learner. I aim to grow and develop my skills as a teacher to best help the diverse learners in my classroom.

I completed the following classes to support English Language Learners: Intro to Linguistics, Structure and Application of English, Teaching English Language Learners, PK-12 Bilingual & TESOL Teaching Practices, Supporting ENL Students, Effective Lesson Design for Diverse Learners, Beginning Spanish

I completed the following classes towards a Literacy Certification: Reading Across the Curriculum, Enhancing Literacy for all Students, The Teaching of Writing & The Writing Process, Daily 5

Additionally, I completed Multple Intelligences: Theory & Practice, Math Daily 3, Activating a Motivated and Engaged Brain. An article I wrote for Math Daily 3 was published on the Daily Cafe website.