Goal

Going forward I want to continue to work on my ability to create and manage effective classroom routines (IE 1). I think that getting to know my next practicum class, and co-creating expectations with them will be an important step for creating and managing effective routines. 

Strategy

I want to continue to work on being firm but kind with my students. In order to achieve my goal, I will continue to find techniques that work for my students and myself. A good resource for this will be my mentor teacher, and I think it will be useful to observe the routines that she already has in place, and build my own from there. 

Growth

During my final practicum, I experienced so much growth in the area of creating and managing effective classroom routines. The class that I was placed in was often described by teachers as a 'busy' or 'spicy' group, so I quickly learned the importance of being firm and kind. Something that was key in my learning was how essential it is to be consistent with the routines you establish in the classroom. Being firm and consistent showed the students that I had high expectations for how they were to behave, and also that I was there to support them no matter what. 

Goal

I want to work to seamlessly utilize my Mentor Teacher's existing routines, and meaningfully use new agreed upon routines, to ensure the most efficient/effective use of instruction time (IE 1). 

Strategy

Clear communication with my Mentor Teacher about routines that she finds the most effective will be important for my success in this goal. I want to work with my MT to find routines and strategies that work best for the both of us, and our students. 

Growth

Testing out different classroom routines, and seeing what works was a very interesting process for me! I feel like creating effective classroom routines is something that will take me a lot of time to figure out exactly what works best for me. During my practicum I learned a lot about the importance of setting expectations with students, and coming back to these expectations when things were getting out of hand.  The most important part of ensuring efficient use class time was really getting to know, and fostering nurturing relationships with my students!

Future Goal

Going forward I want to continue to work on my ability to create and manage effective classroom routines (IE 1). I think that getting to know my next practicum class, and co-creating expectations with them will be an important step for creating and managing effectice routines. 

Goal

My goal for the Winter 2023 semester is to engage in and implement trauma informed practices when I am interacting with my students. Each student that I teach can benefit from a trauma informed approach, so I think it will be a valuable thing to do. 

Strategy

In order to achieve my goal, I am planning to give my students opportunities for choice in everything that we do. I will do this by differentiating my lessons so that there is some aspect of choice in what the student does. Feeling like one has a choice and is not being forced into something is an important part of trauma informed practice.

Growth

I always tried to incorporate elements of choice in the learning activities that I created this semester. Trauma informed practices are essential components of good teaching, and I want to continue to ensure that my students have choice in learning activities. Going forward I want to continue to focus on ensuring that my teaching practice is trauma informed. 

Goal

My goal for the Fall 2022 semester is to grow my collection of picture books to represent all of the students that will one day be in my class. It is so important for people to see themselves represented in stories and it is my responsibility as a teacher to ensure that my collection of books is inclusive. 

Strategy

To achieve my goal I plan to talk to the teachers in my field work school to get and idea of what their favourite books are. I will also do my own research at the MRU library as well as the Calgary Public Library to get ideas of good books to purchase. 

Growth

I believe that I achieved my goal through discussion with teachers in my field work school, my Mentor Teacher this semester, and through my learning in EDUC 2371. My Children's Literature Log is a good way to add to my collection.

Goal

My time with my mentor teacher has really opened my mind to the idea that it is possible to create a safe and secure learning environment in middle school gym classes, something I did not experience. My goal going forward is to get a deeper understanding of how my mentor teacher goes about creating an inclusive environment for students of all abilities, as well as the strategies he uses. 

Strategy

In order to achieve my goal, I plan to ask my mentor teacher what his personal philosophy is regarding creating a supportive environment in which his students are able to grow. One part of this will be examining how he differentiates his lesson plans in order to ensure that each student finds success. I will also make a plan to attend a "team-building" event for one of the sports teams at the school. 

Growth

In the Winter 2022 semester I was able to have a better understanding about creating a supportive classroom environment. It is clear to me that gym class is way to create a sense of community and this can only happen if each student feels safe no matter what.