Jared Weisberg
October 6th, 2014
Field Work
Field experience this year is completely different from last year and I'm glad because I'm able to get vital experience. For instance, last year I was a helping hand in the classroom rather than being assigned to a specific student. Meaning, last year I would make copies, help students who struggled, and sit in the classroom to observe the teacher. On the other hand, this year I'm actually assigned to work one on one with a specific student. The classroom I'm assigned this year is the advanced learners which means it's the students who are ahead of their grade level and complete work that's more difficult. As a result, my specific student is a very strong reader but dislikes writing very much. He reads very lengthy chapter books that look as thick as a Harry Potter books but thinks writing is very boring. I've started off by having him write a personal diary each time we conduct our meeting. He can write what ever is on his mind but the only rule is that he must write for a full 10 minutes without stopping. By doing this, I'm trying to slowly engage him into the writing aspect of school and show him that writing isn't so bad. He has written two diaries thus far and hasn't complained once about writing. I'm shocked because I was expecting a little rebuttal but I'm pleased he hasn't argued yet. Overall, I think my child is a terrific young man but I hope I can get his passion for reading into his writing!
Can I make a suggestion? Next time you have him write, you should write too! Modeling a love of writing is one of the best ways to instill a love of writing. When you are done, you can share your writing. Maybe you can switch it up sometimes and have written conversations. Begin by writing a question or two for him to write the answer to, then let him write questions for you to answer, etc...
ReplyDeleteSounds like you are having a big impact on this kiddo!
It is really interesting for me to hear experiences from people who are working with older, more advanced grade levels. I wish I could experience them all!
ReplyDeleteI think Jill's suggestions are very helpful. Other ideas that I can think of could be having him write a book like the genres he is interested in. Or maybe have him pretend he is a character in the story that he is reading and have him write journal entries as that character-trying to connect his love for reading into writing.
It is awesome that your student loves reading! I hope you can have an impact on him to show him the joys of writing as well.
Jared,
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you about this particular field experience. I am so much more engaged with my students and everything feels more real this time around. Instead of being an observer, I am actually teaching. I think both Emma and Jill have given you some great advice. Something that I might add to these suggestions is maybe having the student think about writing through other genres. When you open up new windows of learning it gives the student liberty and choice in his learning witch makes learning feel more meaningful and authentic. Good post! I am glad that you are doing well in the classroom and getting so much out of the experience!
Jared-
ReplyDeleteI can relate with you about how much field experience has changed from our first one to this. My first field experience pretty much had me making copies and stapling all day. Going into this years I was hoping for a different outcome, and got one! Although it's great being able to make my own decisions taking on the role of an actual teacher, it is a bit daunting knowing I have my student's learning in my own hands. I think your experiences with your particular student is something we will see countlessly within our own classrooms. It's awesome we get to take in the suggestions from our classmates as well as Jill through these blogs. I love Brittany's idea about writing through different genres, kindof like we are doing in Stacy's class. You've done such a great job with your MGRP pieces and I know you can contribute your knowledge through your teaching. Great job!!!