Christina's Capturing Thoughts Blog on Parent Teacher Confrences

I saw Professor Chatel's post to Anna suggesting that she visit Christina's blog on parent teacher conferences, and I decided to check this out for myself. I really appreciate all of Christina's time and effort that she put into finding this site and laying out the suggestions for all of us to see. As future teachers her blog offers a great layout of starters for how to hold an effective parent teacher conference.

This past week at Smith Elementary there were parent conferences going on as well and in talking with and as I just observed the conferences and heard from my classroom teacher about all the time and preparation that went into these conferences I learned so much. Although, I have to say the biggest thing I took away is that if you stay ahead of the game, then when the game hits head on, you will be ready to play the game, and will be prepared and ready for that challenge. 

Meeting my Cooperating Teacher for Student Teaching in the Fall

Today I had a scheduled meeting with my cooperating teacher for student teaching beginning next fall. I greatly enjoyed meeting and talking with her and we both are looking forward to working with each other beginning in the fall. The school I will be at is a new school so it will be a challenging and rewarding experience for the both of us.

Writing Prompt at Tuesday Experience March 11th 2008

This Tuesday at Tuesday Experience the children were recquired to work on a writing prompt. The question for this particular prompt had been previously designed by one of the teachers at a staff meeting with the second grade classroom teachers. The question was as followed: "You are on a playground and have found a key, what will you do with this key." 

My classroom teacher began the entrance of this prompt writing session by asking her students to generate a list of what makes a good story. The main ideas generated by her and the students were, that good stories must have a setting, and more importantly, they must have a beginning, middle and end. 

I had the oppurtunity to walk around and assess the students as they worked on their writing prompts. When and where it was appropriate I worked hard to generate thought provoking questions to stimulate the children's individual writing process. 

I was pleased to see that some of the children were very effective and creating a well sequenced story, with a distinct beginning, middle and end. However, it was also apparent that many of the students despite continued work on sequencing of stories were still struggling. 

I am pleased to see my classroom teacher working hard and continue her effort to build her students skills in sequencing, and I have seen them have practice in doing so within the classroom. I appreciate and commend her efforts to build this area in her students, and I can appreciate her struggle, as this is not always an easy task to acheive.

I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions for me that I could add to my own thoughts regarding further lessons and activities that might help those students still struggling with understanding beginning, middle and end? I am open to anything, I have thought of ideas as has my teacher, but I would love to see what my peers think could work.