A brilliant man named Benjamin Franklin once stated, “Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.” This was a quote that caught my eye as I walked into the classroom on my first day of observation, and has stuck with me ever since. I believe that kids should be involved in the learning process, rather than taught like robots. For example, in the 1st grade classroom the teacher organized stations, which gave the students the involvement they need to learn. Over the course of sixteen hours, I had the opportunity to observe not only my 1st grade class that was assigned to me, but also middle school and high school. The three grade levels had many contrast, but also had many comparisons. The 1st grade level had the concept of day-care incorporated with their education, unlike the middle school and high school concept of come to school and do your work. I very much enjoyed observing the 1st grade classroom; it gave me the insight to what I would enjoy to teach.
My observation experience gave me several ideas to incorporate in my classroom, such as have a decorative theme in the classroom, rather than a dull and boring theme. A spelling game also caught my attention while observing the 1st grade. This game involved the whole class, and all of the students had fun spelling their spelling words every morning. Some opposing views to what I seen in my observation are, a little more discipline structure, more independence among each student, and more praise for achievements that the students made.
Some valuable information that I learned in my observing is to have patience, be encouraging, strong-minded, and to never stray away from your philosophy of teaching. I learned that with this age group that every kid is a little ball of energy, and that is where my patience comes into play. As we've talked about in this course, the kids have drastically different learning styles. No matter how frustrated I may get, I must remember to always be the positive role-model for my students.
My experience this semester has been challenging, yet rewarding all at the same time. I learned so much throughout the sixteen hours of my observation period, and it has helped to shape me for my future of teaching. As I continue on with pursing my educator degree, I wish to never lose the memories and experiences I have gained over the semester and through my opportunity of observing.