Reflections from a Third-Grade Classroom

What did I learn about my students?

During my guided lead teaching, I learned that my students need to hear SOMETHING or else they will scream, talk, and yell.  This leads to arguments and fights.  If I played the story we were writing about, they were silent, and worked.  If I read the story aloud, they talked over me.  If I played a recording of myself reading the story, they were silent.  Bizarre.

I learned that they work great in small groups with an adult present.  Whole class activities are a great way to lose them, and they will begin talking during your teaching.

I learned that they LOVE computers and drawing, and that they will do just about anything to engage in these two forms of media.

I learned that they LOVE chapter books being read aloud.  I wish I had some time during our daily routine to begin reading chapter books regularly to my students.

I learned that given loose parameters, they will either surprise you or severely disappoint you.  Some children will shine, demonstrating creativity and humor.  Others will fail miserably, choosing to ignore your assignment all together.  Readers Theater was particularly interesting.

I learned that Fridays are a BAD day to try and get anything done.

What did I learn about myself?

I learned that I like to be in control, and that kids don’t allow you to do this.  When I prepared the kids well and then relinquished control, they did surprisingly well (or horribly bad…).

I learned that I don’t like having rigid plans for things, as every day shapes the next.  I like to build everything around what works for the kids, and that doesn’t always stay the same.  I like the freedom to explore tangents and have related side discussions about interesting topics.  I don’t like ever having to look at a lesson plan.

I learned that I’m a pretty damn good problem solver.  I talk well with kids and we work well deciding how to fix a mistake that the kid has made.

What did I learn about my teaching?

I learned that I may be a better teacher to older children.  I love having deep conversations with kids and having them question their own thinking.  I love independent learning and having kids do things like webquests and synthesis activities.  While they’re beginning to do these things in third grade, I think fourth and fifth grade may be a better fit for me.