Showing posts with label SLP2021. Show all posts
Showing posts with label SLP2021. Show all posts

Thursday, August 5, 2021

The End of Summer Learning Place 2021


Today is the last day of my EDEX962/963 class and the last day of our summer program - Summer Learning Place. It was one of my best years and I know it is because of the awesome teachers I had! They went above and beyond what I expected of them. They all were a very cohesive group and I enjoyed being around them. Their energy and enthusiasm were contagious. I really feel the children benefited from their instruction and I enjoyed seeing new strategies were used.

I decided not to do a final performance and ceremony for the public this year due to Covid and mask concerns. Instead, we had classroom ceremonies and the students received a gift and a certificate. I think it was a lot easier on the teachers and the students so I may discontinue that stressful activity in the future.   

My goals were:

  • I want to observe the teachers teaching lessons in reading, math, and writing.
  • I want to learn new strategies that they use to teach different skills.
  • I want to help the teachers grow professionally.
I believe I met all three goals this year and I hope the teachers were able to meet theirs also.

Original photos by Pat Hensley

Monday, July 12, 2021

Summer Learning Place 2021

Today I start teaching my EDEX962/963 classes. They are the practicums for Learning Disabilities and Emotional Disabilities. My students are certified teachers getting their Master’s degree in Special Education. Since it is summertime here, I have had to create a small school so that I can observe my teachers. I will have 4 teachers and 18 children. My teachers will be observed teaching and will need to write blog posts reflecting their teaching during this session. I asked each teacher to come up with 3 goals they want to achieve in this class and also let me know how they are feeling about the course, the children, and their expectations. I like to do the same assignment.

My 3 goals:
  • I want to observe the teachers teaching lessons in reading, math, and writing.
  • I want to learn new strategies that they use to teach different skills.
  • I want to help the teachers grow professionally.
Feelings:
I’m excited about this class because we are holding it in person. Last year I had to hold this program over Zoom and that was very challenging. I missed being around the children and hearing their laughter and giggles when they were together.

I look forward to meeting my teachers face to face and getting to know them better. It was very hard to connect with the teachers over Zoom.

Expectations:
I expect my teachers to act professionally so that I can focus on helping them hone their teaching skills.

Original Photo by Pat Hensley