The Most Important Thing I Have Learned

Being able to observe a fourth grade class has been very helpful and insightful. I have learned a lot of things about elementary education that I didn't realize before. These things will help me to be more successful in my future career and have a greater understanding. Observing/ helping out with the class has shown me that a teacher must be extremely flexible. As an elementary teacher, you take on so many roles. These can include educator, mediator, friend, example, organizer, leader, role model, etc. It is quite overwhelming to realize that the way a teacher takes on these roles will ultimately affect the mental, emotional, and social development of all of his or her students. I have learned that a teacher must know how to manage and balance all of these roles. A teacher must know when it is time to switch from being a teacher to a friend or from being a organizer to a listener. These roles are all important and necessary, but it is essential that a teacher know when and how to switch between roles. 

Flexibility also applies to teaching methods. Each student has a unique way of learning. A teacher must be able to adapt his or her teaching methods to the need of each student. Some student may learn visually while others may be auditory learners. In addition to learning modalities, each student possesses a different kind of intelligence. It is important that a teacher know how to incorporate these different intelligences into her lessons. 

The most important thing that I have learned is that a successful teacher must be flexible! 

Classroom Management

While observing a fourth grade class, I noticed that the teacher did many different things  to help the class run smoothly. In terms of classroom organization, I noticed that the teacher had her lesson plans neatly organized for each day of the year. Each cupboard had specific tools and resources which the teacher used throughout the year organized in a neat and orderly fashion. The teacher also assisted the students in being organized. She provided each of the students with different colored folders for each subject. This teacher taught the students how to be tidy. Also, before going to recess, the students were required to clean and organize their desks. The teacher had to check them off. Maintaining an organized classroom is key for functionality, efficiency, and success.

In terms of procedures, the teacher uses a lot of rewards to influence positive behavior in the students. The students collect fake money throughout the year in which they could use at a classroom store. These classroom stores are held many times throughout the year. This helps students to start off with a clean slate after each new store. Bad behavior from the beginning of the year can essentially be erased and corrected. The teacher also takes time to recognize positive behavior and publicize it. Children are quick to follow if they receive praise for their actions. This positive approach to teaching is most effective in children.