Reflection Paper On Field Experience

I had the pleasure of participating field experience in a second grade classroom in California Area Elementary School. This school is located in the small town of California, Pennsylvania. The town has around 6,585 residents, therefore the school is quite small. Though this school is small in stature, their progress is quite the opposite. Recently, California Area Elementary School has jumped 19 spots in the ranking. In 2010, the graduation rate of the school districts was 97%. In 2011, their attendance rate was 93%and it 2009, 2.03% of students were gifted. This school prides themselves on academics, as well as confidentiality of their students. They provide incredible services for those in need. My observation time at this school took place

The classroom in which I taught was fairly large, and gave the students plenty of space to work and learn. I learned that this environment was a lot more organized than it appeared. Mrs. Martin kept a very close eye on her classroom and made sure each day was well planned out. These plans were posted and visible for the students to see. She even went as far as to write the students schedule on the board each day, so that they were prepared for the day’s activities. When I first met the students, I was left with the impression that they were well behaved and rather shy. I continued to find that the students were very well behaved. However, I was very wrong about the idea that the students were shy. Once they felt better acquainted, they were very chatty and outgoing. The kids loved sharing their interests and how they felt about learning. Nonetheless, they were still very respectful and listened when appropriate. Although some students seemed to drift off from time to time, they always came back to the lesson and completed in it a timely manner. This came about often when it came to assessment and instruction in large groups. My first impression of instruction and assessment of this classroom was that worksheets were very overused. Every day during math the students did two to three worksheets, not including their homework. Assessments

I found that this school was the perfect example of an average school, filled with the average student. It gave me an insight into what teaching is really about. Teaching is about being there for your students and drawing the line between friend and teacher. It has taught me that worksheets really have no benefits when in the classroom. Teaching is about keeping your students focused and engaged and using behavior management techniques. Teaching really is about balance and my time at California Area Elementary School has proven that to be