Week 1 Reflection

August 24th - 28th

My first week as an intern at Suncrest Middle School went by quickly. Spending 40 hours a week in my PDS is really making me start to feel like a professional now! While I've been a preservice teacher for three years now, it wasn't until this year that I really started feeling like a part of the school staff. I attend 8th grade team meetings daily, will be granted access to online resources like Grade Quick and Edline, and will even have my picture taken for the yearbook! Being at Suncrest for five consecutive days a week will also help me get to know my students on a more personal level and vice versa.

Mrs. Chico has already been extremely helpful with my Action Research. We will begin collecting data this coming Monday! I created several attitude surveys for my students' views of grammar and mechanics. Mrs. Chico, Mrs. DeWall, and I looked over them and discussed which formats would elicit the best responses and data for my research. We decided that we should try two different kinds of surveys: five open-ended questions and a multiple choice survey in which students use remotes to submit answers. Both surveys will be anonymous so that students may feel comfortable submitting their answers.

Mrs. Chico has also suggested teaching a unit on "Flowers for Algernon", which ties in perfectly with my research on teaching grammar through writing. Charlie, the narrator of this story, has a learning disorder which is apparent through his journal entries. I will be spending the weekend reading this book and coming up with lessons that incorporate grammar instruction and themes on the importance of writing well.

A very motivating week! :)