Last Week in Observation!!! (WooHoo)

Okay Ladies, We Did It!!!
I know we all felt the same way toward the middle of the semester, "When will this end?" hahaha We survived though!

Knowing that this observation was our last, it seemed that the time went on forever, but when it was done, it was sorta of sad to know we will miss these children that we've grown to each individual's personalities and expressions. I sort of let my self do a little interacting with one child since I knew this was the last day, and she was playing alone. It felt pretty good to see her smile and not have to direct her away from me. Just like weeks before she tried to bring me some food she made from the kitchen area. I took the meal and pretend to eat it, and boy did he eyes light up. She then smiled and ran to get the cash register. She stumbled and dropped it a few times, but eventually was successful. As I observed other children and took notes off and on, I played along with her. She handed me money, and wanted me to pay for the food. She was too cute, and I noticed she wasn't as "active" like other weeks that i've observed her. Maybe all she needed was some one-on-one time.

To extend this activity, i would include a grocery store shopping activity with the whole class. This would consist of paper money (monopoly) and things that they would see in the store would be displayed around the class. The children could go around with bags or baskets and do a mock-shopping spree. They then would be able to purchase the items that they chose. This would help them get the idea of domestic skills and it would be something different that they've never done.

Though out the whole semester i've definitely have connected with them and have some sort of attachment with them; even though I really didnt get a chance to physically interact with them.
I have seen a lot of the children make growth whether it was physically like motor skills and activities out doors, or socially and talking a lot more to their classmates. Its crazy to look back at the beginning and think how awkward they were when I was in there, and now how easy going the class was toward the end. This opportunity of observation was fun, yet informative. Although, it will be nice to not have to wake up so early every Wednesday!! :) HAPPY HOLIDAYS LADIES!!

Observation: WeeK#9

During this weeks observation, I felt like I walked into the wrong room. It was amazing! Room 5 had totally transformed over the Veteran's Day holiday. They had many new furniture pieces, rugs, and toys. The room was rearranged and transformed. It was so nice to see how excited the children were when they entered, it was like they haven't see the room before (even though this was the thrid day of the week.) I also stepped into Room 6 to se etheir transformation, and oh my goodness what a good sight. Change definitely does wonders to anybody's perspective. It makes you feel fresh and new.

One activity that they did, was going out side to measure the Bloomer's garden. At circle time, they red a short story out of the Bloomer's binder. They then went to the table and drew what they thought or remembered of the story. Then they went our into the garden and used magnify glasses and looked at the plants and eveything they wanted for a little while. They were then brought over to the Bloomer's garden and measured each child to it to see if it was taller than any of them. The children all laughed when the teacher measured herself. It was a different, yet fun activity.

If I pursued the actvity into the next day I would incooperate some more science activities with the magnify glass sinc they were so interested, or even some more measurement activities since the children don't do as much as math activites versus any other activity. Materials that could be provided would be numbered rulers, or string to see how big things are. Also, some scales ould be fun, they could see how much different things around the classroom weigh.

YaY!!....We are almost done!! :) Have a good weekend!

Observation: Week #8

This week in lab was pretty mellow. Many children were not in class, and the activities were prepared and ready to go. After the normal routine of arrival (table activities) and circle time, the teacher explained the activities that were going to be available. The options were water colors, block area (shape blocks), and blowing objects through a straw. Since there were few children, they were able to participate in all activities if they wanted to. One thing that caught my attention was that the children were excited about little trees (looked like chritmas trees) were out for decoration, and also the object for the water color activity. The children that were at that activity attempted to draw the trees before using the water colors, but one child said, "No. I want to draw the pumkins." The teacher said, "Ok, if that is what you would like to do." I thought it was funny how they were stuck on the object for water coloring activity for last month. Maybe if the teacher would change it up every week, then we'd see more reaction. This activity brings out more small motor skills with the drawing before-hand, and painting the drawing. Also, it helps the children with color recognition.

If I were the teacher in the classroom, I would continue with color interest. Maybe the next week, have each day to pertain to a different color, and have the children bring in an object of that color. Having the children dress in the color each day would be a good idea too. The children would get a sense of each color, and the activities done that day would help then recognize the color later on. Books about favorite colors would be available also.

Observation: week #7

This week in lab was fun! Even though the children seemed very antsy and didn't listen very well, the teacher kept the class under control. The same routine was in play, but for centers and when the children split up, there were different activities offered than usual. The usual trains/blocks were available, but then others went with one of the aids outside to the garden. Here is where they measured and discussed the "bloom + grow" activity. The other activity that was offered was to experience clay. This where I sat and observed and listened in. The teacher had a large tarp laying on the floor and four large block of clay. There were only a few interested in this activity. Possibly the others were intimidated? The children that were interested took their shoes and socks off and sat down with the blocks. It was fun watching them experiment and see what they could do. One child started to poke holes in the block and said, "It's cold!" and giggled. the other child leaned back and rubbed his feet all over it. Whild they did this they seemed so amazed. It was definitely something different than what they've experienced before; nothing like good 'ol playdough. Definitely small motor skills came into play. Since the clay was much thicker, heavier, and much harder to tear and form, the children had to pull and tear with some force causing them to try harder and use more muscle.

If I were the teacher of the classroom I would continue this activity with a clay project the next day. Since they got to experiment with the clay and get a feel for it, I would give a decent amount to each child and let them make whatever they wanted. We would let what they made dry, and possibly paint them. Materials that would be needed would be the clay, and supplies to prepare for a mess and to clean it up. This project would take at least two days. I remember at a young age, maybe 3rd grade, doing a science project on an otter and my dad helped me do a report and sculp one out of clay. It's funny that I remember the little things that I did when I was younger as I go through school and working with children.

Make-up for Last Week

This week I had my make-up(rescheduled) time for last week that I missed. Unfortunately, there was a substitute today. I'm sure we've all experienced how a classroom can get when the normal teacher isn't present. The children stepped in the classroom when they arrived and noticed the teacher wasn't there. Since then the classroom didn't seem the same. Even when one student arrived late, the parent was sort of upset that she did not acknowledge the fact that they arrived. She even whispered to me and sat there seeing if she would notice. The children, later, were out of control, especially trying to transition and circle time. The substitute seemed to interupt children while they were saying how the usual teacher does things. I feel she could have said things a little nicer to the children. However, the substitute was very helpful with the aids and tried the best she could to keep the day under control.

An activity that the children did enjoy was the Apple Tasting. They looked at a chart while the teacher's aid named off the types of apples. There were Granny Smith, Gayla, Red Delicious, and Yellow Delicious. The children chose which one they like and which ones they buy at the store. Which ever one they chose, they were able to try some slices of it. They were really excited!

If I were the teacher of the classroom, I would continue the activity next day with them helping choose which apples to make an apple pie with. Since they enjoy baking and cooking so much, why not do another activity with that? Cooking is a type of science, and I rarely see them interecting with science, so it would be a good idea. Materials that would be included would be apples, and other ingredients that would include to make the pie. The children love to measure and help prepare before it goes into the oven. This also involves math. Cooking is such a simple thing, but can include so many academic ideas. The childre love to taste what they help make too!

Happy Halloween!

Observation: Week #5 (week 6 in class)

This week in observation the children were all excited about Halloween! They talked about their costumes and trick-or-treating. This was another day that was different than the usually routine of the classroom. When they split up into centers and free choice, one of the options was to help bake cookies for the bake sale! most of the children were excited to help, and they were patient with taking turns. I did notice that the children were a lot more excited about baking the cookies versus the muffins from a week or two ago. I was thinking that it was because they probably bake cookies with family at home more so than muffins. The way they took turns with pouring and mixing and listened carefully to the Aid's instructions amazed me. I think that when kids are really focused and interested, it is much easier for them to cooperate. The way they used listening skills and small motor in mixing the dough was consistent. This time they were able to use eye-hand cordination with making cookie dough balls with a spoon and putting them in a line on the cookie tray. They had a lot of fun!

If I were the teacher in the classroom, and had to make the plan for tomorrow, I would introduce small amounts of money. Since they are going to sell these cookies and muffins on friday for 25 cents each, I would introduce the dollar bill and what goes into it. For example, 4 quarters equals one dollar, and two cookies equals 2 quarters so they would need 2 quarters back for change. They will use the play cash registers and pretend money (for practice). Maybe another option would be to play shopping or grocery store that day. The children seem excited to sell the cookies to the parents and other students!

Observation: Week #4

Hey guys!
Hope you all had a good week in your observations!

Just want to post about my week. Unfortunately on the day I am scheduled to do my observation, I was unable to make it. Everyday since then (Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday) I called almost every hour that they were open to try and reschedule so that I could get this blog completed. I left messages with all my information, and hoped they would return the call. This week has been so crazy and hectic. I'm sorta upset that I wasn't able to rescedule, and do the observation. Has any of you had the issue of getting through to the center? Oh well, I suppose there's nothing I can really do at this point, except to reschedule next week and make up the hours.

However, I am looking forward to reading your posts to see how your week went. I made sure to post this just so that you guys aren't waiting on my post to comment, or don't think that I just didn't do it. Anyway, hope you guys had a good week, and that homework and school didn't over whelm you as much as it did for me, (4 classes, midterms, observations, other assignments...etc.)

Have a nice weekend!! -Juliann

Observation: Week #3

~This week's observation was different, but really fun. The children seemed extra quiet and well behaved. After circle time, the children were seperated into different group centers. The centers were either water colors, trains/blocks/manipulatives, Bloom + Grow People (helped water, measure, draw the plants), or making muffins. While I observed the children making the muffins, I also took a walk out side to see the children observing the growth of the plants with the magnafy glasses and helping the teacher measure the growth. Then they took a clipboard and drew what they saw.
Inside at the muffin making table, the teacher's aid helped the children pour the muffin mix, measure the oil, and the ingredients. Next, they went over to the table and helped oil the muffin tins. They were then baked while the children continued to play. During snack time, the children were offered to try the muffins; most said yes and enjoyed them. ~

~This activity let the children observe the science of cooking, sharing and taking turns pouring the ingredients, using small motor skills and hand-eye coordination while mixing the ingredients in the bowl. Just in this activity there were many developmental learning objectives that were going on. It's rare to see cooking going on in a classroom these day, so when it happens it is like a special treat and the children really enjoy it.~

~An activity that I would plan to further the education of these same skills would be another hand-eye coorination activity because not many lesson plans focus on this. It would consist of passing ball back and forth in a relay with a group. The materials would be simple, mostly just a ball, but if it was made into a big obsticle course, we would need cones and any other materials for what activities were involved. This activity would give the children also the experience of taking turns. *I wonder what next week will look like and what activities would be offered*~

Observation: Week #2

*The This week in observation seemed to go very smoothly. Especially since the rain took place, the children didn't seem too out of control like most would be. The rain was a big topic during this observation. The children were very excited when they entered the classroom. They made sure all the teachers and parents knew it was raining outside. Some of them even came up to me and made me look out side, "It's storming!" one of the children pointed and told me. Since it was pouring rain during their class time, they weren't able to play outside. This made it so there were more activities available and more time for the children to interact within those areas. In the playdough area, there were three children that were interested in playing there.

Child "A" is the oldest, Child "B" is the middle aged, and Child "C" is the youngest.

Child A: She attempts to make different shapes with the cookie cutters. She didn't say anything, instead she was very independent on rolling her dough and cutting out her shapes with the cutters and playdough knives.

Child B: She was pounding her dough with her fist, and patted each side with her fingers. She called over the teacher and said, "Look Mrs. Black, it's a cake for you." The teacher praised her, and then Child B got distracted and walked away.

Child C: Has his clump of dough in front of him and looks at it for a minute. I'm thinking he's unsure what to do with it. He reaches over the other two and grabs the playdough hammer out of the basket, and starts beating on it. He then stops and looks at it again. He begins to beat harder and tries to flatten it. He then looks at the other two's playdough and begins to hammer away again.

*The way I interpret this play and development as i watched them interact and play at the table with the playdough is that they were using their small/fine motor skills to the best of their ability. Child B and C are younger which means they've had less time to experience and develop these skills and much as Child A. Age matters when it comes to developmental skills. As they get older their development will increase. Also, by the end of the school year/session anyone would be able to see how they have improved those skills over time.

*For tomorrows activity, I would have another activity involving them using their small/fine motor skills. An activity that would involve this developmental skill could be "cutting lines." Each student that chose to participate in this activity would have a piece of paper with different shaped lines pre-drawn on them For example, straight, zigzag, and wavy lines. This will give them the opportunity to manuver the scissors in their hand different ways. Overall, this activity will provide them with the sense of holding the scissors and following the lines with their eyes so that they get the idea of staying on the lines.

*This weeks observation was a lot better than last week. This children seemed more comfortable with someone new in the class. Also, the aids were there this week unlike last week where the classroom was low on staff. This made the activities and transitions go much more smoothly, and the children were more calm.

~Reflection/Impression on my Lab week~

*So far, I have observed for two weeks (days) in Lab. At first I thought it was going to be somewhat difficult to get all the information needed for each observation assignment, but I was wrong. I seem to get down what I need fairly quickly. I usually have an hour or so extra to just observe and watch the children with out thinking about what to write or jot down notes. It is kind of relaxing just to watch the children.

*I'm in Room 5 (Mrs. Kathy Black), which is a half day. My scheduled time is from 8:00am to 12:00pm on Wednesdays. The only issue I have with this is that having free time from 11:30-12:00 because the children already have left for the day. during this time I do look over my days notes, and observe the other classroom outside once my classroom teacher/aid are done with clean-up. From the 8-8:30 free time before the children arrive, I jot down what the activities are that the teacher is setting up and preparing for the day.
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*One situation that I observed this past week was about half of the class helped the T.A build a block tower to make ledge for the tubes used as a race track. About 2 or 3 kids stood near the block tower and helped hold the tubes, while 2 kids held the basket at the bottom of the track for the cars to land in. Then 2 other children raced their cars from the top of the track and watched to see who one that race.

[Child #1] "watch mines go down, I'm going to win you"-says the child on the right side of the track

[Child #2] "no my blue car is faster"-the other child responds back to the previous comment made

(My response (in my head) while this was happening was that how different their comments were. The second child had more of a descriptive answer than the first child. Then I realized child #2 was also 4yrs old and child #1 is 3yrs old. ---The difference between ages show how differently they developed. this shows that the older child is more descriptive with their words than the younger child.

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*If I were the teacher of the classroom and had to plan an activity for the next day that would further the development that is happening in this current situation I would prepare an activity involving Color Identification. This activity could consist of preparing the activity before the class begings (so that it is set up already & saves time for the activity) then possibly reading a story at the begining of the day that has to do with colors in some way. Next, move on to introducing the activity, mabe show an example or the steps that would be done. Then I would watch the children interact and construct the activity given. (Helping those who need assistance)

~Overall this past two weeks have been very informative and definitely shows me how funny it is to watch and listen in on the children's actions and conversations. I wonder what next week will have in store.~

Happy Friday! :-)