Learn & Serve 3

Today, after I signed into the front office, I went to the Computer Lab as I usually do on a Tuesday morning. The students were continuing to use the Fast ForWord program which tests their listening and visual skills on sounds and shapes. This program is recommended for parents to purchase it at their own home for their children. After we returned to the classroom, Mrs. Capatosto allowed the students to have their snack and to listen to the High School Musical 3 soundtrack. This was surprising to me that a teacher would allow this free time; however, the students really enjoyed this time even as they were still under control by the teacher. I was impressed that no students were causing trouble during this time.

Next was the Reading Rug, where Mrs. Capatosto read “Manny’s Cows: The Niagara Fall’s Tale”. At this time, the students were asked a number of comprehension or schema questions. They were to think, tell your partner, and then raise you hand when you were done. This was an easy task for the students and it kept them paying attention to the story because they were to interact in groups, instead of just thinking about their own opinions of the story. Then, we had centers (Listening, Computers, Guided/Partner Reading). I usually walk around the room to each station making sure the students are staying on track, and that there are no computer difficulties with the students in the back of the room. Mrs. Capatosto has a great group of students this year; I never have to worry about these students giving me a hard time. I really respect and admire teachers in the elementary level who know how to keep control of their students, even if they may run out of the room for a minute. At 11am I left the classroom and signed out at the front office.