How have you grown as a teacher from this experience so far (skills, understanding, or knowledge gained) (lesson planning, classroom management, demonstrations, etc…)?

First, I have learned more about classroom management and guidance for a class that is less structured than the internships before. There is still this management, but in a different way than teaching a new lesson every week. In addition, I have learned that demonstrations are still important even if the children are familiar with what they are doing. It is always good to remind them how much space should be between tiles, what colors go well together, etc.

What new understandings do you have about children/education/your role in the classroom?

Having a class that is more free flowing taught me how to give important guidance, as well as taking a step back and letting the students learn through experience. For example, having them help pick what color a flower should be if the colors around it are more cool colors, and things of that nature.

What has made you happy about teaching this quarter?

What made me the happiest about teaching this quarter was not only see the mural come to life, but also seeing how excited the children got seeing it grown, or even just finishing one flower.

What is something that you would like to work on improving by the end of the semester?

I would like to improve my classroom management by the end of the semester. This experience is giving me a different way of organization that I can apply to a more structured class as well, so I would really like to practice my skills in that area.