How have you grown as a teacher from this experience so far (skills, understanding, or knowledge gained) (lesson planning, classroom management, demonstrations, etc…)?
I have really grown as a teacher this semester considering how much I have gained in skills and understanding. I know so much more now about how a classroom operates efficiently. I feel like I have gained experience in classroom management just by having consistent experiences with the same groups of kids. I have really grown in my lesson planning skills as I have the chance to learn about the sort of things the children like doing. I love being able to tailor my lesson plans to their interests!
What new understandings do you have about children/education/your role in the classroom?
So far in my internship, I feel like I have a very valuable role in the classroom. The students look forward to me coming in and ask me: "What art project are you doing with us today Miss Vanessa?". I have seen how beneficial it is for these children to have time to create something and express themselves creatively. I think art is a great opportunity for the children to make connections to their world. Plus they really enjoy it!
What has made you happy about teaching this quarter?
It makes me happy seeing that the art projects I come in and do with the children make them happy. I love that the children get to express themselves through art. I also am happy about the great teachers I get to work with. I am happy to have the opportunity to learn from them and their experiences. Overall, I love being considered a valuable part of a great child care center!
What is something that you would like to work on improving by the end of the semester?
I feel like I have improved on a lot of things since I started my internship last semester. If I could choose something to improve on by the end of the semester, it would be my demonstrations. I want to be able to give the students demonstrations without them feeling like they need to make their art look exactly like mine. I try to choose activities that are very open- ended so the students can use their creativity as much as possible. I am lucky to have great students that listen attentively when I do give demonstrations, though. I find that they are always eager to learn new things!
