Journal 2

This reflection is focused from observing a third grade classroom, but not any particular lesson. The observation day was Oct 11, 2022, but insight from previous days may have played a role in the thoughts in the reflection. The focus of the reflection is inclusion in the classroom, from the 5th analysis and reflection assignment.

inclusion classrooms vs. mainstream classrooms:

Inclusion classrooms look the same as mainstream classrooms, because they all have desks and students. Even in a mainstream classroom, the academic level of the students vary. In this aspect, inclusion classrooms are the same. A lesson may lead to breakout groups for lower level students. In my experience at my placement (which is an inclusion classroom, since it has five students with autism), it looks just like a mainstream classroom! It may be a little louder, and there may be more than one mode of teaching going on, but everyone is still learning!

inclusion at placement:

The main component that makes my specific classroom placement inclusive is how it incorporates five special needs students into the general education classroom. The teacher treats the students equitably, with accommodations or modifications to many students. Even the students are inviting to this, since they understand that each person has their own set of diverse needs.

differentiated instruction:

Differentiated instruction is used to equitably teach a diverse group of students to achieve a common learning goal. It works with the individual needs of each student in unique ways to achieve learning.

same age, many differences:

All the students are third graders, but they differ greatly in their readiness levels. For example, there is one student who has been in school for only two years, and the first year was over zoom during COVID. This student is behind academically, as well as struggles to follow instructions. There are also five students on the spectrum in the general education class. Some of these students require multiple breaks which hinder their readiness to learn. There are also English Language Learners to consider as well. We must remember that even though these differences can be challenging to teach, the diversity of our students is what makes each of them unique.

connecting curriculum to their interests:

Students learn best when they can connect what they are learning with their own interests. In an article I read for another class, it spoke of a teacher discovering one of her students selling candy from his home. She then devised a weeklong topic of Candy, including math (cost of making candy, selling it), cooking (having an adult show how to make candy with measurements), advertising (the sale of candy), and language arts (or writing about the experience). Not only was the student who initially sold candy engaged, but the entire class was engaged. I have yet to see at my placement, the teacher customize or tailor a lesson to a student’s interest or experiences.

when opportunities are natural:

I do believe that students learn best when the opportunities are natural. At my placement, the students were having a difficult time learning science. In the pollinators section, the teacher had them connect the concept with their story writing abilities. This made the learning natural for them. While writing a story about being a bee, they are remembering and writing down the steps a bee goes through to pollinate flowers throughout their day.

“The central job of schools is to maximize the capacity of each student.” (Tomlinson, 2012)

The purpose of schools is not to create adults who can repeat information like a robot. Instead, school’s job is to enrich the student to grow into their best possible person. Schools challenge and stretch their academic learning, while also supporting their social and mental wellbeing. School is a place to learn structure, but also be wildly creative. Learning and enriching creativity allows students to fully reach their capacity.

thoughts on homeschooling:

For homeschooling, there are multiple advantages and disadvantages. If a child were to be homeschooled, they would be sheltered from many negative aspects of public school. Some examples include bullying, physical violence, drug and alcohol abuse, and more. One main disadvantage is not knowing if the student is being denied certain opportunities from being homeschooled. The opportunity to engage with others at the same age of diverse economical statuses and home lives is seen in public school setting, as apposed to home school communities.

student’s emotional needs:

If a school is successful in creating a good school culture, the answer to this question would be a resounding “yes, the students emotional needs are being met!” There would be evidence from student behavior, as well as how students are feeling welcome to express their emotions  (both positive and negative) in constructive ways.

adult advocate:

If a school is successful in creating a good school culture, the answer to this question will be shown in how responsive the students are. Instead of gossip, or solely relying on friends, they will feel comfortable (not scared) to address their concerns or needs to an adult. Teachers and staff should make a code to make students feel like they can ask for help without being accused of something else.