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Practicum Experiences _Week ending March 31.

 The week before Spring Break was a busy one. I was feverishly working on analyzing data from my classes in preparation of presenting at our monthly intervention meeting. In the midst of that, we received two new students. As it will likely happen, our school experienced some technical difficulties with our morning announcements. Our media center has recorded announcements at the ready so as not to delay the beginning of the day for students. It also allows the Media Specialist to troubleshoot the issues. It was another valuable lesson in the importance of preparation for those instances where technology might fail. Noted! 

This week was spent in collaborative work on a instructional unit about Digital Citizenship. Along with my co-educator, we deliberated about which digital tool would best deliver the unit. We finally compromised and used Lumio by SMART although we had to forgo some of the animations that we wanted in place of the instruction. Also, this past week, I worked on my web repository to ensure all of my work was included and presented well. This is still a work in progress. I often have to take time away from as I find myself constantly revising the layout of my website, moving my content, and experimenting with multiple layouts. I visited the media center where I was able to assist with third grade during their media special. We discussed literacy and the importance of reading daily with students. Overall, the word count for our students has been lower this year comparatively.  I spent time exploring and updating my twitter feed. Twitter truly is a wonderful resource. I love the updates available to tech tools. I also enjoy following educators as they share how the tools work in their classrooms. One of my favorite twitter friends is @TheBestEducator. Follow him! He is truly doing remarkable work with his students in 5th grade. He has found many ways to, in his words, "eliminate boredom in the classroom." I love it. 

Over the course of this practicum, I have worked with my co-teacher in the delivery of our reading program. We have been working to discover additional ways to partner technology with our program to engage our students. Admittedly, our program can be a bit staid. My co-teacher is a former retiree who is learning to add more technology. It has been a joy to coax her and work with her as she and I create mini lessons. 

I made grandiose plans for Spring Break; I had decided that the bulk of my break would be devoted to relaxation, a little yard work, and much needed rest. So much for those plans, instead, I spent much of it working on my assignments, exploring resources for my students, grading papers, and running errands. I was able to get registered for the GACE and begin to study for it.  The highlight of my week was a daytrip to Montgomery Alabama with my relative who is a cancer warrior. I am in constant awe of her strength! 

 In what felt like the blink of an eye, school was back in session, with many more tasks added to my list. I offer no complaints, instead, I continue to press forward with determination, prayer, and amazing grace towards graduation this Summer.   

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