Within my ECS100 class, we were asked to write a blog post for every week we were in the classroom. These are some of the highlights from my blog:

Week One: “My first day is a day that I will never forget (who knew being called Miss Yang for the first time would make me smile so big!!). I really enjoyed spending time with the students and getting to know them. The highlight of my day was being told that we were awesome, and they can’t wait for us to come back next week. The hugs and high-fives at the end of the day were pretty great too!”

Week Two: “Throughout the past two experiences, we got to meet a few of the teachers in the staff room, walking the hallways, and outside at recess. They are all so friendly and inviting, and always stop to talk or wave when they have a minute. The school I am placed in clearly emphasizes the importance of having a relationship between the community and school. Everyone is constantly making sure that all individuals feel welcomed and a part of the big family. Even though I have only been at this school for two half days, I already feel like I’ve been a part of this family for years.”

Week Three: “The day definitely showed that there is so much to learn not only from your students, but also from different educators around you.”

Week Four: “The students got to talk about respect in their Health class and were tasked with drawing scenarios that showed respect. As I was walking around, I asked multiple students what they were drawing and what respect means to them. A lot of drawings were examples of the students asking other children to come play with them when they were being left out of other activities. One of the students told me that they always try to make friends with everyone so no one is alone. I think this is a great example of an inclusive practice. The students have been taught at a young age to be respectful and nice to everyone no matter what.”

Week Five: “I am so glad to hear that an elementary school is supportive of diversity of any kinds. I hope that when I become an educator, students will acknowledge my classroom as a safe place for any type of reason.”

Week Six: “My cooperating teacher always makes sure that the students understand the importance of what they are learning and why they are learning it. She even has the outcomes and indicators poster on a wall in her classroom. However, the outcomes and indicators are in simpler terms for the grade 2’s to understand. That way the students can go home and tell their parents what they are learning and why. Our cooperating teacher believes that the more the students understand what they are learning, the more engaged they are, and the more they learn.”

Week Seven: “My classroom uses an app called SeeSaw. This app allows communication between the parents, students, and our cooperating teacher. It is also a platform where students can showcase their learning. Every time we walk into the classroom, the students are playing with blocks or doing other activities. Since we started, there hasn’t been a day where a student doesn’t come up to our cooperating teacher asking if they can post their creation of blocks (or other activities) to SeeSaw. It is so cute to see the students so engaged in and excited about their journey through learning.”

“Technology is definitely helping the students become more independent in their learning and also gives them more tools to help them be successful.”