PRACTICUM JOURNALS

Ashleigh Jones PED 2160

January 27, 2014 January 31, 2014

I have slowly began to notice that my teacher changes her seating arrangements weekly. Because I
always walk in on Monday, and I have to re-memorize where which kid is. It makes it difficult to ask them
direct questions, or to return papers.
Although its difficult, I think its a great idea! I honestly want to use this in my classroom. It gives all
the students an opportunity to socialize and work with their peers. I dont think that I ever had a teacher who
constantly changed the seating arrangement, but I wish I did. I say that because I feel that socializing with my
peers at that age is extremely beneficial.
I mean, third graders are just learning the ways of life, and one of those essential skills is socializing,
and teamwork. I think that my elementary schools should have placed more emphasis on that.
February 3, 2014 February 7, 2014
This week we have gotten more in the Valentines Day spirit. The students are all so psyched for it! And
I dont understand that I mean, when I was in third grade, the only reason we looked forward to Valentines
was because of the candy, and not having to do schoolwork But I guess those are some reasons that can get
little kids super excited.
Next week, I plan on getting them even more excited for it, because Im going to do my Childrens
Literature Activity, on Wednesday. I told the kids, on Friday, that we would be doing an activity on Wednesday,
and they seemed pretty enthusiastic about the idea. So, I really hope that it works out well.
It seems that my practicum teacher, Mrs. Ward, is gaining a higher level of comfort with me in her
classroom, because shes giving me much more work. Ive been giving more spelling tests, reading mandatory
stories, bringing them in from recess, etc. Shes giving me more responsibility, and I honestly love it! Its really
getting me excited for my educational experience(s) to come.

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February 10, 2014 February 14, 2014

This week I did my Childrens Literature Activity, and I have to say: IT WAS A BLAST! I totally loved
reading to the kids, and interacting with them. They asked some fantastic questions. Though, I feel that too
many kids were getting up, and not fully listening to the story. So, next time Ill give the students an opportunity
to go to the restroom, get drinks, sharpen pencils, all before I begin reading the story. I think that would help.
And also, Ill mention that if they must get up, to not be distracting.
I really enjoyed showing our tech class the video, and getting their feedback. It was just a great
experience.
February 17, 2014 February 21, 2014
We had a student birthday this week, so we brought out the Elf on the Shelf, and hid it from the kids. It
took them a minute to find it, but they found it and were extremely proud of themselves. Of course, I wouldve
been too.
On Monday, I read them their weekly story. It was fun, because we got to do multiple activities during
the story that engaged the students. And most of the students were engaged, but a few just seemed not to care.
And I honestly dont know what to do about them.
When we start the story, we have questions before reading a page, we read the page, and then I draw a
students name to answer the question. So, youd think that all the students would be on their toes to answer the
question, but some just didnt even try. I plan on talking to Mrs. Ward about it on Monday, and seeing what we
can do.
February 24, 2014 February 28, 2014

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On Wednesday, I had the opportunity to bring the students in from recess. And when I did this, I
witnessed on of the kindest students I ever met crying. So, I let all the kids into the classroom, and held her back
for a moment.
She and I went inside, and I asked what was wrong, because it breaks my heart to see any of my students
crying. She informed me that one of her friends promised to play with her this week, but hasnt because a new
kid came into the class, and is taking all of her attention. I asked if she has tried talking to her, and she told me
she had not.
So, I told her to try talking, and informing her friend of how she feels. She said shed try. And I also told
her to try just hanging out with both of them. If she has to, follow them around. Just try to be involved. Then I
asked her to follow up, and tell me how everything goes next week.
I see students cry due to frustration in any subject, on a daily basis. And it kills me. But I take care of it
the best way I can.
March 3, 2014 March 7, 2014
So, on Mondays I spend most of my time in a classroom for kids with special needs. I spend one-on-one
time with a little boy named Adrian. Hes so funny, and so adorable! I cant help but be happy every time I see
him.
We spend some time on flashcards, and I make a pile of the words he gets right and the words he misses.
Last week, he missed about 6 or 7 words. And this week he only missed three. Hes slowly progressing and its
so cool to see! I love it!
When I first met Adrian, he would constantly give up and not want to work with me, but we have fixed
that. Its fantastic. After the flashcards, we work on math. And he loves the way I taught him to do his basic
addition. Because thats what were currently working on.

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Adrian will always have me stop helping him, and ask, Can I try it by myself? And that is just music
to my ears.
March 10, 2014 March 14, 2014
This week, on Wednesday, I did my lesson plan. And it was so fun! I took my best friend, who is also my
boyfriends sister. Her name is Ashlee, and she attended my practicum class when she was in third grade. Shes
currently my age.
The kids loooooved having two Ashlees, in their class. It was awesome. My lesson plan involved
reading, and then filling out story boards. It was way fun, and most of the students loved it. I feel like they
learned a lot from doing this activity.
They had to write or draw pictures of the events in a story, in the correct order. My practicum teacher
loved the idea, and she loved the results. When we received the story boards back from the students, mostly all
of them were filled out all of the way, and they were thorough.
It was cool playing the teacher-card to get those books! And it really paid off when they students
loved the activity. And I now have the start of my childrens literary library!

March 17, 2014 March 21, 2014

St. Pattys day was Monday, along with one of our students birthdays. His name is Edwin, and his
mother brought in all green utensils to eat with, Capri Suns, chips, and a huge cake. Mrs. Ward said that this was
the first time every that a mother had brought in a cake. I thought that was pretty cool!
Every Monday I read a new story out of the childrens Imagine It books. And lately we have been
reading books about erosion, nature, development, etc. All of the stories have something to do with one another,
and its really cool seeing how they all connect.

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This week we read a story about this island that disappeared, that used to have lighthouses on it. Its a
true story, and the kids really seemed to love it! It had some fantastic literary and logical discussion points. I
love reading and discussing with the students.
I also find it really fascinating that the students bring up so many perspectives that I had never
considered! It makes me wish I was still in a childs mentality.
March 24, 2014 March 28, 2014
This week, our tech class attended FCCLA State, and luckily I brought home gold!!! Due to this
extracurricular activity, I could not go to my general practicum class the day we went, Wednesday. And
unfortunately, I was sick on Monday. So, the only day I got to visit my class was on Friday.
It was so great to see them all and just chat. The schools new trend s those rubber band bracelets that
are pretty easy to make. The students love to make those and give them to me. Anyways, on Fridays I give our
3rd grade class the spelling test. And when I recite their spelling words I try to relate it to whats currently going
on, in the classroom.
I think that by doing this, its helping the students understand how easy it is to create sentences,
understand sentence structure and pronunciation, and so much more. And when I do this, it creates a fun filled
classroom environment.
March 31, 2014 April 4, 2014
This week, the school I generally attend (Plymouth Elementary) is out for Spring Break. So, just for this
week I will be attending Kauri Sue Hamilton. There was no school for the Jordan School District, on Monday.
So, I just attended Wednesday and Friday.
The first day I was there, I first spoke to the principal, Courtney. Apparently, she is Mr. Titus wife!
When I found that out, I was pleasantly surprised. She proceeded to take me to a classroom with about 8 or 9
student with severe disabilities. And honestly, they were all adorable.

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There was this one little boy who was named Morgan, and he was a total smiler. And a hugger. . . Like, a
violent hugger. But hey, the compassion is appreciated, right?! He also has this laugh that when you hear, you
cannot help but laugh. It is so adorable.
When I got my bag put in a safe place, we got all of the students ready to go see the bird show. It was so
cool!!!!!!! We got to see three birds. Two were owls, and one was a falcon, I think. After the bird show we went
to lunch, where I helped supervise and help a student eat. And after lunch we went to gym.
I must say, Kauri Sue Hamilton seriously rocks, but I dont think I could ever work there. I could not
deal with the biting, scratching, pinching, restraining, etc. Though I cannot deal with it, I have a respect for the
people who can deal with out. Those instructors and volunteers sure have some guts!! And Im definitely not
saying that it wasnt fine, because it was! I just couldnt do that every day of my life.
April 7, 2014 April 11, 2014
This week was pretty fun! My entire class was very excited to be back from their Spring Break. And
SAGE testing started! So, many students are in and out of our classroom.
We had three different birthday this week, and we have another next week! And, we also lost a student
this week, because she moved. It has been a very eventful week for me and my classroom, this week. There
have been many changes, but everyone is dealing with them very well.
Next week we are going to plant flowers, for Mothers Day. And I must say, Im super excited! Mrs.
Ward put some of the materials aside so I can make a plant too. Everything our class discusses is always so fun
for everyone!!! Well, everyone who is paying attention. There are some students whose attention is impossible
to get.
We have a student in our class named Ansley. He is very kind and sweet hearted, but he is easily
distracted. If you spend one-on-one time with him it isnt as bad, but if youre doing a class discussion he rarely

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participates. I think it would be beneficial to find a way to fix that. Maybe Ill brainstorm and try something
next week.
April 14, 2014 April 18, 2014
This week I got to go out with recess a few times, with the students. It was way fun! I really enjoyed it,
because all year the students have asked me to go play outside with them. I think I was just excited as them.
First I did some jump rope with the girls, and then tried double-dutch. I also failed at it. Next, we played
some kick ball. And that was way fun! The kids said it was unfair since Im nearly twice their age Even
though they asked me to play! Hooligans.
I gave them the spelling test when they came in from recess, and that was pretty fun. Its always fun
giving them their spelling test because we think of some pretty fun sentences.
April 21, 2014 April 25, 2014
This week I got to take the kids to P.E. and it was kind of weird. In my elementary school we had our
teachers teach us P.E., and stay with us the entire time. So, when Mrs. Ward started walking back to her class I
was confused!
Their P.E. time is with a separate teacher. That way the other teachers may have a little time to put in
grades, or prep for when the kids get back. The thing is, I really dont think the teacher for P.E. knew how to
really do anything. I was the only other form of authority in the gymnasium with three third grade classes.
At first, it wasnt bad. Though after a while, the kids got out of control. I tried suggesting things to the
P.E. teacher, but she didnt seem interested. She seemed she just wanted to do her own thing, even if it wasnt
working. So, I went to the highest point in the gym, and screamed until I got their attention. It took about 7
seconds, because they were that out of control. From that point, the P.E. teacher thanked me and continued.

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When we got back to Mrs. Wards class I informed her of the students common outbursts and
inappropriate behavior during P.E., and all of the third grade teachers were completely unaware of it. So, they
are currently working on solutions for it,
April 28, 2014 May 2, 2014
Following up from last week, I was talking to all the third grade teachers today during lunch. And they
came up with the idea of having them flip cards in gym or give out yellow slips to the teachers with specific
student names on them. They were appalled when they all found out because the gym teacher never said
anything, even though she was continuously being stepped on by third graders. So, Im really happy I could
make something a little better, or at least try to.
This week the kids went to Thanksgiving Pointe. I got to see the pictures when they returned, and it
looked so fun for them! I cannot wait to take student on a field trip. I know it will be difficult managing all of
those students, but I also know itll be a great experience.
The new trend at our school is those rainbow loom bracelets, and marbles. I have students walking up to
me, constantly showing me their new marbles. And those marbles mean everything to them. If one gets lost, its
like the end of the world to them. I think it is funny thinking of the trends when I was in elementary school, and
seeing it now as I am older.
May 5, 2014 May 9, 2014
This week the students are getting much more rowdy. They are well aware, just as I am, that school ends
in less than a month. And I think since its almost the end of the year, theyre thinking they can get away with
much more. I say this because our students are constantly getting into trouble, whereas they werent before.
For example, the marbles got taken away from everyone, because some kid got found flushing them
down the toilet. So, everyone had to take their marbles home. And if someone left them at school, and a teacher
saw them, they would be taken away with the snap of a finger.

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Another example is when a student named Violeta came in from recess. Three of the third grade
classrooms are connected by doors. Right as recess ended, another third grade teacher, Mrs. Halls, came in and
asked to speak with Mrs. Ward. She continued to tell her that during recess, Violeta was pulling some boys hair,
pantsing them, and much more inappropriate stuff. I was kind of shocked.
May 12, 2014 May 16, 2014
This week the kids are excited to go to Hollywood Connections. I really think its beneficial for the
school to save field trips towards the end of the year. Because it helps to give the students motivation to stay
good, while also giving teachers time to teach the main subjects without many time restrictions.
The students are extremely excited, but they are trying to maintain hiding it and also maintaining good
behavior. Because for the kids who do not act appropriately, they cannot go. So, its really good motivation and
reward.
May 19, 2014 May 23, 2014
My last few weeks
with this class. . . Im going
to miss them so much! I
absolutely love this class!!!
Ill never forget this
experience.
Ill miss how Megan
always asked for her to read
to me. ALWAYS. Ill miss
how Owen C would always put his hand up first to answer a question. Ill miss how Brandon was always the
first to begin clapping after a presentation was finished. Ill miss how Cristina would always quietly sneak up

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on me, just to see what I was doing. Then shed turn around and walk away just as quietly as she came. Ill miss
how Kylee would always take at least 5 minutes to tell a story because of her uhms. Ill miss how Dzenaid
(Juh-nigh) would always be out of his seat. Ill miss how Hunter would always try to skip out on work because
he was moving soon. Im going to miss all of this. Theres no doubt about it.

ANALYSIS:
Throughout this entire experience, Ive been so happy. All this has done has reassured me that this is
exactly what I want. This class, as well as the others I have helped and observed with, have added to my
experience in a very positive way.
Obviously, this entire year has been way more than challenging and stressful. However its definitely
paid off in more ways than one. This class has showed me what its like to be first-hand in a third grade
classroom. Im so excited to be a 3rd grade teacher. And I really hope I can be somewhat like Mrs. Ward,
because she is really a fantastic teacher.
This whole year has also shown me how I want to run my classroom, and how I do not. I dont want to
be the teacher who is constantly screaming at her kids, like the 4th grade teacher across the hall. I do want my
students to feel comfortable telling me anything they need.
Ive also thought about how I want to set up my classroom. Im sure every new teacher wants their
classroom to be all matchy-matchy, but that rarely happens. As long as my classroom has a place for my
students to hide in case of an invasion, Ill be happy. Im going to be a teacher with a concealed weapons
permit, and I will have a gun on me 24/7. Because absolutely nothing seriously dangerous will happen to my
students while under my supervision. I simply wont allow it.
This year has also shown me how the politics in the school system can be positive and negative. Every
day at lunch, I would hear about all four of our 3rd grade teachers discuss it. Mrs. Ward had some superiority due
to previous experience, which is a good thing for her. Though the newer teachers dont get treated as well and as

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respected as others. I knew that I would have to be ready for it, and I thought it would be much harder then I
saw. Watching the newer teachers deal with it kind of settled some of my anxiety, because I thought it would be
much worse then what I saw. And I know it can quickly escalate to much worse.
All-in-all, this year has been way more than great. Ive loved every second of it, even if I was dreading
doing homework. This experience has been incredible and taught me so much. Its taught me to always be on
my toes, and to always have a kind heart, but to not allow anyone to step on you.

Word count: 432

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