Observation:

In this photo, two students were playing a Pokemon game during free play. These
particular students don’t normally choose to participate in activities together during free play. On
this particular day, K had brought in a pokemon game for Show and Tell and to share with the
students during free play. B was very intrigued by the game and listened intently to K share
about it during Show and Tell. When free play time came, B had asked K if he would teach him
how to play. K kindly agreed and was patient while explaining the rules. Brandyn followed
directions carefully and continued to ask questions throughout the game. Both students did a
wonderful job of taking turns and displaying sportsmanship.
I gained information observing this interaction with these students during free play. I was
able to see what the children were interested in playing with. I was able to get an understanding
of what children have been exposed to the outside of school as well. During this experience, I
was able to grasp an understanding of the social skills this age group has developmentally.
Children are able to teach one another successfully. They can communicate successfully with
one another and gain knowledge by playing with their peers. I witnessed the joy of a student
being able to teach another student something they knew well and enjoyed doing. Since that day
I have seen a friendship develop between the two students. Normally they didn't play together,
but now I often hear them talking about Pokemon and other common interests.

Involved Experience:
 I had the privilege of organizing and assisting students to decorate their Valentine boxes!
I would call two students up at a time and they were to find their name on an empty tissue box
and then choose a color to paint their box. The children enjoyed this activity very much! I
organized the activity by having the students pull up their long sleeves first and leaving the
paintbrushes right at the paint table when finished, that way the mess was contained to one area
of the classroom. I set up this activity next to the sink to make it easier for the students to wash
their hands when the project was completed.
I love every opportunity to be involved with the students in activities! This was a
wonderful project that allowed me to work with a smaller group of children. During this activity,
I was able to spend time talking with each student and learning more about them and their
interests. I found our conversations to be insightful and meaningful. This activity required the
students to use they're fine motor skills. Many needed assistance in how to properly hold the
paintbrush. I guided the students to use the "up and down" stroke motion when painting their
boxes. This gave them the ability to cover more surface when painting. I was able to identify
with each student's ability to recognize their name when having them find their box. I was able to
take note of the students who needed assistance and those who were able to do it independently.

Unique Feature of the Classroom:

 In the classroom I student teach in, my mentor has set of a computer learning center for
the students to use during free play. Along with two computers, there are lab tops the students
have access to. Each student is assigned to a particular lab top. They are able to distinguish
between which lab top is theirs by their assigned shape. There is a chart when their name and the
shape they look for in the lab top cubby station. If they happen to forget the shape they are
assigned to, they can look at their name tag at their desk. There is a picture of the shape to refer
back to. When they get their lab top, they are to sign in. The students do this by finding their
pictures on the screen and pressing it (touch screen). The students are able to choose freely from
a variety of educational games once they sign in. Once they are done, they are expected to put
their lab top back in the correct cubby and plug it into the charger. The students are also expected
to sit at their seats when using the lab top and holding it with two hands when putting it back.
Computer Center is a popular learning center in the classroom. The students enjoy this
center and visit it quite frequently during free play. They are excited to show me how
independent they are and what games they enjoy playing. This learning center allows the
children a sense of responsibility when using the lab tops and an opportunity to enhance their
academics with educational games that support their development. I greatly enjoy watching the
students help one another find different games to play while competing with one another in a
healthy manner.