Posted 10/29/08
This week, your assignment is to “kidwatch” as described on the website. Describe the students in your classroom. How many boys and girls are there and what is their behavior like? Give any other pertinent information that you feel is important regarding the students in your class. (Use additional paper if necessary). Also, what are the classroom rules and routines?

Posted 11/4/08
Observe your cooperating teacher (as well as your own teachers) and note positive ways the teachers communicated verbally and non-verbally. Include two examples of verbal and two examples of non-verbal communication. Also include a copy of written communication that your cooperating teacher has sent home to parents/students. You may have to ask for something that was sent home earlier in the year. Use additional paper if necessary.

Describe the environment of the classroom you are in. Diagram the arrangement of furniture (desks, chairs, tables, bookshelves, etc.). What works and what doesn’t seem to work (with regards to the arrangement of furniture)? How is the flow of traffic in the classroom? Does the teacher have stations in the classroom set up (If so, explain)? Describe the daily schedule. Use additional paper if necessary.

Interview your cooperating teacher using the following questions:
1. What do you consider to be the most challenging part of your job?

2. What do you consider to be the most rewarding part of your job?

3. Why did you choose to teach this grade/subject?

4. What certification process did you go through in order to become a teacher? How long did it take?

5. What were some questions that you were asked during your interview to become a teacher?

6. How do you stay organized and prepared for class each day?

7. What strategies do you have for balancing work and family?

8. What advice would you offer to a first year teacher?