Classroom Experience
Observation #1
For my first observation, I was placed in an 8th grade math classroom at Harmony Middle School. The teachers would provide the instructions for the day's activity and then allow the students to work independently. The classroom set-up was organized as a creative learning space. This means that there were desks, low tables, high tables, and bean bags placed everywhere around the room. This allows for students to be comfortable and more likely to listen to their teacher.
Observation #2
For my second observation, I was placed in a preschool classroom in the children's facilities at Hilltop. I observed that the teachers had to use a lot of guidance for the children due to their young age. The day consisted of singing songs, play time, a short activity, and then recess. The students learned basic skills such as social behavior, using the toilet, manners, and basic functions such as washing their hands or zipping up their coats.
Observation #3
For my third observation, I was placed in a Kindergarten classroom at Oak Hill Elementary. I observed that the children still needed a lot of guidance but not as much as preschoolers need. The day consisted of singing songs, reading books, Makerspace (play time), and a short lesson on math (addition). The children were all different in the level of reading and math skills that they were at. Some children could read at a second grade level while others did not know how to read at all. This allowed me to see what a teacher does with differentiation in the classroom.