I did my student teaching at Animas Elementary in Farmington, New Mexico during the fall semester of 2008.  I created a learning environment that allowed the children to know that I was there to facilitate their learning experience.  I grouped the chairs together to encourage group work and group discussion.  I began to lead the children in a more inquiry-based approach to learning.  I also introduced a more open forum type of discussion style within the classroom.  I was able to establish good rapport with each of my students.  I created an environment that allowed the students to be empowered and responsible for their educational growth. 

    I selected to improve upon the New Mexico Level One Teaching Competency 1.d in my PDP by improving my knowledge of current events.  Since then, I have logged an hour three nights each week watching the local news so that I am able to discuss the new with my students.  I have also read Scholastic News that is sent to our school once a week with my students and have discussed the events with them.  I have compiled a folder of current national and local events to display my knowledge of social events.  In the future, I would invite the students to become even more involved in current events by allowing them to either write or act out a newscast of some of the events that are discussed in class.

    The most helpful thing for me during my teaching and learning this semester was observing my cooperating teacher for the first month or so, and also receiving feedback from him throughout my teaching experience.  The first hand experience of seeing how to manage time in the classroom throughout an entire day was wonderful to watch.  I also gained quite a few tips on grading and how to manage the children's work time.

    My greatest strength is my people skills.  I feel like I have utilized this by forming close relationships with each of my students.  I have learned so much about how to problem solve with children and how to relate to each child in a unique way.  I feel that my use of humor with the children has been exceptionally successful.  Once I can make a student laugh, I feel that I have started to bridge a gap between us that allows me to truly communicate with him or her for to create an effective learning environment.

    The three most important things that I have learned about teaching are the following.  First, it is vital to be organized at all time (if not, you will lose your mind!).  Secondly, forming relationships with the students is not optional, it is necessary.  Thirdly, learning how to group the children appropriately for each activity of the day will help the entire classroom experience be smooth and meaningful.

    I would like to take more steps in utilizing outside resources within my classroom and find new ways to make learning meaningful through the use of diverse materials and approaches.  I am excited for the chance to have my own classroom and continue to take risks as an educator to enhance the classroom experience.