I did an observation in my second grade host classroom during their literacy lesson. The reading program is the main priority at this time at the school. The school serves families with a 70% poverty rate. The literacy lesson uses repetition, review, and builds on prior knowledge of the students. They use a point system for reward. During the lesson the teacher awarded points on many occasions. She gave 10 points to specific groups and acknowledged they were using active listening. She gave 10 points to the individual who used a vocabulary building word unprompted. She gave group points for following directions and completing work. With the exception of a few children, the group worked as a cohesive group and seemed to enjoy the lesson.
There was a particular child who the teacher had pointed out during another observation who was doing very well in the reading program because his mother enjoyed a particular series of book the teacher had sent home. The mom likes the books so was reading with the child. The child made gains in the literacy program because of the mom's interest. Unfortunately, this child was out because he got kicked off the bus and the family doesn't have transportation to get him to school. They live close by but last Monday it was 17 degrees below F. The teacher was torn because she wanted to transport him but didn't want to undermine the authority of the bus driver. I was left wondering if there is a better way to discipline students who misbehave on the bus in a way that won't interfere with their education.
What insights, experiences or quotes did you gain from your observation.
ReplyDeleteIt's too bad that we can't take the kids home instead of bus drivers. In my years of teaching more problems arise on the buses than anywhere else. It seems as though they hire people who almost provoke students.
I think if there was more supervision on the bus, they would have fewer problems. The students know that bus driver can't watch them and drive and the driver is the only adult on the bus.
DeleteParents would step up and follow through with consequences if they had to ride on the bus with their child after the third warning. There has to be a better solution than kicking the child off the bus. They need more supervision.
During my classroom observation the teacher recognized frequently when the students were doing what they were supposed to be doing. She awarded points for active listening as well as contributing to the discussion. She had them use prior knowledge and helped them expand their understanding of what they were reading.