# data[].attributes.body
I noticed strong relationships/bonds between teacher and students throughout just a short amount of time. Students clearly trusted and felt safe with Shelley throughout the observation. I also noticed the very calm environment that was set in place the students. Shelley had a great balance of being a calming presence as well as having clear, high expectations for her students, which was fantastic.

I'm wondering what specific strategies Lisa has tried and have worked for her non-speaking EL student in the classroom (beyond sentence frames, TPR, etc.).

# data[].attributes.headline
Rukma:   I observed that teachers are moving away from the traditional desk and chair seating arrangements. Students are provided with choice on their seating within the classroom space. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Rukma:   I observed that teachers are moving away from the traditional desk and chair seating arrangements. Students are provided with choice on their seating within the classroom space. 

# data[].attributes.body
Students were engaged and both classroom observations reflected Learner focused classrooms.

# data[].attributes.body
I saw flexible seating arrangements in both the classrooms I visited.
I observed some very cool ways to integrate technology in math lessons.
The writer's workshop lesson was very well-delivered. Some of the anchor charts on the walls supported the learning and were specific to Units of Study narrative writing.
The mini-lesson was brief and to the point which has been a challenge for me this year.
I observed both teachers focusing on Growth mindset and the value of learning from your mistakes. I am interested to learn ways to teach my students about Growth mindset and stamina at the beginning of the year.

# data[].attributes.body
I saw the music teacher leaving space/time for students to experiment, get frustrated, reset, and try things out. It was beautiful, but I also imagine it’s terrifying to “let them go.” How do you balance this with the inherent desire to “support” the students? Perhaps “success” needs to be redefined in this context.

# data[].attributes.body
I noticed how the students already new their routines and it made way for quick and smooth transitions (ie writers workshop to reading). In both lessons observed, the teachers kept instruction to a minimum. The majority of the time the students are reading/writing while the teacher walks around and checks in on them to compliment and provide teaching points. Both teachers also had great resources posted around the classroom (great use of their wall space).

# data[].attributes.body
I noticed a lot of creative approaches to classroom set up (flexible seating, etc.) that helped classrooms be more learner focused. I also saw some new ways to include technology in the classroom and ways to strengthen the classroom-home connection. I appreciated how both teachers said that they are always trying something new.

# data[].attributes.body
I thought that I utilized a lot of cool technology into my classroom in most subjects, but was schooled today on some new/fun apps to incorporate!

Classroom management is a lot of foundation and ground work in the beginning. Making sure that the procedures and routines are cemented in the beginning help with the rest of the year, no matter the subject or TP.

WANT TO TRY FLEXIBLE SEATING AND MINIMIZE DESKS/TIME @ DESKS!

Wondering: How or when can I change to an intrinsically motivated classroom? Is it harsh to do within the same school year that has extrinsic motivation?

# data[].attributes.body
In both classrooms my group visited, the teachers structured lessons to be student-centered and to have as much choice as practical. From stepping away after the mini-lessons and letting students practice strategies to even just the seating being open for students - lots of opportunities for independent choice. One strategy I will try in my own classroom is having "teaching points" and "learning goals" outlined for the entire day's worth of lessons.

# data[].attributes.body
I'm noticing how both teachers we observed today have systems in place that work for them and that both teachers use data to drive their instruction effectively and to differentiate for each student (Exit Ticket, Parking Lot, etc.)

# data[].attributes.body
I noticed the classes I observed are very well structured.
Students are clear of the expectations for their work, and know what to do when they are finished. They made various choices upon finishing their work independently. Also, the students didn't just quickly finish their work to get an iPad.

# data[].attributes.body
I realized that great teaching doesn't have to be grand lessons with technology and beautiful visuals!  A straight forward teaching point that connects with student's prior knowledge and involves them with relevant examples is incredibly effective.  It would be nice to see these readers and writer's workshops being implemented (especially for schools that haven't adopted Units of Study).  That way we could see how the structure and expectations are put in place.  Moving forward, I hope to create more defined learning goals and a learning environment where I can conference individually
with students.

# data[].attributes.body
I really enjoyed seeing how other teachers at my grade level approached teaching, and I saw the value of having procedures and norms in place. Learning can take place best when the kids know how to sit, how to turn and talk, are able to listen/hear, know where supplies go, know what to do after they're done, etc.

For future observations, it would be nice to see a class with more EL students. The teachers we observed were great, but had 0-1 EL's per class, whereas more than half my class need language supports.

# data[].attributes.body
Classroom management is a truly remarkable skill that can be demonstrated in so many different ways. Greatly enjoyed adding new catch phrases and attention getters that can easily be added into my management tomorrow. Loved seeing students actively engaging in their learning over extended periods.

Wondering: Why has taken my school so long to receive our classroom ipads?

Flustered why teachers at my school believe that they cannot implement many of the practices demonstrated in other district schools because of our philosophy.

# data[].attributes.body
I noticed that the teacher was very adaptive to each student's individual needs. Also, the students were given clear expectations for their individual tasks. The students were given meaningful activities to do as a work of choice after completing their task at hand. The lessons met the criteria for Bloom's taxonomy and Learner focused classrooms.

# data[].attributes.body
I noticed that the two teachers I observed really enjoyed trying new things each year and are constantly adjusting. I would love to know how the beginning few weeks of the year look as they establish routines (especially with the flexible seating arrangements) and the foundations for classroom management. Especially how they are able to walk around the room without kids following them are coming up to them. The kids were so quiet while working independently and seemed very invested in their work!
Among many things, I would love to try integrating Seesaw, a learning log, and daily reflections into my class!

# data[].attributes.body
I noticed a lot of teachers have modern and flexible seating arrangements, both on the carpet and at their desks/tables. I saw teachers building on prior knowledge and connecting with students to really engage them in the topics at hand. There was strong classroom management with expectations and procedures in place to maximize the amount of learning. One instructional strategy that I would like to incorporate in my classroom is having a timer displayed to manage time on tasks and during transitions. I also liked the idea of having a "parking" place where students can post their work (area for exit tickets, student goals, etc.)

# data[].attributes.body
I noticed how the classrooms we visited have set norms and routines that the students are able to follow without needing instructions. The classes transition smoothly and it was clear that expectations had be practice and were understood by all the students.

# data[].attributes.body
In the classroom I observed today, I noticed that the teacher had structures in place that helped the classroom run smoothly. The students knew what was expected, making daily management easier for the teacher and the learning more accessible for the students.

# data[].attributes.body
I noticed that even really experienced teachers continue to learn, reflect, deal with unexpected issues, and refine their practice.  Seeing this made me feel more okay with how I'm feeling in my first year.  I would like to know more about how to apply some of these procedures I observed today in a school that maybe doesn't have the kind of support/resources.  I would love to visit some Kinder only classes.  I think I am being too hard on myself trying to compare where I am now with a K-1 combo class (with no overt behavior issues) in a more affluent school.