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I am so very thankful for everything I learned this semester. I will save this journal as a constant reminder to be aware of what I can accomplish.

Forever grateful for this experience!

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Turned in my final reflection today, 05/05/2021. I learned so much more about myself in this course.

In reflecting more about the practices and policies of Early Childhood Education/Studies, I learned that I became a confident, capable, empathetic, and great observer. The skills that I learned in this course will better my practice in my future career. My dream is to become a Professor that teaches ECE so that I can instill the values that I have learned, and implement the appropriate practices in future educators.

I cannot express how genuinely happy, and grateful to have had this learning experience.

Big thank you to my Mentor Teacher Ms. Quiroga, my Professor Dr. Navarro-Cruz, and my peers, I wish you the very best, always.

I have dreamt of this moment my whole life.

<3 Zuly

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0 minutes: Mentor Teacher On Vacation Could Not log into virtual class 

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0 minutes: Mentor Teacher On Vacation Could Not log into virtual class 

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1 hour 20 minutes             Live Lesson Implementation/Mentor Teacher Feedback  

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1 hour 20 minutes             Live Lesson Implementation/Mentor Teacher Feedback  

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Zoom meeting, Virtual observation, Emails, Lesson planning #1

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17 hours and 11 minutes

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05/04/21: Today I turned in my Peer, Personal, and Mentor Assessments. I had a lot of fun learning new things about my potential, and gaining confidence in my Teaching the young DLL children in my virtual classroom. I cannot extend my sincerest gratitude for this learning opportunity, and to model after such an amazing Mentor Teacher<3

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I received the documents back from my Mentor Teacher yesterday, and began to write my assessment. I am excited to be (almost) finished with this semester, I hope I can celebrate in the upcoming weeks!

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04/29/21: Emailed my Mentor Teacher to complete the final assessment for myself. I was thankful she thought so highly of me in the assessment, and made it clear to me that the goals we had set out to accomplish at the beginning of virtual practicum stay instilled and engraved in my teaching mind forever.

I told my mentor teacher that I would be very thankful if I learned how to incorporate dual languages in lesson plans because I did not have any experience in dual languages. I also expressed that in implementing DL I would learn to always keep this in mind in the future so that I can be inclusive of diversity in languages throughout the ECE classrooms. I was so happy to read that she reminded me of being conscious of using the diversity I learned in her classroom forever.

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04/27/2021: Today, I sent our Mentor Teacher the final email of our virtual practicum hours, and attached the two assessment forms required for us to review and submit on BB.

I thanked her for her time, thanked the parents of the children for allowing us to learn and observe their children, and for the time our Mentor Teacher spent in sharing her methodologies, and implementations during this pandemic. She has so much grace, and a positive outlook in teaching children in dual languages, I felt so honored to learn from her. I'm about to cry because I know I miss being in her classroom, learning from her routines, activities, and implementations of her lesson plans. This was such an amazing learning opportunity for me. The gratitude I have for Ms. Quiroga will be carried with me for the rest of my career! <3

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04/27/2021
3:00-3:55pm

**My completed virtual hours= 6 hours total.
-Zoom meetings, initial mentor teacher meeting, and emails with partner =plus 11 hours**

Today was our last Virtual Practicum Meeting =(

I thanked my mentor teacher, and also the children in assisting me in completing my practicum hours. I learned so much throughout this journey, and was very thankful to be a part of this learning opportunity.

Development of the children (Observation):

Today's classroom theme is Butterfly Metamorphosis.

Evita: Knows the days of the week, was able to pick out Martes as today's date. She also explained that she had an "ouchie" and had to put a bandaid on. She explained that she had learned not to wear sandals or being barefoot when running.

Emmanuel: Has a rolly-polly in a jar that he collected with his family. He placed grass and sprays water inside the jar. He told us that he named his insect rolly because "he rolls a lot inside the jar."

Ayelet: Got hurt, but is doing better. She said that she learned her lesson by being aware of her surroundings so she doesn't get hurt again.

Delilah: Counted numbers 1-10 independently.

Safety in the classroom: All of the children move around their rooms. When the teacher asked the children to be safe and move things to move freely, and the children moved their chairs and objects independently to be safe.

I thought that the children's ability to move around the classroom freely was a very important lesson they have mastered. This is great since the children know that the importance of safety is for their benefit. I loved seeing this.

I am so thankful for this learning opportunity. My mentor teacher went above and beyond to assist me in my learning, and I cannot express my gratitude for her teaching her methodology, gaining experience in dual language programs, and being there for me when I implemented my lesson plan. Thank you Ms. Quiroga, so much.

Zulema Vitela

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04/26/2021
3:00-3:45pm

Today, I had trouble logging into my virtual practicum session. I was late about 14 minutes, but my mentor teacher was aware that I was having connectivity issues. She understood (the best part =)). I stayed 10 minutes after to relay important information and to apologize for the connectivity issues I experienced today.

I observed the children completing an activity where they were introduced to using scissors, color recognition, and also learning that butterflies have mirrored patterns on their wings.

The children's developmental observations:

Ximena: Amarillo is yellow, green es verde, purple es morado, azul, rojo, pink, yellow. She was able to recognize and name those colors independently with little or no assistance from an adult.

Emmanuel: Language development: "Flying the butterfly" he used markers to color his butterfly.

George: With adult assistance-colored his butterfly, used the scissors independently, explains what colors he used with adult assistance.

Delilah: Language development- "teacher yo use naranjado y es orange en ingles!"

Evita: Language development- "Maestra, yo use cafe, rojo, negro y verde para pintar mi mariposa!"

Ayelet: Color recognition- rojo, negro, azul.

The Mentor Teacher has been able to add an extra fifteen minutes to her lesson activities and this ensures that she is able to ask several more open ended questions, and visit each of the children's art work one-by-one for a few seconds to encourage them to complete their designs.

Tomorrow, the children will have a math activity in which the teacher asked the parents to fill out a sheet numbered 1-10 going down the page with lines so that the children can place a print with colors and their fingers to go along with the number on the sheet. For example: the number one will have one finger or stamp mark, and two will have two, etc.

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Last week, our Mentor Teacher informed us that her classroom is shifting from being virtual, to in-person beginning this week.

04/20/2021: When my partner and I logged in, we remembered that our Mentor Teacher went on vacation this week, and we didn't have access to join into virtual practicum today.

Both my partner and I emailed our Professor, and our Mentor Teacher to let them know of our log in attempt today.

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04/14/2021: This morning, I logged in twenty minutes before my Practicum Virtual Lesson was to be implemented. I asked my Mentor Teacher for any tips, or suggestions she could offer me to better my activity as she knows the children's interests best.

I revised my lesson, and activity to closely match the revisions, and suggestions given to me by my Mentor Teacher. Her suggestions kept the children focused, and with their attention in learning about insects. It was very fun to do, and ended up being so much better as I took her advice closely to match her methodology in Teaching practices. This was the best thing I could have done, as it allowed me to implement the best activity and lesson possible! Thank you Ms. Q!! <3

My activity for the most part went just as I had planned it. There were areas for improvement; such as the letters I used to write the children's names were not in DAP format with the 'a" looking non-standard for the children's age. I also featured an insect that has predatory venom, and briefly explained death which I learned was not DAP in BPUSD curriculums. I learned that I should have asked first, but this helped me realize that there are sensitive topics for young children. My objective in explaining this was to showcase the safety regarding the insects, and if children see them, they should be cautious and never touch them.

I completed the activity with 11 children total virtually. I used magnifying glasses to show the details of the plastic insects, read a book about ladybugs, and showed that their bodies have spots on their backs so that they ward off larger predators. I also mentioned that ladybugs and other small insects eat aphids which are tiny insects. The overall activity went well, as the children classified, and sorted the insects by size, color, winged/not winged, shape, and type.

There were three children that were participating and answering the open-ended questions that I presented. Their development included, cognitive, language, and socio-emotional. They were able to relay information back to me in both English and Spanish.

I observed the children have name recognition, and this is critical to their development as well which is DAP for their ages. The children participated in each step of the routine I had set up to mirror the Mentor Teacher's typical virtual classroom. I tried doing this as best as possible to provide normalcy to the children in my virtual practicum classroom.

After observing the children for several weeks, I learned that they do their best in participating when they follow the Mentor Teacher's daily routine to a tee. My overall objective was to match as close as possible to keep the children motivated in their learning, keep their focus and attention to the information I was relaying, and to find out their understanding of the learning objectives at the end by asking more open-ended questions. I did miss my partner as she could not attend the live implementation, but I also understand that things happen, and it was not done intentionally.

I was very grateful, and thankful that I did the best I could to make my Mentor Teacher, and Professor proud of me. <3

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04/15/21: I sent the Final Draft to my Mentor teacher, and also submitted the final draft onto BB.

My partner and I edited the parts that changed throughout the activity, and also added in the personal reflections and the child assessments. I did great!!

On 04/12/2021 I sent my Mentor Teacher the revised lesson plan rough draft before I implement my LP2 this week. I added the revisions/suggestions from my Mentor Teacher, and appreciate her feedback, it is vey helpful!

I am feeling very nervous, and anxious to implement my lesson plan, but I know that with my experience and with the Mentor Teacher's help, this is very possible to conduct! I am practicing on my self-confidence this week!

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This week, our virtual practicum classroom is on Spring Break. As we will not meet with the children in our classroom, my partner and I are working collaboratively to ensure that our second lesson implementation goes smoothly.

We are going over the rough draft, making revisions to match the vision of our Mentor Teacher, and to match what our objectives are with the children's development, and learning experiences.

SO EXCITED!!!! YAY!!!

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This week, I went and piked up some of the items I will be using for my Lesson Plan implementation on April 14th, 2021. I am super excited because I will complete my lesson plan on the last day the children in my practicum classroom will be virtual! I made it by one day, super great!

I picked up magnifying glasses, two LeapFrog books on insects and ladybugs, and some plastic insects to showcase with the children.

I am a bit nervous, but have full faith that I will be able to complete the plan with great success! Positive mindsets are everything!

I also met with my partner via text messages to go over the changes that our Practicum Teacher suggested as edits for revisal on our Rough Draft. This is all very exciting to me, as I will be able to place all of the skills that I have learned and acquired throughout my 13 years of working with young children.

I can say that I am one step closer to achieving my educational goals, and this makes me very grateful and thankful to work with such dedicated professionals, and peers <3

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Practicum Meeting Dates & Times/Partner Meetings Dates & Times: 

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Practicum Meeting Dates & Times/Partner Meetings Dates & Times: 

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Emails sent between mentor teacher, classmate, and myself
Dates: 1/22/21, 1/25/21, 2/5/21, 02/08/21, 2/10/21, 2/17/21, 02/25/21, 2/26/21, 3/4/21, 3/11/21, 3/24/21, 3/28/21

Cisco Webex Meeting
(Mentor/Observation meetings)Dates/Times:
Monday 25th @10am-11am
Feb. 3rd 9:00-9:50
Feb. 10th 9:00am-9:50am
Feb. 17th 9:00am-9:50am
Feb. 24th 9:00am-9:50am
March 3rd 9:00am-9:50am
March 10th 9:00am-9:50am
March 17th 9:00am-9:50am
March 20th 7:00-8:00pm
March 24th 9:00am-9:50am
March 31st Spring Break
April 7th M.T. SpringBreak
April 14th 9:00am-9:50am
April 21st 9:00am-9:50am
April 28th 9:00am-9:50am

Classmate zoom meetings

Feb 15th @ 4pm-5pm
Feb 17th @ 9:50am-11am
Feb 21st @ 7pm-8:30pm
March 29th 9:00pm-10:30

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03/24/21: This day the Mentor Teacher bean with a song to greet the children that were present this day. When a child said that she missed the song because she had to use the restroom, she then asked if the Mentor Teacher could replay the song so that she may participate and follow along. My Mentor Teacher replayed the song for her, and we all sang, danced, and redid the song with the child per her request! Although we all noticed that the time was running by quickly, we saw that the children were happy that their friend in class was able to participate!

I learned that regardless of time restraints, or the fact we already went through the sequence of the routine, if a child wishes to participate, the most ethical and DAP to do is to follow through with a child's request. I have been working with children for about 16 years now, and I have NEVER observed such a mindful and thoughtful manner of minding a child in class happen before my eyes. My mentor teacher is my hero for doing this, as I learned that empathy and compassion carry through your practice and implementation better than any other observation I have ever witnessed. I am VERY thankful to be learning with such a professional, and sweet Mentor Teacher.

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Today, the children were learning more about number sense.

Jessie O. was able to recognize numbers 1-5 with some assistance. He was also able to recognize the square shape, and then was able to recognize numbers 1-8 with the whole classroom.

Melissa: She was able to recognize: circle, heart, star, pentagon, and rectangle. Her number sense was recognizing numbers 1 and 2.

Aaron S: He recognized the shape of the triangle, and numbers 1-4 but did not repeat them when asked. He was able to read numbers 1-4 independently along with the classroom.

Emmanuel S: He was able to recognize numbers 1-7 without assistance. He also recognized a circle shape, and repeated numbers 1-7 independently.

Stella F: She was able to recall numbers 1-14 unassisted, and repeated numbers 1-14 twice independently. She recognized the star shape without assistance.

Michelle: She recognized the heart shape independently, and numbers 1-7 without assistance. She is able to count numbers 1-7 consecutively.

Caleb A: He was able to recognize shapes: circle, triangle, square, rectangle. I did not observe any number sense today, will continue to observe upcoming number sense development.

Derek: He was able to recognize numbers 1-8 with some assistance. He was also able to recognize the shape rectangle.

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03/24/21: Today's lesson with our Mentor Teacher was traveling. The children and all of us "traveled" to Mexico. We all learned about the traditional clothing, foods, and regions of Mexico, and saw a video of young ladies dancing Folklorico. It was nice to learn about the clothings that are traditional to Mexico, and learning about the delicious foods that are available depending on the region.

I took special attention to the routine once again, to ensure that I follow by example as best as possible. I have noticed that although there is a routine, and a plan- things do not always go the way that is outlined, but using improvisation is key to ensuring that the children's focus and attention is on the learning objectives at all time. I observed that when there is not enough time to go over one aspect, our Mento Teacher goes along her routine checklist, and continues as best as possible. I feel that observing her in the last weeks has helped me figure out ways to implement the second lesson plan to ensure that we are doing what is best for the children in their learning and development.

More of the children are beginning to recognize their names, and this is great because at the beginning only a couple were able to recognize their written name. Also, today we had more children present in the classroom that I have observed before, a total of 12 children. This was great as the children were completely involved in the lesson of the day, and participated well.

My partner and I also send our Mentor Teacher the Rough Draft, and I sent her my Padlet link so that she may read through the observations and anecdotal records that I have written in the last 7 weeks. We also informed her that we will review our current hours in Practicum, and may (or may not) attend during Spring Break. Our spring break is next week, while theirs is the week after, and the week after that, we would implement our second lesson plan which I am personally very excited about!

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03/19-21/21: In coordinating with my partner, we began working on our rough draft for lesson plan two and incorporated the suggestions from our Professor, and also from our Mentor Teacher. I decided that I would number the steps in the sequence for LP2 because it helped me think better, and I feel that organizes my thoughts well this way.
03/20/21: We set up a time to record our zoom rough draft for LP2, and went over important details that we felt could make the second implementation run smoothly. We also placed a deadline to submit the LP2 by Sunday, in the morning.

03/21/21: This morning, we submitted our zoom link, and rough draft on Blackboard for Professor review! I am super excited to implement this lesson, and looking forward to receiving feedback from our Mentor Teacher! Yay!

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03/10/21: We met for about thirty minutes after our virtual classroom, and set up dates and times to work together on the final lesson plan.

03/11/21: We met again briefly to discuss how we are implementing changes to the final lesson plan, and setting up the zoom time before Sunday's due date.

03/12/21: We both met for several hours via text message, and completed our Final Lesson Plan somewhat individually. We wrote out the plan to explain in better detail how we had planned the first lesson to go. We had to write in how we didn't meet some of the objectives, but we were ultimately able to execute and implement the plan as best as possible. My partner turned in the link to the video recording, and the final LP, and we called it a night. This to me, was a great learning experience as we both learned how improvisation is key when completing virtual practicum. This practice is helping me see the overall objectives, and ensures that i am not that hard on myself in the future.

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Today's lesson was great! I wrote down several anecdotal notes from my observations of the children while my Mentor Teacher conducted her daily lesson, and activity. It was great to watch the children aiming for their developmental milestones!

The children's name recognition is progressing as the weeks fly by. The children I observed recognizing their names are: Gary, Emmanuel, George, Caleb, Michelle.

It was George's turn to choose the stress-reduction lesson today, he chose to use the "Bunny" method. In this respiration technique, the children use their index and middle finger to "make bunny ears" and when they lift their wrists up the children inhale, and when their fingers move down, they exhale. This breathing technique I have found, that the children have chosen over other techniques, but is still tied with the "balloon technique."

Observation of development:

Emmanuel: Recognizes and repeats the 7 days of the week in English and Spanish, without assistance.

George: He told a story of his current funds of knowledge that his grandparents live in Africa, and must travel very long distances to get there. He also stated he has two Uncles that live in Africa, and he hopes to visit them soon. He recognized that there were two planes in the book, and stated it autonomously.

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03/04/21: Today was my partner's implementation on the first lesson plan. I felt that it was great practice for the both of us, and my partner showed courage, and knowledge of her experience throughout the lesson. The lesson plan went smoothly, with a couple of hiccups, but we both were able to collaborate and improvise as needed in which I felt that the lesson plan implementation went smoothly. The children were participating with my partner well, answering the questions she aimed to implement, and also captured their attention with her activity. We also received advice from our Mentor Teacher regarding preparedness, supplies, and tips/tricks that really benefit us both for the next lesson plan implementation. I had a great time during the activity with the children, and since the children had smiles on their faces, I felt that the children had a great time during the lesson plan implementation.

03/04/21: My partner and I set up a time to meet on Sunday via zoom to finalize our lesson plan implementation.

03/05/21: My partner and I went over the details of the revisions of the first LP today. Via text messages, we decided that Sunday would be the best day to meet and revise our lesson plan.

03/06/21: This day my partner and I worked independently on the parts of the lesson plan we had split between us. We also revised some questions to ask our mentor teacher regarding the second lesson plan.

03/07/21: This day, my partner and I worked on the first lesson plan via text message with each other. Meeting via zoom was not possible as our schedules changed last minute. We were able to complete more than half of the revisions, and added the advice that our mentor teacher gave us, and added it into the revision.

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Today, I observed our Mentor Teacher's classroom taking special note of the development seen with the children in the classroom. My Mentor Teacher used an electronic book, that didn't have any text! I was amazed on how she was able to engage the children and spark their inquiry about the book as the children placed their input and what their thoughts were regarding the images in the literature.

Today, Ms. Q told me that she will complete the intro/outro during our virtual practicum to give Yvonne time to implement her LP activity without being pressed for time, or to allow her LP to go smoothly given the 30 minutes we have to implement the activity.

I have found that sending the rough draft to Ms. Q has lifted some pressure as she will be able to suggest edits, and revisions. We did make a mistake, and we thought our LP was to be done in Spanish, but she said it was usually what she does for her classroom, so I did not have to redo it in English, but we know for next time. Although I have been going through a difficult time, I have found that being professional is still my priority, and I felt that I engaged well with the children today despite my situation, because I am so grateful to have this opportunity to learn and grow in my profession, this is an excellent opportunity and I will continue to give my 1000% effort to learn from Ms. Q.

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02/17/21: My partner and I met with our Mentor Teacher and asked more questions about the classroom routine, and she also gave us the option of doing the intro and outro so that Yvonne can implement the first lesson plan, to give her time to focus solely on the activity and execution of the plan.

02/18/21: We set a time to work individually to fill out the lesson plan.

02/19/21-02/21/21: During these days, my partner and I text and communicated electronically in filling out the lesson plan. We divided it into half parts so we each added information equally.

02/21/21: On this day, we filmed our zoom video while going over important information regarding the lesson plan, and how we think it will go since we have limited time to implement it. Our Mentor Teacher is exceptional, as she is assisting us in the creation of our lesson plan in which she has offered several pieces of information crucial to our LP. I am thankful because she was able to provide us with music, and books to go along with the first LP, and this boosted our confidence to the roof! So thankful for this! <3

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After virtual class with the children and our mentor teacher, Yvonne and I met after conferencing with our teacher for about 20 minutes. Yvonne and I had a zoom meeting to go over our plan to begin filling out the information necessary to complete our first lesson plan. We both decided that I would implement the first LP, and she will do the second LP. I feel very confident given the information and advice from our Mentor Teacher that our plans will go smoothly. I have to keep a mental note that our two lesson plans will be executed in Spanish! This opportunity is so amazing as we are both gaining insight and experience in Spanish with the children. Today, I will fill out some of the LP while my partner will revise and add additional information to complete it. We will then make a plan to meet via zoom again to complete our rough draft video to submit on BB. I am currently feeling very confident, while also accepting any advice, or tips from our Mentor Teacher, and her classroom Aide! Their perspectives and experience will guide us through this course, and surely benefit us as we are not as experienced as they are! Confidence is key! Feeling great about it, soooo excited!! =)

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Observation & Lesson Planning With Mentor Teacher & Partner

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Observation & Lesson Planning With Mentor Teacher & Partner

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Today we observed the children reacting, and following through with the Mentor Teacher's lesson in virtual practicum. Some of the children exhibit language development in Spanish, and mixed with English, while others respond in simple phrases. The children are always paying close attention to the materials that our Mentor Teacher goes over in her classroom. After our virtual practicum class, my partner and I spend about 20 minutes talking to our mentor teacher and her classroom Aide to ask questions about the flow of the lesson plans, and if she can offer advice or any tips so that our lesson plan goes smoothly. She told us that as long as we follow and use the structure that she uses we should be fine, and this was very reassuring as I had thought that the amount of time to execute our lesson plan was shorter than usual, but now I understand that we can do this! I would like to thank our mentor teacher for going out of her way to give us the information regarding the classroom routine, the songs she uses, and that she has provided us with the classroom themes so that Yvonne and I can stay on task as the weeks go flying by! The information given to us will aid us in planning our lesson so we can make our LP accordingly to what the children already know, will learn, and further their development. I will also pick up some materials crucial to our lesson plan, to help ensure that it goes well with the children. I am so excited! <3

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Partner Meeting/Updates for upcoming virtual lesson plan

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Partner Meeting/Updates for upcoming virtual lesson plan

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Yesterday, I met with my partner Yvonne and we went over key details regarding our lesson plans. We made sure that we had the correct dates in order to share with our Mentor Teacher so she is aware that our lesson plans are coming up fairly quickly. We decided that I would lead the first lesson plan, and Yvonne will lead the second LPlan, but we are working collaboratively on both together. Tomorrow on 02/17 we will meet after our virtual practicum with the mentor teacher and go over our initial ideas for the LP, and then gaining feedback we will then apply it to our work in progress. We have been in contact with the mentor teacher, and have been learning the classroom routine, and asked for the song list our teacher uses, since our virtual practicum is in Spanish. So far, very good! I'm still very excited <3

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Learning Routines, Songs & Inspirational Messages Through FrogStreet With Mentor Teacher! 

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Learning Routines, Songs & Inspirational Messages Through FrogStreet With Mentor Teacher! 

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Yesterday, I met with my Mentor Teacher before my set time for Virtual Practicum at about 8:45am. She went over the routine of her classroom in detail, so that I may begin working on my lesson plan. Continuing to learn about the children's interests, and temperament when we began the virtual class at 9am. It is very interesting that some of the children are fluent in Spanish, and other children are Dual Language Learners, because some of the children love when I speak Spanish to them, and they told me that they didn't know that other teachers speak the language also! The children's insights made me aware that their funds of knowledge are sparked, and their interest in learning about a new person in the classroom is exciting and fun for them (and myself as well!). I am going to work collaboratively with my Mentor teacher in completing and planning out my Lesson Plan because she has become an expert in conducting lessons in less than thirty minutes (virtually). My Mentor's insights and perspectives have offered me a great, and positive learning experience! I try my best to follow along with her routine, smiling, laughing, thumbs up the kids as often as possible, and leave my camera on 100% of the time to let my Mentor Teacher know that I m serious about my learning, and respect and value her time! I have learned a great amount of information about the children in the classroom, and appreciate every detail to assist me in my studies. I also requested that my Mentor Teacher send me a list of the songs she uses so that I may practice them, and incorporate them in my lesson plan, so that the children have familiarity when I implement it, and their cooperation is crucial to my learning as well. I already have a rough idea of what activity, song, and following the classroom routine to implement into the lesson plan for the children in her classroom, and this step makes me more excited to begin implementing it in the upcoming weeks! I already know what the Theme for the week will be for my lesson plan, and it is, "I can build, I can create!" Yesterday, the children showed their "Herramientas de casa" to showcase the tools used throughout the kitchen so that the children become familiar with the uses of practical materials, it was so amazing to watch the children explain what they knew previously about the tools, and what they thought they are used for in real life. The development I observed is amazing!

I cannot express how excited, and thankful I am for this amazing opportunity! =)

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Today, from 9:00-10:00, I met with my Mentor Teacher Ms. Quiroga, and her students in the classroom virtually! I had so much fun! We began by singing the buenos dias song en Espanol, and then I observed her classroom routine. First she sings a good morning song to the children, then she calls attendance, uses the FrogStreet breathing techniques with the children, reviews previous work from classes (this week we are working on shapes, and introductions to new shapes, and safety), we then reviewed numbers 1-10, she read a book about a button which correlates to the shape of a circle which was the main theme today, and after reading she spoke about some announcements for the parents. The routine of her classroom follows the FrogStreet Curriculum in three steps: 1. Reunite (done by singing an introduction song). 2. De-Stress Technique (we practiced breathing exercises). 3. Connect: We all called out the names of the children that didn't make it to class today, and said, "We miss or friends that couldn't make it today!" The temperament of the children was easy to warm, which I found useful when I interacted and sang along with them. The children and staff were so friendly and inviting to me, I felt a part of their classroom. Next week, I will meet with my Mentor Teacher to begin following and constructing themes for my upcoming Lesson Plans. I am thankful for her guidance. Started off strong!! <3

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On Monday, January 25th, my partner and I met with our Mentor Teacher. She explained to us that during our sessions, some of the afternoon children mix in with the morning class, so the number of children varies day-to-day. She would also like for us to take note of any development we see, or hear from the children while on zoom with her classroom. She said that having the extra set of eyes will help her develop a stronger developmental assessment of the children in her classroom, therefore benefitting the children greatly. I am excited to meet with her in the classroom virtually next Wednesday for our first day on February 3rd. It makes me thankful to have the opportunity to learn through a Master Teacher. I can't wait!

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Hola! Como estan?

We are a uniquely blended family structure! I have known my Husband since 3rd grade, and we have three children together: Gabriel, Lorelie, and Ramon. My Sister and her Son also live with us, and we do everything together! My goal is to advocate for Language and Literacy, support my peers, be an inclusive Teacher with values and morals, and positive etiquette.

I believe that young children that attend Preschool, or Head Start continue to be successful in their later years of education, therefore being a future Preschool Teacher will allow me to give children a bright beginning in their learning!

I speak 2 languages fluently: Spanish, and English, and I am super excited! <3