Middle School Observation by Leah Cole https://padlet.com/leahcole177/yyzz8oaf0azq2xov Made with eyes on the prize en-us 2020-10-24 19:43:18 UTC 2020-10-26 23:56:59 UTC hello@padlet.com I observed 8th grade American History, at Derby North Middle School. Although I observed over zoom, I could still feel the connection between the teacher and the students. She has a sense of sarcasm that the students understand at that age, and it brings and enjoyable energy to the classroom. On the day I observed they were taking 3 test over the preamble. Before and after each test she would give the students time to study for the next test. I appreciated that because you never know if some students had time to study the night before. The students were all very respectful and I could tell they were very found of their teacher. leahcole177 https://padlet.com/leahcole177/yyzz8oaf0azq2xov/wish/858361503 2020-10-24 19:48:13 UTC https://padlet.com/leahcole177/yyzz8oaf0azq2xov/wish/858361503 The teacher I observed was very good with interacting with her students. I noticed a lot there was repeated questions, and each time she answered with kindness. She still had a good sense of humor that just makes the classroom seem like such a fun place. Even though it was test day, I still got to observe some student to student interactions. They were all friendly, and it made me so joyful. Everyone seemed very close, as if they've been with each other since kindergarten. Though most of them probably have been, you can assume there has been new students. I did not notice one single student that had a problem with another student. It just seemed like one big happy family. leahcole177 https://padlet.com/leahcole177/yyzz8oaf0azq2xov/wish/858372466 2020-10-24 20:02:15 UTC https://padlet.com/leahcole177/yyzz8oaf0azq2xov/wish/858372466 Although I was not physically in the building, I still got somewhat of a feel of the school atmosphere. At the beginning of the day, when the announcements started, the students stood up right away for the pledge. You can tell they are used to it, and that they take it seriously. Also through out the day there was various teachers who came in and they were all very friendly with whoever they were interacting with. The paras and aids were also very professional, and treated everyone kindly. Like I said before, I saw it as one big family. leahcole177 https://padlet.com/leahcole177/yyzz8oaf0azq2xov/wish/858376908 2020-10-24 20:08:03 UTC https://padlet.com/leahcole177/yyzz8oaf0azq2xov/wish/858376908 I don't know whether to consider this experience a good one, or a bad one. At the beginning of class she would show me and my sister (because we observed together) to the class, and a few 8th grade boys would make themselves known. It was very flattering, but at the same time kinda weird. I guess at that age they start to gain that sort of confidence. The teacher would call them gross, and we would all get a kick out of that. I thought this was an interesting experience because I work with 4th graders and they are obviously very differing, they don't really think that way yet. But on the other hand, 8th graders do. I thought this was a funny experience that I should include. leahcole177 https://padlet.com/leahcole177/yyzz8oaf0azq2xov/wish/858379524 2020-10-24 20:11:39 UTC https://padlet.com/leahcole177/yyzz8oaf0azq2xov/wish/858379524