As you all know I am observing at Claxton Elementary School in an EIP (Early Intervention Program) setting under Mrs. Tucker. It seems like Mrs. Tucker is all over the place. She has so many responsibilities at Claxton Elementary School. She is not only an EIP teacher she is also a substitute, an encourager, and a friend to many of her students. I think this is what makes a good teacher. Mrs. Tucker says time and time again that being a teacher is all about “flexibility.” I think she lives what she “preaches,” so to speak. When I come in to observe, I never know what to expect. So far she has substituted twice, helped with CRCT Writing test practice, and just a few days (when I have been there) has been on her regular schedule.
Mrs. Tucker teachers all grades Kindergarten through fifth grade. She focuses mainly on the subjects of Math and Language Arts. I must say that in the beginning I was skeptical of being in an EIP classroom. I did not know exactly what to expect. The students in these EIP classes are no where near dumb kids. On the contrary they are really smart. Most of the students just have problems with basic skills, reading comprehension, or sight words. Some may have trouble keeping up with some of the other students in their regular education class. Mrs. Tucker has told me that some of her students were not even required to be in the program but they were falling behind a little bit. When their teachers realize this they ask Mrs. Tucker if she could take them in her class and help them sharpen some of their skills before they get too far behind. She always says yes. She cares for these students and loves her job, this is evident.
I observe on Monday mornings from eight to ten o’clock. On a regular schedule day I observe during her time with second grade and fifth grade. During her time with second grade she has two groups. With one she goes over reading skills such as main idea, cause and effect, reading comprehension, context clues, etc. I have been working one-on-one with students lately focusing on Main Idea. She has a board game, in which we just use the cards, that deals with main idea, called Around the World with Main Idea. The cards have short passages on them, followed by a multiple choice question that asks for the main idea of the passage. With the other second grade group she focuses on sight words. I have been working with students one on one going over sight words. The past two times we have worked on sight words, I have been dealing with the same student and enjoy it tremendously, watching him progress. After working with the second graders, she works with the fifth graders. They have been focusing on reading comprehension skills as well. They do their work more independently. I must say that I do enjoy working with the second graders more than the fifth graders.
Mrs. Tucker teachers all grades Kindergarten through fifth grade. She focuses mainly on the subjects of Math and Language Arts. I must say that in the beginning I was skeptical of being in an EIP classroom. I did not know exactly what to expect. The students in these EIP classes are no where near dumb kids. On the contrary they are really smart. Most of the students just have problems with basic skills, reading comprehension, or sight words. Some may have trouble keeping up with some of the other students in their regular education class. Mrs. Tucker has told me that some of her students were not even required to be in the program but they were falling behind a little bit. When their teachers realize this they ask Mrs. Tucker if she could take them in her class and help them sharpen some of their skills before they get too far behind. She always says yes. She cares for these students and loves her job, this is evident.
I observe on Monday mornings from eight to ten o’clock. On a regular schedule day I observe during her time with second grade and fifth grade. During her time with second grade she has two groups. With one she goes over reading skills such as main idea, cause and effect, reading comprehension, context clues, etc. I have been working one-on-one with students lately focusing on Main Idea. She has a board game, in which we just use the cards, that deals with main idea, called Around the World with Main Idea. The cards have short passages on them, followed by a multiple choice question that asks for the main idea of the passage. With the other second grade group she focuses on sight words. I have been working with students one on one going over sight words. The past two times we have worked on sight words, I have been dealing with the same student and enjoy it tremendously, watching him progress. After working with the second graders, she works with the fifth graders. They have been focusing on reading comprehension skills as well. They do their work more independently. I must say that I do enjoy working with the second graders more than the fifth graders.
I am also observing at claxton elementary and have seen how these teachers are passionate about their jobs. Mrs. Tucker seems like she is really passionate about her job. I have always wondered how an EIP class works. From what you said, I can see how this type of classroom can be misjudged. It sounds like you really enjoy her class!!
ReplyDeleteThat is great that Mrs. Tucker is such a great teacher. She sounds like she is a role model for all of us aspiring to be teachers. She also sounds like she is probably pretty tired at the end of the day with picking up so many other things as well as doing her own job. I haven't been in an IEP class, but you I would like to be in at least one before I graduate. Good luck in the rest semester.
ReplyDeleteHey Mara! I think that's so cool that your in an EIP classroom instead of a regular one. I'm like you though...at first I would be skeptical about it. I have heard nothing but good things about being an EIP teacher and I wouldn't mind seeing what they do like you are right now. Mrs. Tucker sounds perfect for her job and I'm sure the students really enjoy her. Thats awesome. Good luck with everything this semester! See you in class!
ReplyDeleteHeyy! I think that it is interesting that you are in an EIP classroom. I have never observed a classroom like that. It sounds like you are observing under a busy, but great teacher! She is probley very tired at the end of her day! I hope that it goes well for you!
ReplyDeleteI was skeptical of being in an EIP room until your post, but now I think I would love to be in an EIP room! I too think flexibility is really important as a teacher. You are dealing with children and there is NEVER a dull moment with them! The around the world game sounds fun too. We used to play a game like that for math and I never thought about using it for other subject. I think it sounds like a game I would even incorporate into a regular ed class!
ReplyDeleteI attend church with Mr. Tucker and let me ell you that you are verry lucky to have her. She is an awesome lady and such an encouragement to me and my education career. She is always passing along new information and ideas to me. She absolutely loves her students and is willing to do anything tht will help them be successful. I hope that I am surrunded by awesome teachers like her when I'm in the school system.
ReplyDeleteHey Mara! Being in an EIP classroom is probably very challenging, yet rewarding. It is awesome that you have a good clinical supervisor, I do as well! I would love to have the experience to work with EIP students. Everyday is different, and you never know what to expect. I hope this is going to be a fun and exciting experience for you! See you in class!
ReplyDeleteMrs. Tucker seems like an amazing lady. I was going to be placed at Claxton Elementary and got moved at the last minute. You are so lucky to be in an EIP classroom and get to experience working with such a diverse group students. It takes a very special person to take on such a big job. I hope that you enjoy the rest of your semester!
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