First Day of Fieldwork

     Today was the first day of fieldwork. Stressful was an understatement for this class period. I would have to say that this class we were in fieldwork and then we discussed the expectations for our lesson plans for the rest of the class. Today's class was interesting and eventful at the same time. I would have to say that I did enjoy today's fieldwork experience.
     To start off, fieldwork was nerve wracking. I did not realize that we actually do not start teaching until 11:30 due to the students being at lunch. I felt that this is something that should have been mentioned. I feel like we're losing twenty minutes and when we are making our lesson plans we aren't planning around those twenty minutes. I also feel like our lesson is thirty minutes so more than half of our lesson is going to be pushed back. That is one concern I think that interests me. However, I am excited to be working with Ms. Poluzzo again. I worked with her this past fall and I think that she is an energetic teacher. I felt comfortable after she introduced the class to us and explained to us some of the expectations, as well as the behavioral problems in the class. It also was comforting when she stated that "this is a brilliant group of children." Although I feel like most groups of elementary students are good children, it is nice to hear a reassurance. Once the students came in, it was clear that they understood who the teacher was. That is comforting because sometimes students do not understand that therefore making our job, as teacher candidates, harder.
      As we divided into our groups and met with the students, I did not have many concerns. The first group of children was quiet, yet bright. This made me very confident about meeting with the other groups of students. As we moved onto the second group of students, I quickly realized that they were an active bunch. This group of students was very outgoing and eager to learn. They answered our questions for our "Getting to Know You" activity. The third group of students was far from outgoing, and did not speak up. They seemed to be very shy. I am sure that once we get into teaching the third group of students will gladly open up. Last, the fourth group of students was interesting. Although eager to meet with us, one particular student was overly excited and seems like she may not know exactly how to transmit her feelings through words.
     Overall I think that fieldwork was successful and that the students enjoyed the programs that we all created for them. I think that they also enjoyed the texts that teacher candidates brought in. For the rest of the class, we discussed what was expected for the rest of fieldwork. It stressed me out that by Friday I have to have two lesson plans done. I find it extremely hard to collaborate with some of the members in my group. I think it is difficult for all of us because we all have a lot of ideas and different ways of teaching students. It will be a learning experience for all of us on how to work with each other and develop our collaborating skills in order to work more professionally in the future.
    I think that class as a whole today was comforting, yet stressful. I am interested to to see where the rest of this collaborating experience goes.