2nd Day in Ms. Martin's First Grade

Today I found myself at ease as I interacted more with the students in my field experience classroom. The first activity the students worked on was their phonics worksheets and DOL assignments. They did these independently and would raise their hands for my help if they needed it. The phonics worksheet was again focused on distinguishing the difference between short and long /u/ vowel atterns. I had a great time helping kids who were struggling with this.
Next Ms. Miller moved onto whole group instruction when they did their calendar time. She had a pocket chart from which she moved a plastic straw from one envelope that was full of straws to another that already had 2 in it in order to designate that this was the third day in February. I was impressed with the students engagement and interest in helping Ms. Martin figure out todays weather, including the temperature, and wind chill for today. I was so impressed with how much technology they use in their classroom. As I look back on my own elementary school days, I can definitly see a huge degree of advancement in technology from then to now. I cannot wait to learn ho to use the Smart Board as it seems to be such a great tool to have in the classroom.
During Math, the students worked on using Factor Families. The students did a pretty good job with understanding this concept. I was pleased to help those who needed it.
After Math, the students moved onto their Reading lesson where they each took turns reading aloud as the teacher called on them. During this time, two students were called out of the room to go to "Speech." I noticed that these were two students who struggled with reading and I am interseted to find out if their speech has an affect on their confidence to read. I would propose that it does, but it will be interesting to see if their reading improves over time as their speech does.

I'm loving the 1st grade!