Student Teaching

I began my student teaching endeavors this past Friday at Christiana Middle School. It was certainly an interesting experience, especially after a 4-day delayed start due to snow. I'm wondering how my classroom experience here will affect my overall student teaching experience, as I am teaching in a reading intervention/remediation program for struggling readers. It's not a "normal" classroom environment. Much of their time is spent on computers, following a program that has been tailored for their specific needs. My cooperating teacher (who, upon first meeting, seems absolutely wonderful) also had her doubts of the benefits of my placement there. She didn't feel like it was the best way for me to learn "how to teach".

Regardless, I'm looking forward to the experience. The classes are very small (7-12 students on average), and it will help me to think outside of the box when it comes to helping students who are struggling. I am beginning to plan for Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry which is what I will begin teaching after the students are done with their balloon projects (a project coordinated with the math teacher). I'm excited, and I am sifting through information to go along with the novel that will be appropriate for this environment. If anyone has any ideas, I'd love to hear them!