Week Five Post

During this post, we are supposed to reflect on your teaching field placement. I am working in a 6th grade gifted and talented classroom at University Elementary and so far I am really enjoying my experience. I had never worked in a classroom above third grade so this is definitely taking some getting used to, but I'm adjusting quickly. It is odd to be in a classroom where the teacher isn't constantly telling students to sit down, wipe their nose, stop talking, or finish their assignment; these students seem extremely mature and are capable to following instructions and taking care of themselves on their own.
It sounds weird, but I actually have a fear that some of the students are way smarter than me. The things they are learning about seem so advanced for 6th graders and just their everyday speech is extremely mature. So far, I've just been observing and walking around conferencing with small groups but next week I will be given an individual student to observe and follow. The teacher I am working with is wonderful and is offering a lot of great, helpful advice. I am nervous about the fact that it is our junior year and we have yet to get up in front of a full classroom and teach a lesson so I am hoping we get to do something close to that during this semester. It's so exciting!!