Week 1 reflection

In the first week of TP, it was the week I met my MST and students, I knew which grade I'm
teaching – grade 1-, I observed how math, science, and English are implemented in the
classroom. I noticed many strategies that were used during this week. However, my focus was on
math strategies. One of the strategies/activities I liked was using listening to count. Students
were eyes closed and they had to listen to how many times the teacher is dropping the pencil and
say their answer. I liked this activity because it depends on the children's memory and
knowledge and it's also a good strategy to develop their listening skills. Another behavior
strategy I've liked was using the bell to control the students' behavior. The teacher rings the bell
once and they clap once or more. I think it was an effective strategy to grape the students'
attention in a fun way.

Week 2 reflection

In my second week, I decided to teach an English lesson as a start, to prepare myself for teaching
the math lessons and to get students to know me. So, I have chosen to teach animals'
characteristics lessons, but my main focus was on improving speaking and listening skills. what I
did was first starting with general information statements about animals. And students had to
choose whether they agree or disagree with it. I used thumps up/down strategy because I think
it's a good way to keep them interested and engaged in the lesson. I was asking them "why "do
they agree or disagree to help them think and express their opinions and knowledge. The most
part they liked was group work. When each one of the group members had to describe the animal
in the picture and the rest had to guess. They were collaborating and discussing very well along
with having fun. And that's exactly what I was aiming for. As a first lesson, I was satisfied with
the way it was implemented. Next time I'm going to teach math. It may be different, but the good
thing is that it won't be the first lesson to teach.
 Week 3 reflection

In my third week, I taught my first math lesson. I was nervous because to me, delivering a
concept in math is harder than other subjects like English. I wasn't sure about how to make sure
that students will understand subtraction – which is the lesson's topic. So, to make sure that
students understand it, I started my lesson by explaining what subtraction means. I explained the
term "take away" and modeled some examples afterward. Then I send them to their groups. For
high students' level, they were supposed to subtract up to 20. For the Mid-level students, they
had to subtract up to 10. And for low-level, I thought using play dough will make it more helpful
for them. However, I think the playdough activity wasn't a good choice because unlike high and
mid-level students, low-level students struggled more even with my support. So, I have decided
to do something more simple next time. And to start working on real-world problems based on
my MCT feedback.

Week 4 reflection

In the fourth week of teaching practicum, I have done two lessons. The first one was more of
practicing subtraction. After reviewing what subtraction is they worked on group work activities.
This time I didn't use playdough for the lower level. I used whiteboards instead. And when they
finish they had to color the subtraction problem they have done. I think it was a good choice to
make because they were interested and did not find it difficult to understand what to do. For mid-
level and high level, they were supposed to write down the answers. Based on my MST feedback
next time I should have extra activities for early finishers.

My second lesson topic was subtraction real-life problems. the best way to teach something is to
make it relatable as much as possible. Especially when teaching math skills like subtraction.
Before students start doing group work. I tried to simplify the subtraction idea by giving real-life
examples using things like; pencils, balloons, cookies, etc. then they were able to work
independently. Luckily, I didn't have to use extra activities because everyone finished on time.
However, at the end of the class, I made one more activity to test their knowledge. Because of
that they were a bit active and I felt like lost control a little bit, but I tried to get the attention
back quickly using the bill, counting down and stickers for positive reinforcement.
 Week 5 reflection

This week I made my first peer observation. I observed a grade 4 math lesson. the topic was
about multiplication. Since it is a higher grade than the one I teach I thought it was a chance for
me to observe new strategies, and to see how to teach more complex math concepts to older
students. I liked that she wrote the learning objectives on the board, so her students can see and
know what they’re are going to learn about. Before starting the group's work, she gave clear
instructions. She differentiated the activities and gave some students extra work – the early
finishers-. I also liked that she put a timer to manage her class. Everyone was able to see. She
walked around and supported the students who were struggling with some questions. Overall, I
think it was a good lesson. students were behaving well and doing their work quietly.

Week 6 reflection

In my sixth week of teaching practicum, I have taught my last lesson. the topic was comparison
word problems. Before I start working on word problems I started explaining the idea of
comparing. Because I think teaching the concept first is like building the base of the students’
knowledge. So, I chose one boy and girl students to come in the front and I asked the rest of the
class to tell me what the difference is between these two. First, it was about general features they
both have but then to connect it to math I gave the girl 4 markers and the boy 2. I asked the class
to tell me how many more markers the girl does have more than the boy. After that, we started
working on word problems. I noticed that the lesson went smoothly, children knew what to do
during groups work. Using numbers line was a good idea too. Because some students had 2
digits number so that was helpful for them. If there is one thing I would like to change next time
it would be my stress. I was nervous and that affected my energy in the classroom.
 Week 7 reflection

This week was my last week at summit school. I’ve learned a lot during my time in it. I had
concerns about teaching math before starting my TP. I wasn’t sure of how capable I am. But I
think that this experience proved to me that I am capable of teaching math. And that as long as I
am trying my best there is nothing I can’t achieve. It feels great to finally believe in myself.
Every time before starting TP I have my worries. But the moment I finish it I became more
convinced that this the right place for me. No matter how challenging some experiences were.
And how many times I felt like quitting. I always step forward. Luckily, I’ve had great MCT and
MST. They pushed me and believed in me. Sometimes you can’t see the potential in yourself
until someone guides you to see it. it was a great experience. I’ve enjoyed everything about it.