Wk+13+Nov+29-+Dec+3


 * 13th Week!**

Nov. 29th - Dec. 3rd, 2010

It's hard to imagine that my internship is nearing it's end. This week being the second to the last week has been immensely busy with finishing my graduation requirements for UCF and also having my new group of students in 4th & 5th grade. I've switched gears a bit and am now also teaching Writing on top of SRA Reading, Math, and Reading Mastery (a couple of 2nd graders and a 3rd grader included)

Last Monday, I conducted a **Student Interest Survey** so that I can get to know them a bit after bringing in and sharing 3 things about me (book for my love of reading, journal for my love of writing, and a painting for my love of art). Through that survey, we found out many things about each other such as what they perceive to be good at and things that they'd like to learn more about this year and/or what would they like to get better at. Most said Reading!

On Wednesday, all interns had to attend the mandatory "Now that You're Graduating" Seminar at UCF. It lasted 4 hours! They brought in many speakers. Some are recruiters from area counties such as Palm Beach, Volusia, Osceola, and Orange. They also brought in inspirational speakers to congratulate us and to give us tips to have a great start on our careers!

The principal of Heathrow Elementary School (Seminole County), Ms. Beth Sharpe went through critical information about **Interviewing Tips**. One main thing I gleaned from her speech is to provide examples from internship, education classes, and work experiences on **Hot Topics** such as:

a. Integrating Technology- specific examples b. Parent Involvement- utilizing volunteers, communication c. Classroom Management- examples of successes and challenges d. **Diagnostic Assessment**- guiding instruction e. **Reading Instruction-** Phonemic Awareness, Phonics, Vocabulary, Comprehension, Fluency, Leveled Text, Literature Circles. f. **Math Instruction-** manipulatives, fluency, thinking skills g. **Writing Instruction-** journals, modeling, mini lessons, rubrics h. **Working as a Team Member-** what do you contribute?

Javier Melendez, who is in charge of placing interns in the Orange County said that we have been interviewed by our county for the past three months and that is how our internship has been: an everyday interview that last three months. I've learned and grown so much in my teaching.

Among many great things, I've learned the importance of collecting data and continually assessing students by **progress monitoring** them so that instruction can be driven based on how and what the students know.