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Joni Sillivan

4/19/2019

EDUC 2301.200

Dr. Ellis

Reflection Paper

During my 16 hours of observation I observed at Cooper Elementary. I was given two

teachers to observe, Mrs.Janes and Mrs.Ingle. I was in Mrs.Janes’ kindergarten class for ten and

a half hours and in Mrs.Ingle’s first grade class for the remaining five and a half hours. I finished

these hours in the course of five days.

I loved being in a classroom and able to begin to get a feel of what it will be like. I

always enjoy my observation hours, getting to know the teachers and the students. I also like

seeing how different teachers teach in their own unique ways. One thing I learned during my

observation is that not every day will go as planned because things happen. Also, that not all

students learn in the same way, so switching up the way you teach can be very important.

During my hours in both of the classrooms, each teacher interacted with all their students

in a positive way. Both teachers encouraged their students to interact with each other . They also

knew their students well and had a welcoming learning environments. I noticed something both

teachers did was when going over a story or other lesson they would tell the students to turn and

discuss the question being asked, with their friend next to them. Mrs.Janes and Mrs.Ingle used a

variety of learning styles. In Mrs.Janes’ class I noticed her using kinesthetic when having the

students work on activities to go along with the lesson being taught. She also used auditory by

playing songs for the students better understand a lesson. In Mrs.Ingles class I noticed her using
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verbal and also visual learning especially when reading a short book. In both classrooms I seen

just about the same amount of student and teacher centered lessons. Neither classroom had a

particular teaching philosophy.

From my experience in these two classrooms I have found a lot I will implement into my

classroom one day. Some of the biggest things I am going to implement in my future classroom

is encouraged discussion amongst the students, flexable sitting, and a fun, safe, and positive

learning environment. Although there are a ton of things I plan to use from my experience these

are the top three main implements for my classroom.

I was sad to see my hours come to an end but my experience at Cooper Elementary was

excellent! From the great staff to the respectful students they make me even more excited to be

in a classroom teaching one day. I learned many things from Mrs.Janes’ and Mrs.Ingle’s class

that I will eventually put to use in my classroom.