Elementary Education
Explore what I've learned on my early elementary education journey.
Follow me further into my education journey.
Browse some fun classroom activities I've made, currated, and shared!
Our first major project in creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking was Breaker Ed. For this project, we had to select a technology to take apart. By taking apart a Dell monitor, we learned to work through frustration, problem-solve, and use Breaker Ed in our future classrooms.
In our Elementary Math Methods class we were asked to create a lesson integrating a piece of technology. My classmate and I used Scratch, a coding software, to create an interactive math lesson teaching graphing skills.
Here is my schedule from my first field placement (East Alton Elementary).
The Teacher Candidate Responsibility form lists the tasks that are expected for a teacher candidate's involvement. Completed tasks for each placement are marked with an “X” and initialed by the cooperating teacher. All tasks should be completed by the end of the first year.Note: Semester one are the first two columns only.
In my language and communications class we were asked to create a presentation on a topic involving the connection of math and literacy and use three children's books to explain the topic. Below is my groups presentation on how children's literature can be used to teach concepts of grouping and estimation.
My first eight-week field placement was at Alton East Elementary in a third-grade classroom. I chose a math lesson for my first lesson, which my cooperating teacher evaluated. The lesson objective was to teach students how to multiply by 0,1,2,5 and 10 using skip-counting, repeated addition, equal groups, and arrays.Below is the evaluation and feedback form completed by my cooperating teacher.
The second eight-week field placement was at Brighton North Primary. For our supervised lesson we had to do a read-aloud and activity involving diversity. I chose the book What Happened to You by James Catchpole. This story involves a boy and adventure meeting new children at the park while having only one leg. Attached below is my lesson plan from my read-aloud.
In my first seminar class we were asked to complete this SMART Goals handout. This worksheet made me think a lot about what I want to accomplish and what I can accomplish.
Semester 2
Semester 2 is in full swing!
This project was a group lesson plan. One of our members read the story The Pigeon Has to Go to School by Mo Willems. We had to observe, take notes and provide feedback, collect student work samples, and determine the effectiveness of the lesson based on the student work samples.
This is a final reflection of my second semester placement. It includes how I grew as an educator and how I will like to move forward in the future.
This video outlines my goals set during my class on assessment. This video made me think about how far I have come and where I want to be.
The Teacher Candidate Responsibility form lists the tasks that are expected for a teacher candidate's involvement. Completed tasks for each placement are marked with an “X” and initialed by the cooperating teacher. All tasks should be completed by the end of the first year.Note: Semester two is the third column only.
By the end of the first year, I will complete a weekly self-reflective journal, reflecting on one strength and one area for improvement in my teaching.I will dedicate 15 minutes each week to this reflection.I will review my journal every four weeks to reflect on what areas I need to improve.
By the end of may, I will improve my score in math and fine arts subareas of the ILTS Elementary Education exam focusing on Algebra, Measurement, and Fine Arts content.I will increase my accuracy in Math from 51% to at least 70% and in Fine Arts from 54% to 80% on my next practice test.To achieve this, I will dedicate at least five hours per week to practicing problems and watching video content.I will complete one full length practice test to measure my progress before the official exam.
Personal Life:
I am a proud stepmother and mother to two wonderful children, ages three and one. Our home is full of love—and pets! I have a passion for animals, so feel free to ask me about them.Professional Experience:
For the past year, I have been working in daycare, primarily with children aged two to three. This experience has fueled my passion for early childhood education and strengthened my dedication to helping young learners grow.Teaching Philosophy:
I strive to be a compassionate and inspiring educator, fostering a love for learning in every student. While I haven’t yet decided which grade level I’d like to teach, I’m excited to explore different age groups and make a positive impact on their education journey.Support System:
I am incredibly grateful for the love and encouragement I receive from my husband, father-in-law, and mother-in-law. Their unwavering support motivates me to pursue my dreams of becoming an exceptional teacher.Educational Goals:
As I step into this journey, I am focused on finding creative ways to balance curriculum requirements with engaging teaching methods. I aim to inspire students to stay curious and actively participate in their learning.
Forms are boring, so I've kept it short. Don't forget to leave your name!