In an unexpected turn of events, the smartboard was actually up and running today. The projector bulb was replaced in record time! I had already written a slightly revised plan and torn out tons of pictures of mammals and birds from magazines under the assumption that we would be doing non-smartboard learning today. Fortunately, we had the board, but it was comforting knowing that I could make quick revisions and be ready to teach without technology. I pretty much ended up just blending the two lessons together, giving them smartboard videos describing the characteristics of each group of vertebrates we learned about today, and gave them the magazine pictures to pass around.
The smartboard really came in handy in social studies. My mentor and I were able to have a discussion with the students to set up a video of the Battle of Gettysburg. The video is a perfect set up for a reenactment that we will perform outside on Friday, hopefully. The video discusses the major objectives of both armies, and the major obstacles that prevented the Confederacy from winning. It just so happens that the terrain behind the school is perfect for discussing important skirmishes within the battle, and being able to reenact those parts of the battle to see what their importance is and how and why things played out the way they did.
One thing that I am really beginning to enjoy is becoming a part of the school community. It’s gotten to the point where all of the administrators, the media specialist, the fifth grade support staff, custodians, cafeteria workers, specials teachers, and teachers from other grades all know me. There are many relationships being formed, and it makes me feel much more comfortable about the setting I am in. The best thing is that everyone is willing to help or has a nice thing to say about someone else. Those things, combined with the support many people provide, all combine to make great community at this school.
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