Submitted by Rachel Narcho on the 2018 spring semester program in the Cayman Islands sponsored by the College of Education and Human Development…
Ms. Nimmi has been very supportive during my entire placement. She was even providing me with rides each morning. She admitted that she usually gets to school much earlier and would not be able to provide transportation to school in the mornings. My clinical educator Tatum and the other first grade teacher, Kristine, offered to switch off days so that Hannah and I were always provided transportation to school in the morning, which we were grateful for. Most days, we would walk home, enjoying the 35-40 minute walking commute to wind down from the day before arriving at the residences and getting to coursework or writing our lesson plans.
I started teaching math lessons this week and started picking up on core differences between CIS and other American schools by observing my CE teaching and interactions all around the campus.
Class sizes are much smaller than American class sizes. No class is greater than 16 students. Problem-based learning and student-led learning is a fundamental part of the curriculum. Students are often given choices when deciding on the way they choose to be assessed. There is flexible seating, and students are encouraged to behave in any matter they wish, so long as they are paying attention and listening to instruction. It is hard to stay focused and teach my lesson when there are constant distractions in the class, but it is something I have decided I need to work on and improve upon by the end of my placement.
I have learned about many cool apps and websites for students and to help with classroom management. Some of these include Tumble Books in which we can display a story on the SmartBoard and students can watch and take a quick reading quiz at the end. This is a great transition from activity to activity. I have also enjoyed using GoNoodle in the classroom. It helps students get out some extra energy or calm down with a yoga or mindfulness mini- video.
Something I was very aware of due to unfortunate recent events in America is that Cayman students are allowed to roam the halls, rarely are asked to stay in a straight line, go to the bathroom without asking and run ahead to their future destination out of the eye-sight of teachers. This has been very hard for me to adjust to. I worry about the safety of my students and I am afraid that something might happen to them if I am not staying on top of their whereabouts.
This week my CE Tatum has provided me with daily feedback, which is so critical and appreciated. We are working very well together and she has made it very clear she wants me to succeed. I am not shy in asking questions and questioning her methods. I am here to learn and learn I may!
