I was at Sunrise Elementary In Mrs. Erp's classroom and most of her students had backgrounds very different than mine. I grew up in a small town, but some of her students had come from states in the southern and western part of the United States. There were also students with low SES backgrounds. This taught me how important it is to understand the backgrounds of every student and how their experiences have shaped them into who they are.
During Social Studies and Science, Mrs. Erp and another 5th Grade teacher teamed up to teach these subjects. For example, Mrs. Erp would teach both classes science and the other teacher taught both social studies, and the students moved between classrooms. I had the opportunity to teach both science and social studies during this practicum, and this provided a unique experience. I taught my lessons to the other class and quickly learned how different the two classes were. There were also two students in the other class with special needs, and this showed me how important it is to differentiate lessons to provide extra support to these students when necessary.
Early Childhood Practicum: I was in a Kindergarten classroom where there were students with very diverse backgrounds. I had the opportunity to work with students with African American and Vietnamese ethnicity.
Social Studies Methods Capstone: October 25, 2018 My Social Studies methods class along with the Cultural Diversity class spent the day at Fort Abraham Lincoln with fourth and fifth graders from St. Anne's Elementary. I had the opportunity to to help the students understand what life was like at the times of Fort Lincoln and On-A-Slant Village. My group and I provided a tour of the park and implemented different activities to do throughout the day. The lesson my group taught was a Native American game. The students were able to experience what it was like for the Native American children to learn to hunt.
Daycare Employee During the time I worked at the daycare, I was able to work with students at a variety of ages. They all came from a different backgrounds and I enjoyed getting to know them all and what they needed individually. I also had the opportunity to work in the preschool room as a classroom helper. I was able to help the young learners with the different math and letter activities. I also provided one-on-one support for a Vietnamese student when needed.
University of Mary Study Abroad: Fall 2016 I was able to have the wonderful opportunity to study abroad at the University of Mary campus in Rome, Italy for a semester. It was one of the best experiences I have had. I was able to learn how to navigate through the city and go on some amazing tours. I believe being able to go to the places we were learning about really made the information come alive. While I was there, my fellow classmates and I were taking a Italian course that focused on the basics of the language and this was the only exposure I had to it. It definitely showed me the challenge of finding ways to communicate with the people who have grown up in the area. This experience showed me what challenges students from America as well as other countries face when coming to new places.