Blog #3

     1. How does your cooperative teacher recognize students’ skills? 

I was able to watch a really great first grade teacher in action. She was remarkable at recognizing her student’s skills. She keeps Shark tickets in her back pocket. When she would see a student working hard on their work she would say, “Wow! Thank you, Sarah, for working so hard on your work! Here is a shark ticket for you!” She would keep walking around and acknowledge the students working hard and reward them. In response, the students who weren’t on task, would quickly get back on task and she would reward them.

    2. Describe a time your cooperative teacher has offered choice to students.  

In her morning circle she played a game with her students called, "Would you rather." She would ask a question such as, “Would you rather have a cat or frog?” Then she would tell her students to turn to their partners and talk about their answer. After a minute they would turn and face their teacher. She would ask the class who would like to share their answer. She would then chose a student raising their hand quietly and acknowledge them by saying, “Thank you for raising your hand and sitting so quietly, Kylie. Did you chose cat or frog?” Then she would let them explain why. They kids had a blast! 

    3. What does the cooperative teacher do to establish a positive relationship with each student? Before entering her classroom, she welcomes each of her students by name, shaking their hand, making eye contact and smiling. Once the students take their homework folders out, hang their belongings, grab their breakfast and make their lunch choices, she then goes to each student and looks through their homework folder with them, thanking them for everything they did.