Field Experience

Field Experience

I completed my five hours for field experience with Sonji Holsclaw, my school’s School Library Media Specialist.  I obtained the five hours with her by doing various activities.  I observed and help teach a literature lesson, interviewed her about literature topics, school policies, and other things pertaining to the library, discussed literature apps for the iPad, and we worked together to pick out the 30 books that were required for reading in this class. 

May 10, 2012  (1 hour)

On this day I observed the SLMS teach a literature lesson using the book The Well.  I observed for a bit and walked around the room asking students what they were doing and why they thought it was important.  I also helped students when they needed it and made sure the expectations of the lesson were clear to them.

May 11, 2012  (1 hour)

The SLMS and I worked together to pick out the 30 books that were required for this class.  While doing this she recommended books to me that were and that weren’t on the recommended list in the textbook.  She told me why she liked them and thought they were important for students to read.  We talked about the different genres and books that were good for each category. 

May 22, 2012  (1 hour)

She told me apps for the iPad that she thought were useful for using in the classroom for literature.  Since I am a special education teacher, we made sure to take this into consideration.  She told me what apps she had on her iPad for use while students were in the library.

June 7, 2012  (2 hours)

I conducted an interview with my school’s SLMS about various topics dealing with literature and school policies.  We also discussed banned or challenged books and why some are important for students to be exposed to if their parents allow them to read them.  We discussed all of the responsibilities that SLMSs have that many people do not realize.

Kentucky Teacher Standard

            One of the Kentucky Teacher Standards that I feel I have improved upon by completing this field experience is standard 6:  The Teacher demonstrates the implementation of technology.  My school’s SLMS is very knowledgeable when it comes to technology and she has helped me greatly using the iPad.  She makes sure she knows what apps are good for what subjects and skills.  This will help me in my every day instruction in the classroom. 

            Another Kentucky Teacher Standard that I improved on by completing this field experience was standard 8:  The teacher collaborates with colleagues, parents, and others.  I spent much time collaborating with my SLMS planning literacy lessons and watching her teach literacy lessons.  There is a lot to learn from other teachers.  She was able to share with me many good ideas on how to implement different genres into my reading and writing classes. 

What I Learned

            The most important thing I learned from completing this field experience is how valuable the SLMS is.  They are very knowledgeable about genres, technology, and the copyright rules.  I spent time with her before this class and knew she was great.  It’s true that you should be friends with them because they will help you out.  If you help her with the book fair, she will make sure that you get some great new books for your classroom.  I also learned how much they really know.  They don’t just sit at a desk and check out books, they know so much about so much!  I don’t know if I can ever be that familiar with so many books.