Visit a classroom

Miller Valley Middle School is am Elementary school in Prescott. The classroom had twelve students all in groups. The is a third grade classroom and they were all learning about volcanoes. It was close to lunch time around ten o'clock in the morning. The classroom was a descent size with a small sink and water fountain in the back. They had two for the students to take book tests on one side of the classroom. The teachers desk was in the back on one side. They had two big windows on the far wall with plants and pictures hanging in the window. They had cursive letters hanging up on the wall and rules of the classroom.  They were learning about volcanoes. They learned that some volcanoes were dormant that dont erupt and some erupt once in awhile. They also learned about underwater volcanoes as well. They learned about magma and lava. Most of the students were paying attention and some would talk together. The teacher noticed the students talking and asked if they would like to share. They got embarrassed and said no so the teacher would continue. They used text books and giant diagrams. There was one student that was not at the learning level as everyone else and you could tell. The teacher gave everyone an assignment and then gave the other student a piece of paper and told them to draw a picture of a volcano. The teacher explained that the student should be in a special class but the parents denied the fact that the child needed help. The child didnt know how to comprehend the simple activity that everyone else was doing. After the volcano activity they read books until the bell rang for lunch. Some students that were done with their books took a test to see if they understood their book. They got points for the book they read depending on the level and how many pages it is. Sitting in the classroom, some of the children got excited that there was a guest. They would say "hi" but that would be it. The teacher interacted with the students with help and telling them what to do with their papers when they were done with them. The teacher would joke around with them too. He was a friend to them and wanted to help them succeed.

Going to school at that age there were the same elements in the classroom.  There was the cursive letters, the classroom rules that everyone had to follow, and the small sink. The reading of books and the tests were another element growing up. There was a goal that you had to reach and when you reached it you always got a prize depending on the school. This experience was great see. Watching the class was very inspirational. I also learned that all children learn at a different pace. There are slow learners and fast learners. How you handle that as well is a great way to becoming a great teacher.