Special Needs Teaching
Ashley Clark
Observation Reflection
I completed my observations at Concord Junior High in Mr. Eric Free's classroom. Mr. Free teaches 7th grade English and Language Arts. While in his classroom observing, I observed 5 different periods paying particular attention to the 1st hour class. Mr. Free's room was decorated and colorful. Above the chalkboard, he had various autographed photos that the students all found interesting in the first few weeks of class. There were newspaper clippings of all students in the school when they were participating in any type of school or non school event church, sports, band, community service, etc. I found this incredibly important because not only is he recognizing students in the classroom for excelling in school activities but also in out of school events. It was a real boost to see all the amazing activities these students were involved in at such a young age. Mr. Free also collects tigers so he has a variety of small figurines and sculptures as well as small stuffed animals decorating his room. Mr. Free's room felt very warm and inviting It had just enough décor without being distracting or overwhelming.
I liked the way the room was set up, even though the desks were just in traditional rows facing the front. Mr. Free had his desk in the front corner of the room, but sat at it very rarely. He has a small table that he has on the side of the middle of the room that he sits at while students are working so they have room to get extra attention if needed, and he can assist more than one student at a time. While he was in the front of the room talking about lessons or addressing the class in a more formal approach, he stood at a podium in the front of the room.
While observing, I made many notes about students and was surprised at the disposition of students that were so young. Being in 7th grade these students were typically 12 or 13 however dressed and talked like they...
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