My Science Methods course had recently begun our fieldwork sessions with Mrs. Benfer, the Science teacher for grades 3, 4, and 5 at our on-campus Elementary school, Bishop Dunn. Our first session was a "Get to Know You" session where we met our student and began working with them. I got Garret, a fifth grade genius, if you ask me. He speeds through all of his work; faster than I can even think about it!
On our second session, we worked on Test Prep together, where I assisted Garret along through questions he was prompted in his class' textbook. I noticed Garret was not too enthused to be doing book work, and I don't blame him. I tried to relate the topic to his every day experiences, connecting the material topics he is interested in. Whenever I offered him an idea for a possible answer to a question to further his thinking, he would reply with, "Yes, but I believe we should put that in larger words so it sounds more Scientific and people will know I am smart." Woah, I took a step back and realized that I wasn't needed as much as I had hoped.
On our third sesion together, Garret and I got the opportunity to work in an Inquiry lesson where he had the opportunity to explore his scientific world while creating a buoyancy boat that would hold the most pennies when placed in water. Let's just say our first boat failed, but I loved how Garret was open to trying again and again until his boat was a success. This kid is a persistant student! I love how he never even thought of giving up.
Our fourth session together, which was our half-way point through our course's fieldwork process, I assisted Garret through his Chapter 11 test. He flew through it, hoping to be the first one done and to have some down time to relax. I did not allow this to happen. I had him review his answers with me and give background knowledge for his answers so that I knew each answer was correct and that he actually knew the information instead of just spitting it out onto the paper. He made a few silly mistakes and I was happy to see him realize that he needs to take his time during his assignments.
It touched my heart to see how upset Garret got when I told him that I would not see him on Monday because I will be attending my school's NCATE meeting (I will blog about this experience after Monday; I am honored to be invited to such an event!). He was looking forward to working with me again, but I reassured him that I would be back the Wednesday following; there was no need to worry. He was even more excited when he found out I would actually be teaching the Chemical Change lesson with my Science group! I absolutely cannot wait.
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