Marisa Dawson

1/29/15
ED 427
Teaching/Learning Context
Rules/Expectations
The theme in Mrs. Castillows class is We Are Incredible
Kindergartiners. Mrs. Castillow has high expectations that her
kindergarteners will be incredible and will make incredible choices. All
her rules she makes off of being an incredible kindergartener. This
means that you make the best choice by doing what the teacher tells
you to do. When they are not doing what they are supposed to do, she
gives them a choice to be incredible and work hard or to stay in for
recess. Sometimes their punishment is to sit down with Mrs. Castillow
and do their work. She just doesnt accept their unwillingness to work.
If they need to use the restroom, they ask Mrs. Castillow. They get to
drink from the drinking fountain when they go to recess or to the
library and when they come back from recess. When they drink at the
drinking fountain they children behind the one drinking say, One
banana, two banana, three banana split. This is when the childs turn
is done.
Procedures
The first thing the children do when they come into the classroom is
hang their coats and backpacks on their hook on a wall in the class.
They have responsibility folders they put on a shelf in the classroom
and hand their homework to a teacher. Then they sit at their assigned
seat and practice writing a sentence Mrs. Castillow gives them. Mrs.
Castillow plays a word or counting video with music and when the
children hear it, they go sit on the rug. They participate in the calendar
part of class by counting the days with Mrs. Castillow. She chooses one
student to lead the class in saying their class theme and the pledge of
allegiance. Each child is assigned a different number and color and this
is how Mrs. Castillow splits them up into groups. The children go to the
center of their color and number. Every ten minutes they switch
centers. Mrs. Castillow usually has them line up in two rows, one girls
row and one boys row. They are to line up quietly and walk quietly to
their destination. There transitions are usually done using music.
Schedule
Monday:
8:00-8:15 Calendar
8:15-9:00 Math
9:00-9:10 Letter Sight Words
9:15-9:30 Music

9:30-9:45 Library
9:45-10:00 Tote and Tell
10:00-10:30 P.E.
10:30-11:00 Art
Wednesday:
8:05-8:15 Calendar and Quick Start
8:10-8:45 Math
8:45-9:15 ELA
9:15-9:30 Recess
9:30-9:45 ELA
9:50-10:50 Center
10:50-11:00 Tote and Tell
Classroom Management
Mrs. Castillow explains each class that this class is her hardest class
she has ever had. Many of the children have a hard time focusing and
following rules. Mrs Castillow handles this by always reminding her
students who they are, incredible kindergarteners. She follows through
with things she says and expectations she has. She explains to them
what they are to do and they wait until she tells them to move, stand
in line, go somewhere, or speak. When a child is talking when she is
she says, it is not your turn to talk. In everything Mrs. Castillow does
and says, she is strict but very loving and positive so that she never
makes her students feel bad. To gain their attention, Mrs. Castillow
often says, Macaroni and cheese please freeze. The children freeze
as she gives them instructions. When the children are on the rug in the
front of the class, to have them listening you say, give me five, sit
cross legged, and fold your arms.
Climate
The climate of the classroom is one of learning. Mrs. Castillow has a lot
of books in the class. There is a little play kitchen for when the
students dont go outside they can use their imaginations using play.
The classroom feels like a safe place and the children look comfortable
in the classroom. They are not afraid to ask questions or to receive
corrections. The content is taught in an organized manner. Mrs.
Castillow is always positive and when she tells a student they cant do
something she explains why and does it in a kind way. She cares about
each child and shows her love for them in her facial expressions, how
she talks about them, and how she prepares for them. Socially, the
children know each other well and love talking to one another. There is
a lot of group work for the children to work together.
Students

Bridget- She is kind, loves to make friends and give hugs. Bridget has
a difficult time in math and needs a lot of one on one instruction. At
recess she seems to do her own thing.
Maisey- Is excited to learn and is almost always distracted. She has a
hard time paying attention. She loves to sing and knows a lot of songs.
Her favorite animal is an Owl.
Sydney- she is the leader of the class and follows directions really
well, she is often quiet and observant. She stays after school to work
on Reading Eggs.
Sam- Sam is smart and respectful. He loves to do his work and give
you an encouraging smile.
Brandt- Brandt is a bright students with an easy smile. When I ask him
questions he asks, Why are you asking me questions? I tell him it is
important to get to know people and that he is special. He works hard
and is really good at math.
Charles- Charles is a good student who gets off task easily but can
return to focus when instructed. He likes to play with his glasses and
likes to say out loud what he is doing. He needs a lot of positive
feedback.
Sylvie- Sylvie is a bright girl and walks with confidence. She listens
really well and works hard. She is often late to school.
Ellie Ellie has the best smile and is often opinionated. She does her
work quickly and likes to move around quickly.
Ella Ella is always saying how easy something is when she may not
understand what to do. She often claims she is the fastest at doing
work. She loves to learn and is great at playing with others.
Lucie Lucie is a sweet girl that likes to please. She is quiet and
sincere. She works hard and does what she is told to do.
Sophie Sophie has bright and observant eyes. She likes to trick you.
When she isnt being mischievous, she is sweet and likes when I ask
her questions.
Kailyn Kailyn is a beautiful little girl who is sensitive and does not
like doing things unless it is her idea. She is distracted and has to be
redirected every few seconds. Once she gets to know you, she wants
to do her best and please you. She loves to play with others and make
friends.
Isaac Isaac is going through some major emotional transitions and is
taking a new medication. He is still adjusting to his medication and
often cannot control his actions. He almost always has a big smile on
and gets really excited about doing anything. He speaks out often and
has a difficult time being still. He can get frustrated easily and
sometimes will kick, hit, or throw something at you. He needs attention
but at the same time not too much attention. It is really difficult for him
to focus on the task at hand.

Henri Henri is the happiest little boy. He is hard to understand at

times and loves putting his arms and legs inside his shirt. Henri wants
to do his work but often struggles with focusing. He is loud and loves
making action sounds.
Olivia Olivia is a calm, collected little girl. She has really good
concentration and follows directions really well.
Lucas Lucas is the favorite in the class. He gets along with everyone
and sees how he can help other people. He has a funny thing to say
about most things and is often kind.
School
The school has a kind Principal who gives an encouraging message to
the teachers and students every morning. All the teachers know one
another really well and support each other. Each class has a creative
display outside the classrooms in the hall showing what the class is
learning.