RCA Erika & DeMiguel

Hey everyone, so this is my experience through my DeMiguel practicum! This is my first semester and it was one to remember.

The two classes are done as an introduction to the practicum program. The very first day you are meeting in a COE classroom for an "orientation". The first day is done so that Dr. Brian can introduce himself, we introduce ourselves, get our assigned classes, and figure out carpool. After introductions were done on the first day, we were then assigned our classroom. Keep in mind with this program you can get assigned to DeMiguel, Mountain School, or a middle school. I got a second-grade class at DeMiguel elementary school. Once I knew my teacher, later that day we were told to email them, introducing ourselves. Once class assignments were settled we began to figure out carpool. Once Hope and I realized we were in the same school we had decided to carpool together.

I knew my mornings were gonna be fun with Hope. : ))

With the DeMiguel program, you go to the elementary school twice a week. You are there from 8:15 am -10:45 am.

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My first day:

I was usually picked up around 7:45 am 7:50 am to head over to the school. This usually gave us time to go to Starbucks or simply just arrive early, sitting in the parking lot. Once we arrived it was 8:15 am, and we go into the teacher's lounge to sign in. This is something done every time you go to practicum, being extremely important to keep track of. Once I signed in, I headed over to my classroom to introduce myself to the teacher. Being my first practicum, she was the sweetest and ensured that she would support me with anything needed. After we introduced ourselves, I walked with her to the copy room. She taught me how to use the copy machine and it was a way for us to get to know each other. Around 8:30 am is when the bell rings for the students.

My first day she had duty, so I went down to the gym to grab the kids. Of course, I was asked the millions of questions wondering who I was. Once she entered the classroom and everyone took their seats, the teacher had introduced me to the class. "Students this is Miss Erika" I remember that moment so vividly because right after the children repeated it back. My first day was a lot of observing, to see how their routine was and how everything was done in the classroom. I think it was pretty successful since I had learned half of the student's names. After our first day, Hope and I decided to celebrate, going to Starbucks!

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Throughout the Semester:

Some of you may wonder, "well what did you do in the classroom?". I would say I was very fortunate to receive a teacher like mine, she believed in a lot of hands-on experience. My classroom had morning circles, so at times I decided on the question of the day.

I often took out the different groups into the hall and read with them. This allowed me to have interactions with each and every student since we were in smaller groups. This helped me. while I was helping them. Since the first term is focused a lot on reading, and running records. This always gave me the opportunity to practice all the strategies that we learn.

I also got to participate in any crafts that were going to be done. In this picture, it was the 102nd day of school and I was completely in charge of the craft. The teacher had me take smaller groups and help them make this necklace with 102 beads each.

I also got the amazing opportunity to work one on one with students who need that extra help. I had a mix of those who had IEPs for speech, math, and reading. I am also a special education major so I thought the opportunity was amazing since I got to work with students who need more support. This was constantly taking them out to work one on one with the math or ELA worksheet.

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Memorable Moments:

I have two distinct moments that come to mind when I think of my most memorable ones. My first one was towards the end of the semester. Like I mentioned before I work with students who need more support. After arriving the teacher was telling me what I could do for her today. At this time the children were working on a writing assignment. She had asked if I would work with the "red group" and of course, I agreed. Before going to make copies she stopped me and thanked me. She thanked me for all the work I have done, but especially for working with the kids in the "red group". The teacher had told me that none of her teacher candidates could get these kids working. She replied with "you give them so much patience, and you are their favorite to work one on one with." I thanked her and if you could see my face, I was smiling so hard my cheeks were starting to hurt. At this moment this is when I knew I liked working with students, especially those who need that extra help.

My last memorable moment is with a specific student. This little boy has a little bit of trouble staying on task. That being said he needs extra support in this case just more one on one work. On this day I had scheduled my observation that our supervisor does during the semester. I had the "red group" outside doing a worksheet. As soon as they get called the six same students come out to the hall. I usually stand by the door until the last one walks out. As I arrive at the round table, the little boy had spoken,"Miss Erika I saved you your seat. I get to sit next to you since it is almost my birthday." I laughed and sat next to him. As we are working my supervisor comes up and takes a seat next to the little boy. I am helping all of them as needed and she is writing notes. As I turn to see what he is doing I notice him looking over and reading her notes about me. As my first observation, I was already nervous and I panicked. I called his name asking him to do the next problem. I am helping others and turn to make sure he is still doing the worksheet when I see him again over my supervisor. I ask him "what are you doing?" and his response was "I am reading her notes about you." I laughed and told him we needed to finish our worksheet. After my ten minutes of observation, she left and I laughed. I was laughing at the little boy and his response, he wanted to read her notes about me. I never will forget my first observation and it is all thanks to him.

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