Abby Newkirk

Observation #5
5/1/14
11:20 11:40
Advisory
Before the Advisory period began, you mentioned to me that the girl who was about
to lead Advisory is an ELL student from Venezuela (at least I think thats what you
said!) and that she has come a long way this year. In other words, this was pretty big
deal for her to be leading the advisory session. Additionally, Id say that this was a
pretty big deal for you too; clearly, you have created the kind of classroom climate
that allows for a student like her to take on such an important, challenging role.
You met your students in the hallway, gave them instructions and let your students
in at 11:20. Vicki is the boss today and she said it doesnt matter, in response to
students asking if they had to sit boy-girl-boy-girl. All of your students arrived by
11:22. You turned it over to Vicky. She explained what the greeting would be, and
she then explained that the share-out would be a favorite moment of an after school
activity. To start things off, she shared that she did a leadership program on
Saturdays and learned a lot and got a certificate. In particular, she said that she
enjoyed meeting and sharing ideas with other students from other schools. Another
student mentioned a win in softball. Another student mentioned winning the
championship in softball a few years ago. Another student mentioned going to Sea
World and touching stingrays. She said they felt like wet boogers. (Yes, they are
indeed still middle schoolers) You mentioned a moment from your 6
th
grade and a
play you did about nature. (Im from Vermont, you said, suggesting that in
Vermont, of course, you did a play about nature.) You mentioned that, in the play,
you were a loon. You said that you recalled making your own costumes and writing
your own lines. Another student mentioned blocking 10 shots in a row in soccer. As
things slowed down a bit and some of the quiet students hadnt yet shared, you told
Vicky that she could call on students. Another student said something I couldnt hear.
A few other students also couldnt hear and said What?! to her. She repeated
herself, a bit louder, and mentioned something about a performance and getting a
lot of flowers. Vicky then transitioned the class into a game of tag at 11:32.
Going back to and building on some comments that I made at the beginning, what
specific actions have you taken that have helped to create the kind of classroom
atmosphere where Vicky was able to take on that challenge? Regarding the share-
out, what do you see as the benefit of doing such an activity? What was it about your
own story that you think was most important for your students to hear? In the end,
how did Vicky feel about running Advisory? (I thought that she did a great job!) Did
you check in with her after? And if so, did she have anything to say? If you end up in
a school next year that doesnt approach homeroom/Advisory in the same way that
Putnam Ave Upper School does, what will you use from what youve done this year?