Summary of Field Experiences

5th Grade Reading Interventions

I was able to observe and teach a lesson to 5th grade students at Wagner
Community School. The age of these students ranged from 11-13 years. There were
about an equal number of both males and females. Two students were on IEPs for
disabilities, and there were no English Language Learners. A majority of the
students were of Native American descent, and the remainder of students were of
European descent. This was a great experience, as it was my first time observing
and working with students in middle school. It was challenging at first as I taught
my lesson because the students were hesitant to participate in class discussions and
speak in front of the class. I had not previously considered teaching in middle
school, but due to this experience I am more open to that possibility.

5th and 6th Grade Math

I was fortunate to be able to observe an excellent example of an educator as I
observed her teaching her 5th and 6th grade students at Wagner Community School.
I was able to witness differentiating instruction in action as she tailored math
equations to meet the varying needs and abilities of her students. Some students
were advanced and well above grade level. Some students were right on grade level,
and other students were below grade level. I was also able to see how she made real
life connections to the mathematical topics that were being covered. It was an
incredible experience to make connections and see what I have been learning in an
authentic setting.

Observation at Lifescape
I spent 8 hours observing a classroom at Lifescape in Sioux Falls. There were
10 students with severe disabilities within the classroom. The students were
between the ages of 7 and 11. Only one student was able to communicate verbally.
Many students used sign language, hand signals, and iGaze technology in order to
communicate. The day consisted of students participating in different services such
as physical and speech therapy. The class also worked on number recognition,
addition, singing, rhyming, and story time. This was an incredible experience that I
am so thankful to have had the opportunity to partake in as it was a great reminder
as to why I decided to pursue a career in Special Education.

4th Grade Science

I spent my Level III field experience in a 4th grade Science classroom. The
4th grade consisted of four classrooms of about 15-17 students. Throughout the day,
the students transitioned from room to room for different subjects. The majority of
students were of Native American descent and members of the Yankton Sioux Tribe.
The remainder of students consisted of predominantly European descent. 4th grade
is the first time an actual Science class is taught at Wagner Community School, and it
was my first time being able to experience teaching Science as a subject. This was a
great experience as I was provided the opportunity to improve on developing and
carrying out lesson plans, practice maintaining student attention, and deflating
minor behavioral issues.

3rd Grade Reading Assessments

For ELED 459, I was placed with a student of Native American descent in a
third grade classroom. During this time, I practiced carrying out and evaluating
assessments, particularly running records. The student read below grade level, and
told me that he did not enjoy reading. This was a great experience for me to get
creative and figure out how to make reading and strengthening reading skills fun for
him. It was an incredible feeling seeing his motivation and reading skills improved
as we spent more time together. The most important part of this experience for me
was being able to practice and develop a teacher-student relationship and witness
firsthand how beneficial it is to the academic success of a student.