Mah 1

Adrielle Mah

EDU 210

Jacqueline Sgobba

December 4, 2020

Observation Essay

Observing the classroom was very enlightening. The classroom set up was quite

different than when I was in school. I observed a 1 st Grade class. I was impressed with

the student’s abilities to partake in the virtual classroom environment at such a young

age. The culture of the classroom was stimulating and engaging to the students. The

teacher was always visible and looking into the camera to connect with her students.

The teacher built a rapport with students, referring to them as “friends”. The

environment of the classroom was more like friends on a playdate, learning through

play. Though the learning was all virtual, the interactions were exciting, fun and upbeat.

The students could ask questions and give feedback at their own discretion.

My cooperating teacher used multiple mediums to teach. Videos were played of

songs incorporated in the days lesson. Blocks were used, white boards that each

student had were also used daily. Different apps were incorporated into the lesson, as

well as singing and dancing. The teacher created a mutual respect with her students,

and validated their feelings, questions, and concerns. The environment of the classroom

was kind and fun. The students were encouraged to compliment each other when they

shared their work. The teacher made a point to confirm that each child was important.

Any students who had trouble, or questions, the teacher took the time to help and
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noticed each child individually. One student who I will call Zack, was always in need of

attention and reassurance. He asked a lot of questions, made a lot of statements, and

joked with the class and teacher a lot. The teacher was very patient and

accommodating to Zack, answering all of his questions, giving him all the attention, he

required to stay focused.

A few things I learned from observing the teacher was to encourage each student

in whatever ways they require. Validation and creating an environment, even online is

important when teaching children, especially at the 1 st grade level. One point that stood

out to me was when a student asked a question, the teacher paused the lesson and

connected with the student, making sure they understood. The teacher also gave praise

to the student for asking questions and highlighted how important and exciting

questions are. She was patient, fun, and kept the student’s engaged throughout the

entire day, some students asked to stay afterschool just to keep doing fun activities. The

teacher was very inspiring, especially since the entire virtual classroom was a new

concept to me. Even though the students were learning remotely, they all were able to

grasp the lessons, and learn in a new way.