THORNEBROOKE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

601 THORNEBROOKE DRIVE ~ OCOEE, FL 34761

407-909-1301

Elementary School Field Observation Portfolio

Kelly ChristiansenEDF 2005

February 4, 2011

Teacher Observed~Vanessa NylanderKindergarten TeacherVanessa.Nylander@ocps.net

Ms. Nylander’s Lesson Plans for the week of January 31, 2011

Artifact #1

Each week, Ms. Nylander sends a newsletter home so parents will have a better understanding of what their child is learning. Additionally, this communication piece gives parents important information and shares upcoming events.

Artifact #2

During Reading Group time, the students were given this handout to work on. The students were particularly excited about doing a word search.

Artifact #3

This announcement sent home to parents is about an upcoming special day. The wedding of “Q” and “u”. This is a clever and engaging activity that the students are sure to enjoy and learn from.

Ms. Nylander’s classroom

In this photo of the classroom, you can see several areas that the students learn in every day. From the carpet area at the front of the class to the student work tables and Ms. Nylander’s reading table, students work in a colorful and well organized setting.

The Computer Center

Ms. Nylander’s class has a computer center with 5 desktop computers. The students are able to work individually on tasks and games.

Goldie

Goldie is the class pet and each afternoon a student will take their turn at feeding her. Goldie was a granted gift that the class received. Next month, the class will be adding to their family of pets when baby chicks arrive!

Interview with Ms. NylanderDo you think that the school culture is different at the elementary level versus the middle or high school level? If so, how?

Not only is it different between the different levels but it is different from one elementary school to another or even between classes. The principal, students, teaching team and parents all have a role in determining the culture. Parent involvement plays an important role. Engaged parents lead to more motivated students and the teaching team responds to that. The principal also plays an important role in setting expectations and responding to the feedback from parents and teachers.

What challenges do you face as an elementary school teacher?

Primarily it is finding activities that meet every level. Some students were able to go to Pre-K, the children also have varying maturity levels which can also be a challenge.

What forms of communication do you use with our parents?

Primarily email. There is also a connection folder where a daily planner page is sent home. Each week there is also a homework letter.

Interview with Ms. Nylander continued

What effective teaching strategies are used at the elementary level?

Particularly at the kindergarten level, I find that repetition, role playing and modeling are effective.

What form of incentives do you utilize with your students in the classroom to enhance extrinsic motivation?

We have a treasure box. I also hand out stickers and skittles. Another incentive is a special activities such as watching a movie or video at the end of the day.