Micaela Johnson

EDUC 101
October 3, 2013
School Observation #1
My Observations
1. The Classroom Environment In Terms of Usage of Space and Equipment
The kindergarten classroom that I was in was very large and open for the twenty-three
students. Students stored their belongings in lockers around the room that were labeled with their
name tags. Their school supplies were kept in bins that were brought out when they were needed.
A corner of the classroom was set aside for games and another corner was set aside for a rug that
was used frequently for reading and instruction. Most classwork was completed at the students
tables. Classroom materials were stored in cabinets, on shelves, in storage bins, and in empty
lockers. Several cabinets, tables for instruction, and shelves to store materials were present in the
classroom. Students were seated at five tables located in the center of the room for instruction.
On the walls, there were many posters that depicted the alphabet, numbers, months of the year,
colors, and shapes. Overall, the room was very comfortable. It felt inviting and welcoming.

2. How the Classroom Was Organized for Instruction

The teacher always initiated the lessons. She asked questions to get the students to think
about the topic. The lesson usually ended with the teacher summing up everything that was
learned about that particular topic. Childrens books, flashcards, small toys, and games were used
for instruction. Candy was also used during an activity to teach the children the different letter
sounds. Students practiced writing their letters, and they also learned how to verbally identify
letters, letter sounds, numbers, shapes, and rhyming words. All students had to complete all of
the assignments that the teacher gave them. Students were also taken into the hallway

individually to practice letters and numbers using flashcards. When the students answered
questions correctly they were praised with words like Good Job! and Excellent Work!.
Students were taught as a whole group. Some things were taught with a group discussion, while
others were taught with direct instruction in a step-by-step fashion. In order to maintain student
attention, the teacher incorporated many questions and discussions into the instruction to keep
students involved and interested. The students had many opportunities to share their thoughts and
ideas. Many rhymes and special songs were used to help students remember certain skills, like
how to write numbers and letters.

3. Classroom Management
As far as boundaries and rules were concerned, students knew not to talk unless they
were called upon. They were aware of the classroom rules so they knew what was expected
of them. The classroom rules were clearly posted around the room, and the teacher reminded
the students frequently of what they were not allowed to do. The rules were established by
the school, and the teacher and all students must abide by them. If a rule was broken, the
student was asked to pull a card. After a certain number of cards are pulled, students face
consequences like loss of recess and going to see the principal. In order to minimize
disruptions, the teacher gave students many opportunities to speak when called upon during
the lessons. The teacher also transitioned to other lessons and topics frequently to keep the
students interested. To transition from one activity to another, students were typically moved
to different areas of the room (i.e. the reading rug and their tables), and the teacher
introduced the activity by explaining what they would be doing. During lunch time, students

went to recess first and then to lunch. At lunch, they ate with all of the other students in their
grade at the same time.

4. Classroom Routines
To manage daily attendance, the teacher placed all of the students name tags on the
reading rugs, and the students picked them up and attached them to the back of their chairs
when they entered the classroom in the morning. Students had mailboxes where items to go
home were placed. The teacher usually walked around the room and individually checked the
students work as it was completed. To take lunch count, students placed a craft stick with
their name on it in a bin labeled Buying or Packing. Seasonal activities were a part of
instruction as the teacher taught the students about the change in seasons, and they learned
about different holidays. If students arrived to class late, they were asked to put their
belongings in their locker quietly and join the rest of the class without causing a disruption.
When a test was given, students were given offices to put up around their work spaces.
Next, pencils were distributed. Students were then moved to empty tables around the room to
provide them with more space. The teacher read the instructions, read the story, and asked the
students to answer questions based on the story. Tests were then turned into the teachers
chair. During a fire drill, students are lined up single file, led out of the classroom and into
the parking lot. Students didnt really have classroom chores. Each day, a student is selected
to serve as the teachers helper. All students are responsible for cleaning up their areas before
starting new activities. The students were very obedient to the teachers requests.