Awwwww, Freak Out!!!

Multiage what now?

I had my meeting with my cooperating teacher and university supervisor on Thursday. It was great. I get to work with two awesome teachers - a third grade teacher and a fourth grade teacher - because they do multiage teaching. When they told me that, I was very confused. I had obviously never heard of multiage classrooms, so I went to the school's website to get a little information. Here's what it says about multiage classrooms:

     Also known as mixed-age grouping and no graded education, the multiage program groups students of varying ages and is based on a continuous progress theory. The Texas Education Agency is using the term "mixed age learning communities or programs" and has named a Committee on Mixed Age Programs. According to the Committee Report on Mixed Age Programs, January 18, 1991
         Mixed age programs are free of rigid structures such as fixed-ability groups, grade levels, retentions, and promotions that impede continuous learning. These programs take into account the variations in child development so that all students will be successful and no students will be retained or placed in transition classes. These programs accommodate the broad range of student needs, their learning rates and styles, and their knowledge, experiences, and interests to facilitate continuous learning. They achieve this through an integrated curriculum incorporating a variety of instructional models, strategies, and resources.
        Mixed age programs honor the development of the whole child and reflect an understanding that children learn through active involvement in a variety of group settings. The school atmosphere fostered by such programs allows children to enjoy learning , to be intrinsically motivated, and to see themselves as capable learners
        Assessment and evaluation are integral components of mixed age programs. The information gained through assessment and evaluation supports the child's learning and assists the teacher in making appropriate educational decisions.
        Mixed age programs invite parents to be active partners in the education of their children. Teachers and parents collaborate to support children's growth and development in all areas.
    The report concluded by noting that "the implementation of this type of program requires extensive time and planning. Developmentally appropriate curriculum, improved assessment, partnerships with parents, and training and support for staff and administrators are key components of a successful mixed age program."

It's a lot to take in! Sounds like a good program, but I'm not completely certain how it is going to work. I think it sounds more complicated than it really is, so I will learn a lot during observations in the upcoming week.

My plan book and awesome lanyard!

Other than that slight shock, I was given my teacher's log in information to access the RISD pacing guide. I immediately logged in and made myself a plan book.I think one of the most valuable things I will get out of this entire experience is sitting down with my teacher while she plans and watching how she looks at the pacing guide then decides how and what to implement in her classroom. We are lucky - on the 27th of January, the school pays for all teachers to have substitutes so that they can have the entire day to plan. How awesome is that?! I haven't completely decided what I'm going to do on that day, but I really think it would be beneficial if I went with her and watched her plan.

It will be ok.

I can do this.

I'm ready to do this!