Westwood March 17th

School: Westwood Elementary

Mentor: Sara Martini

Date: March 17, 2016

Hours: 16

   Today I shadowed Sara and got into the rhythm of how she checks out books and helps students find the books they need. It really reinforces the importance of knowing your collection and students so that you can help them find and interesting book that will also suit their reading level.  A few times I was going to check out a book to a student but the teacher said that the book is not for him/her, that it is too difficult and made the student choose another book. I can understand that to a point, but at the same time maybe they want to try something different or harder. I guess I would give them a few days to try it and check in with them and see how it's going. I'm not too fond of the teachers telling them what they can and cannot read.
   Sara and I also assisted a first grade classroom use a program called Pixie. It is a paid program where students can insert pictures and text boxes. This teacher wants them to create a life cycle using the provided life cycle templates in Pixie. Today Sara showed them how to open Pixie and use the tools it has. Then the students had time to just play around and get used to using the program. Since they are only first graders,and have not yet learned about life cycles, I'm curious to see how well they will be able to complete the life cycle assignment.
   I also listened and sat with the students as Sara read a book to them during library time. he is very animated and it is fun to listen to her read. The students also really enjoy this reading time!