Focusing on Students

With 34 students it is hard to focus on all of the students, but I try each day the best I can. During class discussions, I try to be aware of students I am calling on and to make sure that I call on different students. Sometimes I pull sticks or randomly call on students as well just to make sure students are paying attention. I try not to do that too often though. Also, I have gotten to know certain student work habits. I know the students who are going to have a hard time getting started on a writing assignment for instance so I will check with those students right away to make sure they understand what to do. I try to walk around as much as I can during work time and check on each table and look over work. I also try and walk around during whole class instruction or reading to check on students. One of my goals is to work on using small groups more. My teacher really does not do that, so it has been hard for me to start.  I think it is really important though and I would like to do that in my own classroom one day for reading and math. I only have a week left, but I am going to try and meet with some groups during reading time. That will also help me focus on more students. I try to get to know students on a personal level as well and find ways to connect with them. Having conferences helped a lot because I got to learn information about students from their parents. We learned many students have attention issues, some have anxiety, and we learned about two eye sight problems. Getting to know students, how they work best, things they need more help with, etc. allows the classroom teacher to better support them and focus on their needs.