1st YSIS (16 Jan 09)

I had my first YSIS placement. It was great. I assisted Ms Brown, a student teacher.

Rundown of the morning lessons:

• Roll call: Ms Brown called everyone "Good morning, xxx". I think it was very warm and respectful.
• Review with a ppt: The "Who wants to be a millionaire" ppt was effective.
• Big book - Too wordy and informative for the students. They soon lost interest.
• Literacy: Menu / Painting penguins
• Assembly
• Math: Pictogram / Painting Penguins

Ms Bailey thought I was good at art, so I helped the painting group. I outlined the penguin for the students and made sure that they followed the instruction when painting. I didn't realize my art talent before helping with art. My penguins were quite satisfactory indeed.

I was so impressed that the activities were simple, but very contextualized.

• Painting the penguin with instruction
  
• Why don't you have a go sorting these shapes (toffee, chew, lollies, starburst) into groups, then recording the information in a tally chart?

Ms Bailey was unhappy that the boys chased the girls again. She warned that the students would not be able to choose what to play if they were naughty again. Consequence is more effective than punishment indeed. But do we give much choice to students in HK?

I learned some English phrases in context :D
"get onto the computer"
"blunt sharpener"
"big fat sharpener"
"fat / thin brushes"
"fine detail"
"scaffolder"

I bought an expensive blouse :( --> :D
I bought some delicious choco. That was on sale! :D