Elementary Field Experience - Colorado & Oklahoma

[Mollie Goings]

I completed my elementary field experience in two parts. One part was at Keller Elementary in Colorado Springs, CO with librarian Tim Adkison and another part took place at Zarrow International School in Tulsa, OK with librarian Earon Cunningham.

What in particular did you like?

I really enjoyed seeing two very unique libraries in two different states! Both librarians were extremely welcoming and knowledgeable, and I learned so much about the day-to-day operations of a library. I could tell that both Mr. Adkison and Mrs. Cunningham have spent a lot of time building positive relationships with the staff members in their building. No one seemed to have any trouble approaching them with questions or ideas for collaborative lessons!

What were some successful activities you did?

I designed collaborative social studies lessons with the fourth grade teams in both buildings. In Colorado, we did an online scavenger hunt and Prezi project about important people in the Colorado government. In Oklahoma, we used online resources to explore how people use structures to overcome geographic challenges (bridges, tunnels, dams, etc.). Then, students applied their research by choosing the appropriate structure for a particular real-world situation.

 

In Colorado, I was also able to help Mr. Adkison facilitate building-wide NWEA testing. I’m not sure if librarians in every district are expected to help set up computer-based testing, but I was really glad I got to experience it from the library end and see some strategies for helping the process flow smoothly.

What do you wonder about now....

 

In my secondary field experience class, I again hope to do one of the sessions in Colorado and another in Oklahoma. I’m interested to compare the secondary experiences with my experiences from this semester and see where I notice the most differences – between districts? between student age groups? between states? It’s been great to have such a variety of opportunities.