Part I: Introduction

In my practicum this semester, I had the opportunity to attend Philo T. Farnsworth

Elementary School located in Rigby, Idaho. My mentor teacher was Mrs. Wadsworth, the head

of the special education department. The classroom I primarily worked in was a resource room

for mild/moderate students in grades three through five. I also spent some time working

alongside students with disabilities in the general education setting.

I went to the school every Tuesday and Thursday from various times. For most of my

time there, I went from 8:30 to 12:30, but occasionally I stayed until 1:30 to teach/ observe third

grade math. Toward the end of the school year, I stayed the entire day to obtain more hours.

Part II: Body of Report

The setting

The resource room I worked in was comprised of two adjoining rooms. They provided

plenty of space for learning and activities. When you first enter the classroom, there is a spacious

opening with a couple yoga balls, beanbags, and other enjoyable equipment for students to use

when they have free time or when they need to release their energy. Beyond that, you see the

teachers desk in the far back corner and next to it is another desk that she mainly uses for testing

or one-on-one instruction. On the left side of the room there is a small kitchen with a refrigerator,

sink, and oven. An open doorway connects this room to the next. When you walk through, it

looks more like a traditional classroom. There are colorful posters covering the walls, tables,

chairs, bookcases, and bins full of supplies. This room is where students receive instruction for

reading and/or math. On one side of the room, there are a few computers that students primarily

use for testing. Occasionally, if they had extra time, students used the computers for educational

games.