What I Learned in Practicum about Leading with Greater Love: Elementary Education
Rachel O'Malley
McKay Student Ambassador
Elementary Education
Teaching Social Studies K-6
This week in Social Studies, we discussed our obligation as educators to teach our students civic virtues. Virtues such as integrity, respect, compassion, patience, and kindness will help create a safe classroom environment where all students feel that they belong. In class, we practiced different cooperative learning exercises where we worked together and implemented these civic virtues. On Monday, we worked together to find the solution to a tarp maze, and on Wednesday, we used foam pipes to pass a marble across the Kimball Quad. Practicing these activities has inspired me to help my students learn to recognize the Light of Christ in themselves by setting a loving example and creating a classroom environment where students develop Christlike attributes. I want my students to use this light to build relationships and benefit society as current citizens. During the lesson, I remarked how The Family Proclamation teaches us that parents are held accountable to God for what they teach their children, which makes me believe that as teachers, we will be held accountable to God for what we teach our students, which is why we need to teach with greater love, patterned after Jesus Christ, the Master Teacher.
Introduction to Early Childhood Education
During ECE this week, we learned how to use play as a key component of teaching that can enrich students’ love for learning and help them better retain information. We worked with groups to discuss how we would use play and art to teach different subjects and how we would use play to teach Science. I felt intrigued learning all of the different ways to integrate play and art into my classroom to support my students’ education. Using play and art in teaching helps me lead with greater love by honoring students’ natural
curiosity and making learning joyful. It also shows care by supporting different learning styles and helping every student feel included and valued. Play builds strong relationships and creates a safe, supportive classroom environment.
Management & Practicum 1
During EL ED 299R, we discussed our practicum experiences with the class for a while. Sharing and reflecting on my practicum experience helped me grow in confidence, which allows me to show up for my students with greater care and intention. Teaching with greater love means being willing to learn from others and value shared experiences, just as we did in our discussion and with the practicum.
Planning & Assessment 1
In class, I learned how to see assessment not just as a measure of learning, but as a way to truly understand and support each student’s needs. As I reflected on my practicum experiences and analyzed assessment data, I realized that being intentional and thoughtful in planning allows me to respond more compassionately to where students are. This experience reminded me that leading with love means meeting students where they are, believing in their growth, and using every tool to help them succeed.
Teaching Literacy in Grades K-2
We learned about a variety of different literacy centers that we can have in our classroom to help our students practice reading and writing in engaging ways. We talked about book nooks, reader's theaters, journaling, poetry boxes, puppet shows, letters, and much more. Learning how to create spaces where every student can connect with reading and writing in ways that feel meaningful and joyful helps me learn how to teach with greater love. I can honor different interests and learning styles, which will allow my students to feel seen and valued. This approach reminds me that loving teaching is not just about instruction, but about creating curiosity, confidence, and a genuine love of learning in each child.
Teaching Writing in Grades K-6
Writing this week focused on how we could use translanguage in our teaching to help our English Language Learners. By honoring my students’ home languages as assets rather than deficits, I am learning more ways to be an effective and welcoming teacher. I want to create an inclusive classroom where English Language Learners feel seen, respected, and empowered to express their full identities. By valuing all the languages my students bring, I can build deeper relationships and help them feel that they belong with Christlike acceptance and love.
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