Second the Best

They Come and Go - EDTE

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 16:32:00 -0800

As I approach my last week of teaching at my placement, I continue to think about how it feels to be a teacher and reach so many students throughout your career. However, in order to do so, every year a new class comes and goes. That bond that you spend a year (or in my case semester) creating, walks out the door over a summer break. Many students, you won’t see again, others you’ll see on the playground and exchange a friendly hello and a quick story. But they won’t again be in your class. And come August another class will come and and you get to know each and every one of them like you did the others. It is extremely sad to think of that way. But we must remember, that we influenced their lives and hopefully made a difference. And then we are provided with an opportunity to grace the lives of another group who needs you just like the others. We are a stepping stone in our students’ lives.

Realization of the Age of my Students - EDTE

Sat, 03 Dec 2011 17:57:00 -0800

Thursday while at my placement, I had the weirdest moment. All of a sudden I realized how young my students were. We were handing out Christmas songs to the students to put in binders for them to go caroling at their next field trip. Half of the class didn’t know how to open the rings of the binder because this was the first time they had ever used one of their own. Up until this point, all of their papers had been put in folders or kept loose. It is those little tasks that as adults we take for granted. Teaching young children means teaching them all of those things we take for granted. Including simply reading and writing.

From My Writing Philosophy

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 14:04:45 -0800

There are so many different forms of literacy, none of which that can be ignored. Texting, email, and web surfing is all literacy. The individual is reading and writing in an informal setting without the pressure of being wrong or right and as teachers we should embrace that. It is like practice. Sports coaches don’t get mad when their players play an informal game with their friends in their backyard or on a playground. The more they play, or in this case read and write, the better they become.

From my Writing Philosophy and Reflection

Video

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 16:28:21 -0800

English 333 - What I've Learned So Far

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 10:23:08 -0800

This class has been a benefit to me in ways that it has reinforced my beliefs that there isn’t one correct way to teach or learn. I’ve always had the impression that everyone learns differently so all teachers must have lessons that teach differently in order to reach all of their class.

In this class we have explored many different types of technology and how different sites have different purposes. We can share our work with others and interact with the text online rather than staring at a plain piece of paper. Creating a blog like this one will branch out to those creative students.

We have explored different ways to do group work within a classroom which is extremely important to me. My belief is that students learn best from each other. I can teach them anything but they will never fully grasp the concept until they explain it to one another. Its how you remember. Group work brings out many different ideas rather than just my own.

Back to Basics - EDTE

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 13:48:00 -0800

Today was day one of addressing Lehiem’s academic needs rather than strictly the behavioral problems. He has a tendency to write many number and letters backwards. Today we tackled the most common of his errors: 5, d, 2, 6, and 4. I also gave him a “Space Man” to make sure he puts a space between words when writing.

I believe the most influential part of today was that I got one on one time with him in the back room without the distractions of the class for the first time. I was just going to work on 5’s and lowercase d’s. But he didn’t want to do anything. So I just talked to him an explained for the first time that I was HIS Special Pal and anything he needed help on is what I wanted to do. I told him that when I’m there I can answer any questions for him and that he had his own personal teacher. He loved this idea and had no problem writing a few lines of them. Then my heart melted when he started to explain other letters and numbers he got backwards sometimes and asked if we could practice those. This tough kid likes the time spent one on one.

We both had a laugh when talking about 4’s. He said his dad kept teaching him wrong. When his dad drew them in the air and Lehiem wrote them, his dad would tell him they were still wrong. We figured out his dad was drawing it in the air correctly from his own view point but he was sitting across the table from Lehiem and not next to him like I was. He thought it was very cool that he could go home and show his dad that.

I love teaching letters and basic reading but I’ve forgotten how much I love the basics because lately I have been placed with older kids. I can’t wait to teach the younger grades because I love the idea of never taking my basic knowledge for granted.

A Dog with a Ball - EDTE

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 13:34:00 -0800

I have a yellow lab named Lucky who is bred and raised to retrieve non-stop. As my family always says, she has no off button. If there is a ball, stick, toy, sprinkler, ANYTHING that can be thrown and brought back she will find it. It is simply in her blood. I’ve gotten used to it over the years, I simply hide everything! Out of sight, sort of out of mind. Never have I thought until recently that I would end up using this same strategy with my new second grade Special Pal.

Leon moved away unexpectedly so I have been placed with Lehiem. The little boy a table away who can’t sit still, pay attention, follow instructions, and can’t top playing with that ball!…or in this case his pencil. Lehiem has to be drawing at all times. I take his pencil away in hopes he will listen. That doesn’t work. He then shakes and fidgets uncontrollably trying to get the pencil or find one in his suroundings. Its as if life is impossible if he can’t draw.

Then it is time to write down answers so obviously I give him back his pencil and immediately within .73 seconds there is a little figure drawn on the page. I’m not even sure how he can draw that fast. I remind him to write the answer so he scribbles an answer resembling a few letters of the word, and then faster than I can blink there is another figure resembling Mr. Potato Head.

My student with his pencil is like my dog with her ball. He has to draw just like she needs to retrieve. The hardest part for me is that I’ve been there in class lectures and come out with notes that look more like an eye spy page than notes. I know art is important and he just wants to draw but I have to find a way to keep him focused when all he wants to do is draw.

The Things You Hear - EDTE

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 23:19:00 -0700

My placement on Thursday was very enjoyable. I found it interesting and rewarding. But it’s amazing the things you hear when no one realizes your listening. A few weeks ago Pam Morrell came into my EDTE 255 class to talk about diversity and thinking about a our students as students and not what ethnicity, gender or other physical characteristic that they are. So that idea has been on my mind recently. I had interviewed my teacher during recess and she had gone to get the class from their line outside. While I was sitting in the empty classroom, I saw a man (I presume a teacher because he was leading a class) talking to two students. He looked at the African American boy and said “Look! It’s the little brown boy!” Now I realize and hope that I heard this out of context but even if that were true I still found myself on the edge of my seat in disbelief. The little boy replied “I’m not brown!” and as they were walking away the last thing I heard was “Then what are you? Chocolate?” This moment absolutely stunned me. It may has been an inside joke but just to host hose around it was uncomfortable. I definitely feel that this was a good example of what Pam talked about. It is important to think of our students in other ways than physical differences whenever possible.

Step Up to Writing - PROS/CONS

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 16:52:24 -0700

I have never had the opportunity to look at a lesson from a teacher’s perspective so looking at “Step Up to Writing” was exciting for me. I loved the idea of student involvement and active learning. It was refreshing to see an idea that didn’t involve the teacher commanding the students with a blank piece of binder paper and a pencil without creativity or room for participation. But every great idea has its flaws.

Hillary and I discussed the following:

What do they mean by active reading? Is it beyond comprehension? Because students can read something, understand it, but still not really be active in the learning or classroom lesson. I know I personally have been in a class and known the answer for a math problem but not really known how I got there. The same can happen in writing. The student may understand something and simply write it on their paper just to receive credit because its what they are suppose to do. Teachers must make sure that the lesson reaches everyone. Teachers, therefore, must be active in their teaching.

In terms of summarizing they say that once a student can summarize they are ready for the next level. But many students can summarize and then once recess comes they forget and never remember again. If they can’t hold on to their new knowledge, its a lost lesson. They can’t “put it in their pocket” to use later. So in a way the creativity of the lesson will make it memorable but it must also be valuable and something they will always remember to use.

There are many different approaches to how to teach the lessons, how does this benefit varying types of learners within one classroom? This program is amazing for visual learners. By including picture within the sentences or breaking up sentences to acknowledge the separate parts within create a great visualization of the process involved.

This program encourages mainly group work with an active classroom. However, how does this affect the learning of students who work better independently and may be too shy to speak out in class and participate? It is undeniable that in every classroom there is at least one student, often multiple, who are intimidated when “that” student is always answering. A shy independent learner may feel uncomfortable speaking out and being an active participant in the lesson. As a teacher, we can’t let them fall into the shadows and lose their momentum. They must continue to learn to. There must be a balance between group and independent work because even though a student may work quietly it doesn’t mean that they aren’t actively learning.

Somewhere out there there is an amazing way to teaching literacy to our students. This program has potential, but it all depends on what the teacher does with it and how we interpret it and use it in our classrooms.

Funny Little Teaching Story - EDTE

Sun, 09 Oct 2011 23:23:00 -0700

A few weeks ago in my EDTE 255 class we had a panel of current teachers come in and talk to us about what teaching was like.

My Special Pal is adorable and always makes me smile. He talks to me about our similar hobbies and what he likes to do for fun. On Thursday we were working on his reading and all of a sudden he looked up at me and said, “You have blue eyes…” My heart melted at the fact that he noticed such a small detail. As I was saying goodbye he leaped up and gave me a big hug. It was the first time I ever felt like a student was attached to me. I felt needed and like I was making a difference. Working with him has continued to re-light my inspiration for teaching. I love working with him. That bond that the panel of teachers talked about was present.

Something that they also talked about happened to me today too though. They talked about how it was a good idea to live in a different town than their school. It made sense but today I realized why. I went to Safeway this morning to get a gallon of milk thinking no big deal, its early and no one will see me so I’ll just wear sweats and baggy shirt with no make-up and my hair in a messy bun. Inside Safeway I saw no one and I thought good, coast is clear! Then sitting outside the door is my Special Pal. He looks me dead in the eye and just stares at me like he recognized me but couldn’t figure out how. Even though I wasn’t doing anything wrong, it just felt awkward for us both, I think because he was confused and I had never seen a student around town before. Even my boyfriend was confused as to why I was saying hi to a random little boy in front of the store. I’m so used to only them seeing me in a professional setting.

It’s those little details about this profession that you never think about.

Literacy Literacy Literacy

Sun, 09 Oct 2011 23:11:47 -0700

Literacy is this term I fell like we will never know enough about. We keep learning and reading and teaching about it. As future teachers we like to hope that some day we will be able to grasp the concept entirely.

The definition of literacy according to Wikipedia (many teachers most hated web source) is…

“literacy has traditionally been described as the ability to read for knowledge, write coherently and think critically about printed material.”

Now personally I feel like I am perfectly literate by that definition. I read for knowledge and I can read, write, and think all at the same time. But yet even though I believe that, I still understand that literacy is this constantly growing concept that as a future teacher will never escape me.

In class we debate, discuss, and ponder every possible idea regarding literacy. The best part is that we will never run out of ways to talk about it. One idea to one student is entirely different to another. Literacy is the best subject because it is so versatile and different.

The endless classroom lessons are amazing to think about. When I was reading so many different children’s books for my workshop I became excited because it thrills me to soon get the opportunity to share them with young students. As a college student these books still make me want to read so I can only imagine what they do to my students who personally engage themselves in a make-believe world.

I am currently teaching a young boy how to read and it is the best feeling in the world to accomplish small words. I forgot how it felt and now I’m embracing the experience with him. I’ve taken for granted my ability to read and write. Teaching has made it all the more special. Reading, writing and thinking are constantly involved in my life and its time to appreciate literacy.

Kindergartners and Computers...Sounds Scary

Sun, 02 Oct 2011 22:19:20 -0700

Kindergartners and Computers...Sounds Scary:

Personally the idea of teaching in a Kindergarten classroom excites me. But to many future teachers the constant motion is intimidating. The chaotic sense of little kids running around and the noise of all their little voices to match. That is why I loved this article. The teachers use these “disruptions” to their advantages in their classrooms because they understand the correlation between sound and motion and learning for young children. I especially agree with incorporating the five major senses into learning. It makes learning relatable and created a memory which makes you remember the idea learned for a longer time. The teachers in these stories used technology to elaborate on their lessons. I just wish it gave a little more insight on how they did that.

Repeat - Vary - Repeat - Vary

Sun, 25 Sep 2011 21:48:23 -0700

While reading Wonderous Words Chapter 2, something that stood out more than any was the reference to grammar and repeating words. Do you remember how in around first grade it was so hard to write about something without repeating the beginnings of the sentences? I do, in fact I still do all the time.

I saw a dog at the park. The dog was fluffy and brown. I wish I had a dog. It was fun. The dog was so cute.

Does that little paragraph look familiar? I know it does to me. In first grade it was great to be able to form a small story. So why can’t it be that easy to just keep writing that way. Instead we have to worry about form and grammar. At least we were writing! and now amazing authors and get away with any writing format they choose. What a first grader did everyday is considered genius when they do that.

Now that I am a sophomore in college, its been burned into my brain that I have to vary my sentence structure when formally writing. I just wish that sometimes I could write more freely and not worry about all of the “rules”.

Words on a Page? Or Something More?

Sun, 18 Sep 2011 22:27:08 -0700

Literacy. We seem to be talking about this concept a lot lately. Which makes sense because it is an English class. However, I feel like I am almost repeating myself by now. So I’ll give it a shot…

Literacy can be interpreted in many different ways. Depending on the person and the context of the situation and material, each individual will get something different out of their reading and writing. Scribner has brought up many discussions among my peers about how one person can read something and then another person reads the same and they will get an entire different meaning than the first.

It makes me think even harder about the variations of my lesson plans I will have to do in any subject. If one of my students reads a passage in a textbook, what they understand will most likely be completely different than someone else in my classroom. I will have to be able to improvise quickly in order to make sure that all my students get an accurate understanding at the material presented.

Photo

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 16:35:38 -0700

Literacy in the Real World

Sun, 11 Sep 2011 22:57:34 -0700

It is obvious that reading and writing is always present in a classroom. However, how many of you remember the following question…

“When will I ever need to know all of these things?”

In all of my education I remember moments thinking that I was wasting my time learning all the tiny mechanics of my educational curriculum. But when it comes to reading and writing, I can honestly say it is always present.

Writing. I am currently typing this up and remembering all of spellings of these words and grammatical structures of these sentences as best as I can. I take notes in class and in sorority meetings. For the past few weeks at my job I have been typing of endless surveys and taking messages for faculty and emailing them information. Facebook, texting, email - everything I do involves writing.

Reading. Everything I write I read to check over and process in my brain. Driving I read street signs and billboards. Today walking through downtown I read a homeless man’s sign and hundreds of signs for Taste of Chico and the restaurants involved. My calendar, mail, textbooks, magazines, the channel guide on my television, the names of the 9-11 victims on the special programs on television tonight. I read it all without realizing it.

Reading and Writing is a part of life. Its communication without speaking and communication is an important part of life.

"Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its..."

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 16:29:00 -0700

““Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.””

-
Albert Einstein

An Ongoing Interaction - EDTE

Mon, 05 Sep 2011 23:24:00 -0700

Education is an interaction that never ends throughout life. Every moment is an opportunity for an action to take place where the student picks up a new bit of knowledge learned by something or someone else. Therefore, education is the broadening of your surroundings.

In my classroom, education will always be a shared experience. Teachers may think they are given a class of large numbers because of budget cuts or not enough teachers; however, it can be so much more than that. Each student has something to offer to your classroom whether that may be an opinion, an action, or a sounding-board for another student’s idea.

While some teachers use voice recorders as a way to express and share the learning experiences, I will include other creative tools. Assignments don’t have to be brain to pencil to paper. The answers are an expression of the interaction. How they are expressed. Art is probably the most common creative form. Paint, clay, paper and other glitter and craziness can just as easily get across the answer just as well as the pencil scribbling on a piece of lined paper.

Share. More than anything education shouldn’t be simply between the student and the teacher. It is crucial that conversation and an interaction occur between the students. Get out of the desk and even get out of the classroom! Beyond those four classroom walls are even more opportunities to learn.

Learning Beyond the Walls of a Classroom

Sun, 28 Aug 2011 22:24:22 -0700

It took me awhile to figure out what I learned outside of a classroom. Because obviously, my first response is that learning is what you do in a classroom. But then I realized that I learned to do almost everything outside of the classroom except for the scientific parts of my education and my education in the classroom was broadened in the outside world. So to narrow it down, I picked the skill that I’ve used most recently which I learned from someone other than a teacher. Cooking.

Tonight, I made creme brulee for my boyfriend and me. It seemed like no big deal until my roommates friend said the only thing they could make was top ramen noodles. So I thought farther back and realized that my talent and interest in the kitchen goes back as far as I can remember.

Whenever someone was cooking, you could find me on a step stool by their side. My great grandma, Gigi, never wrote down any of her recipes so I would just watch every time until I remembered it or I would write it down for her. Writing those recipes down was practice with spelling and math. I had my own side education in the middle of my kitchen. I brought what I learned at my desk surrounded by four walls into my own reality, I made them all practical.

Memory. Math. English. Common Sense. Writing.

Everything had it’s place in that kitchen and I use all of those skills every time I walk in my kitchen and whip up something with ease that other people find impossible.

To Teach or Not to Teach

Sun, 28 Aug 2011 22:01:00 -0700

As long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to be a teacher. There are so many reasons why that it is hard to put a finger on it. But the first thing that comes to mind is my little sister Kristin.

When Kristin was two and a half years old (only a few months after this picture was taken) she was diagnosed with a Medulloblastoma Brain Tumor. After battling cancer at such a young age during a crucial time of her child development, she beat this horrible disease and emerged a survivor. However, because of her young age she continues to suffer with learning disabilities at the age of almost 17 as a junior in high school.

My sister is the strongest person I know. Growing up in any school at any age is difficult. I was a good student, but even I struggled with the bullies at school. Now imagine this… My sister survived one of the scariest things in today’s society, cancer. Her tumor was located in the cerebellum, the part of the brain that controls balance and other complex motor functions. Her balance and coordination has never been as strong as her peers and other students have picked on her because of it. She is shy and unsure of herself. Academically, she needs help and is about 2-3 grades behind in her school work. She has an IEP meeting every semester so that her teachers can compare notes and share their opinions with my parents. All of this can be seen in her school files, which is why I am going to be a teacher.

Kristin is so incredibly smart. I’ve been the victim countless times of her mischievous plotting. She’ll talk your ear off if you let her and she is a total sweetheart with a kind soul. Unfortunately her file doesn’t say these attributes. Because she doesn’t have a diagnoseable disease anymore the school system doesn’t know how to place her. My answer to them: Stop looking at the file and look at the person. There is nothing wrong or to fix. She just needs help catching up.

I’m not just going to be a teacher. I will be an advocate for all students. It is my personal responsibility to get to know each and every one of my students and get to know their ability myself rather than glance at some old dusty file. I have had teachers tell me that my plan is impossible and pointless. They can keep telling me that, but I will never listen. I owe it to my sister. The few teachers that actually took the time to get to know her rather than assuming were the ones who made a difference. They were able to see all of her amazing qualities and meet the bright young girl she really is.

So you ask why I want to be a teacher and I could say the usual. I love children. I had a teacher that made teaching look like so much fun. I love to read and want other kids to love it too. I can’t see myself do anything else. And all of those reasons and many more are 100% true. But overall, I love my sister and I don’t want another child to go through school without the complete support of their educators.