Read Alouds:
It's Not Easy Being a Bunny by Marilyn Sadler ISBN: 0394861027
This was a cute book that could be used in an elementary classroom to teach kids to be comfortable in the skin they're in and to also be grateful for what they have. The bunny in this story tried to be every animal but a bunny because he didn't like the animal he was. At the end he discovered he didn't like any of the other animals and was happy as a bunny. Especially at a young age, kids get bullied and picked on and a book like this would help them to see that everyone is different but they are the best version of themselves.
Is There Really a Human Race? by Jamie Lee Curtis and Laura Cornell ISBN: 0060753463
In this book, a child thinks that the term "human race" means a physical race. This would be great when talking about idioms in any grade. It could be paired with an activity to get children to write common idioms, what their literal meaning is, and what the intended meaning is. This is the second book this year that we have read by Jamie Lee Curtis and I love seeing an actress writing children's books.
The Monster at the End of This Book by Jon Stone ISBN: 037582913X
I thought this book was hilarious which just shows that this book could be used for any age group. It was about how the reader should not turn the next page because Grover was scared of a supposed monster at the end of the book. It was a very interactive book which would be very fun in a younger classroom or as an icebreaker in an older one. This would be perfect to read on the first day of school because many of us are terrified on the first day, then come to find it was for no reason. It could also be used in a creative writing class to write about the student's biggest fear.
Halloween by Jerry Seinfeld ISBN: 0316706256
This is another book I found myself laughing out loud at and I think would best be used in a middle school and up classroom. It would be great to teach students how to write with humor or even in an advanced art class. The illustrations were cartoon-like but very well done and could be used in a high school 2-D class. It was really fun and the perfect book to read around Halloween.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone excerpt by J.K. Rowling ISBN: 0439708184
The excerpt was about Harry receiving the invisibility cloak from his father. Many activities could be done with Harry Potter, and it would usually be used in an older classroom but this excerpt could be used for any. A creative writing lesson could be paired with this to see the best/strangest gift you have ever gotten.
Learning Experiences:
I learned a lot from just hanging out with the Special Education class. It was such an awesome experience and it broke my heart knowing that they are just teenagers like us and want to be treated as such but sometimes can't perform like we can. Going out "into the field" compared to just reading about it in a book takes it to a whole new level and I learned so much that day. I feel a lot more prepared for the next time we get to spend a day with them and even how to approach them in the hall. I think so many people, with all different types of barriers, are so misunderstood and after reading about them I feel much more informed.
Current Event:
http://bangordailynews.com/2012/10/11/news/midcoast/school-district-sending-entire-staff-to-technology-conference/
In Maine, 250 teachers were required to go to a seminar on learning technology. The district decided it would be beneficial for all teachers to go so that once they have been equipped with the technology, they know how to use it and how to better their classroom with it. It was said that many people complained about wanting new "things" like iPads and Macbooks but no one talked past buying all of this technology. It is expected to increase the use of technology in classrooms and the knowledge of how to among teachers.
Quote of the Week:
"Teaching is the profession that makes all other professions possible"
This is so true and teaching is completely overlooked. No one could have the degree or job they have now without the classes they took to know how to do it. Teaching is the most important profession and one that will always have jobs because every other profession stems from teaching. This is a great point that was made and it is sad how so many people devalue their education when really it is the foundation of their future.
Observations:
I've observed that a lot of the barriers we have been learning about aren't necessarily external. I've also realized that many of them are out of people's control and it is really sad often they occur. Even looking at one of the first "death, dying, and grief", I know so many people who have had to deal with this and I am only 17. Since I have read about these barriers and been learning about them I have also been more aware of classmates dealing with this and I feel much more sympathetic. It's crazy how much we learn in this class applies to everyday life and I definitely feel like I have grown as a person because of that.
Reflections:
I know it is really early but I am stressing out about where to go to college. I have narrowed it down to two that I am interested in but this is my whole future on the line and that is a scary thought. Another scary thought that I have been faced with lately is not living in my house/in my bed/with my sister/in my neighborhood/in Irmo. I am terrified. Obviously this is unavoidable but I am very comfortable with how my life is and enjoy my quiet/alone time....not exactly a dorm room characteristic. This is ridiculous but I think I am most stressed out about my future roommate. I cannot live with a crazy. I really would like to room with a friend but that is also iffy. I wonder if I can just pack my younger sister up and bring her with me? I am very high maintanence if you couldn't tell.
Monday, October 29, 2012
Monday, October 15, 2012
10/15 Blog
Read Alouds:
One by Kathryn Otoshi ISBN: 0972394648
This children's book was about bullying and how to overcome it. This would be great to use in a situation to diffuse bullying in a classroom or to encourage a student to stand up for themselves. This book also uses color and "hot" and "cold" colors which would be perfect in a art classroom when learning about colors.
Zoom Broom by Margie Palatini ISBN: 0786814675
This was a cute book about a witch and it goes along perfect with the theme of October and Halloween. This could be used in a language class of any age talking about onomatopoeia and repetition. It also includes several allusions to other kids' stories.
The Pout-Pout Fish in the Big-Big Dark by Deborah Diesen ISBN: 0374307989
This story is about Mr. Fish and his journey to find Ms. Clam's pearl. It is a really cute story about overcoming fears and it could be read in an elementary class who may still be afraid of the dark. Mr. Fish is afraid of the dark and thinks about swimming back but gets help from his friends to find the pearl and overcome his fear of the dark. A language class of older students could write a letter to someone who helped them overcome a fear in their life. This book could also be used in a science class learning about fish and marine life because of all of the different fish and illustrations in the book.
Learning Experiences:
We have continued our study on disabilities, but I definitely have learned the most from our Disability Day. Within the first few minutes I became so frustrated and wanted to quit, but some people have to deal with that all day long every day. The most difficult was probably writing my name with the Q-tip and maneuvering around a classroom in a wheelchair. Just going to the bathroom and back made my arms burn. Every exercise was extremely difficult and after experiencing them I have a much better understanding of what those with disabilities have to go through daily.
Current Event:
http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/speced/2012/09/high-tech_tools_developed_to_d.html?cmp=ENL-DD-NEWS2
A Child Study Lab has developed new technology capable of diagnosing autism by measuring how much or little someone keeps eye-contact. They have developed glasses that someone wears and whoever they are talking to becomes the subject of the research. It has proven very effective and I think it is a great scientific leap into diagnosing autism early. Diagnosing autism early is very important because that child can be adapted and put in the right environment before and incident happens.
Quote of the Week:
"There are two ways of meeting difficulties: you alter the difficulties or you alter the way you meet them." -Phyllis Bottome
This quote correlates with how disabilities are perceived. Having a student, a child, or having a disability yourself is a great difficulty but it is not something that can be changed. When I was trying to move the wheelchair around the room I was angry and frustrated, so I tried it out in the hall and omitted going to the bookcase because it looked too hard. People who have disabilities cannot just "alter" their difficulties, they must alter the way they meet their disabilities. I think the most friendly and upbeat people I have ever met are those with disabilities and it is not because of their conditions, it is because they have learned that there is nothing they can do to fix it so they alter their outlook on life.
Observations:
Last weekend my grandma fell and broke her ankle in 3 places. She had surgery and now has a cast but physically cannot move without the assistance of someone else. She has had to learn how to walk with crutches, a walker, and use a wheelchair to get around her house. As she was telling me about her frustrations with using these I could relate to some extent because I had just done disability day at school and got to use all 3 of these to walk. It was so ironic that everything happened the way it did and my grandma now has a disability, temporary, but a disability. All of her furniture is too close together which makes the wheelchair hard to use but she doesn't have enough upper body strength to use crutches. I feel like I can relate to her condition much better and even be more help to her because of everything I have been learning in TC.
Reflections:
Whoever said that Senior year is the easiest was lying. I am definitely stressed out with my make up work and somehow it seems that my teachers coordinate their tests/projects to be on the same days as each other. With all of that going on, I feel relieved and blessed to have finished my college applications...but in the back of my mind I am worried about not getting in. I know I am putting more on my plate than should be there and am hoping everything will slow down soon!
One by Kathryn Otoshi ISBN: 0972394648
This children's book was about bullying and how to overcome it. This would be great to use in a situation to diffuse bullying in a classroom or to encourage a student to stand up for themselves. This book also uses color and "hot" and "cold" colors which would be perfect in a art classroom when learning about colors.
Zoom Broom by Margie Palatini ISBN: 0786814675
This was a cute book about a witch and it goes along perfect with the theme of October and Halloween. This could be used in a language class of any age talking about onomatopoeia and repetition. It also includes several allusions to other kids' stories.
The Pout-Pout Fish in the Big-Big Dark by Deborah Diesen ISBN: 0374307989
This story is about Mr. Fish and his journey to find Ms. Clam's pearl. It is a really cute story about overcoming fears and it could be read in an elementary class who may still be afraid of the dark. Mr. Fish is afraid of the dark and thinks about swimming back but gets help from his friends to find the pearl and overcome his fear of the dark. A language class of older students could write a letter to someone who helped them overcome a fear in their life. This book could also be used in a science class learning about fish and marine life because of all of the different fish and illustrations in the book.
Learning Experiences:
We have continued our study on disabilities, but I definitely have learned the most from our Disability Day. Within the first few minutes I became so frustrated and wanted to quit, but some people have to deal with that all day long every day. The most difficult was probably writing my name with the Q-tip and maneuvering around a classroom in a wheelchair. Just going to the bathroom and back made my arms burn. Every exercise was extremely difficult and after experiencing them I have a much better understanding of what those with disabilities have to go through daily.
Current Event:
http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/speced/2012/09/high-tech_tools_developed_to_d.html?cmp=ENL-DD-NEWS2
A Child Study Lab has developed new technology capable of diagnosing autism by measuring how much or little someone keeps eye-contact. They have developed glasses that someone wears and whoever they are talking to becomes the subject of the research. It has proven very effective and I think it is a great scientific leap into diagnosing autism early. Diagnosing autism early is very important because that child can be adapted and put in the right environment before and incident happens.
Quote of the Week:
"There are two ways of meeting difficulties: you alter the difficulties or you alter the way you meet them." -Phyllis Bottome
This quote correlates with how disabilities are perceived. Having a student, a child, or having a disability yourself is a great difficulty but it is not something that can be changed. When I was trying to move the wheelchair around the room I was angry and frustrated, so I tried it out in the hall and omitted going to the bookcase because it looked too hard. People who have disabilities cannot just "alter" their difficulties, they must alter the way they meet their disabilities. I think the most friendly and upbeat people I have ever met are those with disabilities and it is not because of their conditions, it is because they have learned that there is nothing they can do to fix it so they alter their outlook on life.
Observations:
Last weekend my grandma fell and broke her ankle in 3 places. She had surgery and now has a cast but physically cannot move without the assistance of someone else. She has had to learn how to walk with crutches, a walker, and use a wheelchair to get around her house. As she was telling me about her frustrations with using these I could relate to some extent because I had just done disability day at school and got to use all 3 of these to walk. It was so ironic that everything happened the way it did and my grandma now has a disability, temporary, but a disability. All of her furniture is too close together which makes the wheelchair hard to use but she doesn't have enough upper body strength to use crutches. I feel like I can relate to her condition much better and even be more help to her because of everything I have been learning in TC.
Reflections:
Whoever said that Senior year is the easiest was lying. I am definitely stressed out with my make up work and somehow it seems that my teachers coordinate their tests/projects to be on the same days as each other. With all of that going on, I feel relieved and blessed to have finished my college applications...but in the back of my mind I am worried about not getting in. I know I am putting more on my plate than should be there and am hoping everything will slow down soon!
Monday, October 1, 2012
10/1 Blog
Read Alouds:
The Dot by Peter H. Reyonds ISBN: 0763619612
Vashti thinks she cannot draw so when her teacher tells her to draw something, Vashti just makes a dot on her paper and hands it in. Her teacher makes Vashti feel validated by asking her to sign it and even hangs it up. This is a good lesson on encouragement and the role that teachers play in a student's life. It could have been very easy for the teacher to get frustrated with Vashti, but in return the teacher lets her know that she is a good artist. This encouragement is a huge self confidence boost for Vashti. This could also be used in an art class because not everyone is gifted in drawing but with inspiration and encouragement the horizons are broadened. It could also be a lesson on primary colors and mixing colors because Vashti makes many different colored dots.
A Visitor for Bear by Bonny Becker ISBN:0763628077
This story would be a great one to use with a lesson on friendship. Bear was happy being alone and even discouraged visitors, but Mouse came and showed Bear why it is important to have friends. Bear loves Mouse's company and doesn't want him to leave. After reading this book in an elementary class, the teacher could ask the students who has been a good friend to them and maybe do a craft about which one was the bear and which one was the mouse. It could also be used in a middle school or older class to talk about friendship and get everyone to write a letter thanking whoever was the "mouse" in their life. This would be used best with a character development lesson.
The Jester Has Lost His Jingle by David Saltzman ISBN:0964456303
This book is a little long so it could be taught in an older class, such as middle school. It would be good for a lesson on rhyme scheme or even in a social studies class. This book is about a jester that is banished from the court because he can no longer make people laugh. This could be read whenever a middle school social studies class is learning about the medieval times because court jesters were very common for entertainment. It could lead into a discussion about different careers people had back then and what would happen if they no longer pleased the court. This story also focuses on the person within because the jester has to help people find the laughter from inside themselves which could be used in a sociology class.
The Spider and the Fly by Tony Diterlizzi ISBN:0689852894
Since this book is a little spooky and has a fall/Halloween feel I think this book would be great to read around Halloween. It is a fun book but it also has an important lesson about safety which could be taught in an elementary class before trick-or-treating. The spider lured the fly in his house which is a good comparison and lesson of what not to do, especially on a night like Halloween. It would be perfect to read in a middle school class that is starting to learn about insects and predators/prey; the spider preyed on the fly because that is what spiders eat. It would be a fun way to introduce the topic!
Learning Experiences:
We've been learning about multiple intelligences, different learning techniques, and have started special education. The multiple intelligences and learning techniques have been extremely interesting to me mostly because I've never thought to classify people in that way. We have learned about left-brain sided people and right-brain sided people along with how teachers need to incorporate kinesthetic, visual, and auditory learning styles in the classroom. The checklists and inventories were the biggest learning experiences for me because I saw what behaviors fell into each category. We are still in the middle of learning about special education but my eyes have definitely been opened to their struggles. Reading the laws and regulations that had to be put in place just so life is a little more fair, and thinking about how difficult it must have been to have special needs before they were in place is just heart breaking. I was so frustrated trying to decipher A Wicket's Wad for five minutes, but being in school eight hours a day feeling like that is unimaginable. I feel like I have a little bit better understanding of what it feels like to be in special education after all that we have learned about.
Current Event:
http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120913/NEWS/209130378/-1/NEWS
In New Bedford there is a huge controversy in the school district about the new school lunch. They have been making new healthier options like humus and beans but they have also gotten rid of the less healthy alternatives. The schools are no long providing chocolate, strawberry, or coffee flavored milk and many kids are angry about it. Lunch prices have gone up but the portion sizes have gotten smaller and aren't what the kids want to eat. This movement was put in place to try and stop childhood obesity but many students and teachers are disagreeing with it. More kids are bringing their lunch to school because they are still hungry when they eat what the school provides and don't want to be told what to eat. The principal said that there will always be complaints about school lunches, but eventually they will die down.
Quote of the Week:
"If kids come to us from strong, healthy functioning families, it makes our job easier. If they do not come to us from strong, healthy, functioning families, it makes our job more important." -Barbara Colorose
I like this quote because it shows the importance of teachers and how much they affect students lives. It is saying: if their only job is to teach material/help a student grow as a learner, then their job is easy but if teachers also have to play the role as nurturer/provider, their job becomes even more important. The part that I love about this quote is that it is expected for the last phrase to say "harder" or something of that nature, but it shows how much teachers love their students by saying "more important". The reason most teachers get into teaching is because they love to be around kids and to help them succeed which is portrayed in this last sentence.
Observations:
This past week we had the opportunity to hear from Dr. Owings and Mrs. Longshore about their teaching careers which was awesome. I really loved seeing that side of each of them and also seeing what it takes to get to a career like theirs. Through those experiences, I saw how easily we changed the lesson plans for the day and just how flexible overall some of my teachers are with whatever is thrown at them. With that being said, I also have a few teachers that are very stuck to their calender and will not change for anything. This is not only frustrating but it also passes up some educational experiences for an agenda. I had to tell one of my teachers that I would be missing their class for my field trip to Newberry and they were really frustrated with me and almost rude. Going on a school field trip was not just an excuse to miss class and I was punished for it because I wouldn't get the handout with everyone else. Days later many of us had to miss for the pep rally and it was the same situation all over again. I think teachers should learn to take whatever is thrown at them because they cannot be guaranteed perfect attendance for every student, no fire alarms, and the copy machine always working. It also promotes a good classroom attitude if the teacher is the one who adapts easily and still gets all the material across.
Reflections:
I absolutely loved taking the multiple intelligences inventories in class! I have always known these things about myself but they have never been categorized to tell me what "type of learner" I am. I really enjoy all the hands-on learning we have been doing and how much we get to work together. Being a senior is a lot more stressful than I thought it would be, but very rewarding at the same time. For example, my parents surprised me with a new car on Friday! I am really embracing all of the responsibility put on me this year but still loving my parents encouraging me. I also have a new found appreciation for my mom because she was a pre-school teacher for years. Now I see how much work it all was and I am in awe. Teaching pre-school sounds easy but now that I look back at all of the books and crafts she came up with (very similar to our read-aloud discussions every day) I am definitely impressed.
The Dot by Peter H. Reyonds ISBN: 0763619612
Vashti thinks she cannot draw so when her teacher tells her to draw something, Vashti just makes a dot on her paper and hands it in. Her teacher makes Vashti feel validated by asking her to sign it and even hangs it up. This is a good lesson on encouragement and the role that teachers play in a student's life. It could have been very easy for the teacher to get frustrated with Vashti, but in return the teacher lets her know that she is a good artist. This encouragement is a huge self confidence boost for Vashti. This could also be used in an art class because not everyone is gifted in drawing but with inspiration and encouragement the horizons are broadened. It could also be a lesson on primary colors and mixing colors because Vashti makes many different colored dots.
A Visitor for Bear by Bonny Becker ISBN:0763628077
This story would be a great one to use with a lesson on friendship. Bear was happy being alone and even discouraged visitors, but Mouse came and showed Bear why it is important to have friends. Bear loves Mouse's company and doesn't want him to leave. After reading this book in an elementary class, the teacher could ask the students who has been a good friend to them and maybe do a craft about which one was the bear and which one was the mouse. It could also be used in a middle school or older class to talk about friendship and get everyone to write a letter thanking whoever was the "mouse" in their life. This would be used best with a character development lesson.
The Jester Has Lost His Jingle by David Saltzman ISBN:0964456303
This book is a little long so it could be taught in an older class, such as middle school. It would be good for a lesson on rhyme scheme or even in a social studies class. This book is about a jester that is banished from the court because he can no longer make people laugh. This could be read whenever a middle school social studies class is learning about the medieval times because court jesters were very common for entertainment. It could lead into a discussion about different careers people had back then and what would happen if they no longer pleased the court. This story also focuses on the person within because the jester has to help people find the laughter from inside themselves which could be used in a sociology class.
The Spider and the Fly by Tony Diterlizzi ISBN:0689852894
Since this book is a little spooky and has a fall/Halloween feel I think this book would be great to read around Halloween. It is a fun book but it also has an important lesson about safety which could be taught in an elementary class before trick-or-treating. The spider lured the fly in his house which is a good comparison and lesson of what not to do, especially on a night like Halloween. It would be perfect to read in a middle school class that is starting to learn about insects and predators/prey; the spider preyed on the fly because that is what spiders eat. It would be a fun way to introduce the topic!
Learning Experiences:
We've been learning about multiple intelligences, different learning techniques, and have started special education. The multiple intelligences and learning techniques have been extremely interesting to me mostly because I've never thought to classify people in that way. We have learned about left-brain sided people and right-brain sided people along with how teachers need to incorporate kinesthetic, visual, and auditory learning styles in the classroom. The checklists and inventories were the biggest learning experiences for me because I saw what behaviors fell into each category. We are still in the middle of learning about special education but my eyes have definitely been opened to their struggles. Reading the laws and regulations that had to be put in place just so life is a little more fair, and thinking about how difficult it must have been to have special needs before they were in place is just heart breaking. I was so frustrated trying to decipher A Wicket's Wad for five minutes, but being in school eight hours a day feeling like that is unimaginable. I feel like I have a little bit better understanding of what it feels like to be in special education after all that we have learned about.
Current Event:
http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120913/NEWS/209130378/-1/NEWS
In New Bedford there is a huge controversy in the school district about the new school lunch. They have been making new healthier options like humus and beans but they have also gotten rid of the less healthy alternatives. The schools are no long providing chocolate, strawberry, or coffee flavored milk and many kids are angry about it. Lunch prices have gone up but the portion sizes have gotten smaller and aren't what the kids want to eat. This movement was put in place to try and stop childhood obesity but many students and teachers are disagreeing with it. More kids are bringing their lunch to school because they are still hungry when they eat what the school provides and don't want to be told what to eat. The principal said that there will always be complaints about school lunches, but eventually they will die down.
Quote of the Week:
"If kids come to us from strong, healthy functioning families, it makes our job easier. If they do not come to us from strong, healthy, functioning families, it makes our job more important." -Barbara Colorose
I like this quote because it shows the importance of teachers and how much they affect students lives. It is saying: if their only job is to teach material/help a student grow as a learner, then their job is easy but if teachers also have to play the role as nurturer/provider, their job becomes even more important. The part that I love about this quote is that it is expected for the last phrase to say "harder" or something of that nature, but it shows how much teachers love their students by saying "more important". The reason most teachers get into teaching is because they love to be around kids and to help them succeed which is portrayed in this last sentence.
Observations:
This past week we had the opportunity to hear from Dr. Owings and Mrs. Longshore about their teaching careers which was awesome. I really loved seeing that side of each of them and also seeing what it takes to get to a career like theirs. Through those experiences, I saw how easily we changed the lesson plans for the day and just how flexible overall some of my teachers are with whatever is thrown at them. With that being said, I also have a few teachers that are very stuck to their calender and will not change for anything. This is not only frustrating but it also passes up some educational experiences for an agenda. I had to tell one of my teachers that I would be missing their class for my field trip to Newberry and they were really frustrated with me and almost rude. Going on a school field trip was not just an excuse to miss class and I was punished for it because I wouldn't get the handout with everyone else. Days later many of us had to miss for the pep rally and it was the same situation all over again. I think teachers should learn to take whatever is thrown at them because they cannot be guaranteed perfect attendance for every student, no fire alarms, and the copy machine always working. It also promotes a good classroom attitude if the teacher is the one who adapts easily and still gets all the material across.
Reflections:
I absolutely loved taking the multiple intelligences inventories in class! I have always known these things about myself but they have never been categorized to tell me what "type of learner" I am. I really enjoy all the hands-on learning we have been doing and how much we get to work together. Being a senior is a lot more stressful than I thought it would be, but very rewarding at the same time. For example, my parents surprised me with a new car on Friday! I am really embracing all of the responsibility put on me this year but still loving my parents encouraging me. I also have a new found appreciation for my mom because she was a pre-school teacher for years. Now I see how much work it all was and I am in awe. Teaching pre-school sounds easy but now that I look back at all of the books and crafts she came up with (very similar to our read-aloud discussions every day) I am definitely impressed.
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