Choice B) Tell me about any part of Principal Sylvia Allan's presentation that "struck a chord" in you, (either positively or negatively), and how you think it will affect you in your teaching.
You are right, she is amazing! There are so many aspects of her presentation that "struck a chord" with me. Something that I really liked that was very simple was how she would have her students raise their hand in a response to a question such as: "How many of you made your bed this morning?". Then the brilliant part was that she would have us/the students look around and see how many people had that response in common. She then encouraged them to talk about that at recess. I love the idea of celebrating commonalities in the classroom. Children want to feel loved and accepted. This idea helps them to feel loved, accepted and acknowledged. She allowed the students to have something constructive to talk about out on the playground so that they can build positive relationships.
She herself was striving to build positive relationships with the other teachers in the faculty room by having positive conversations. She is a very positive and building person.
Friday, May 13, 2011
Blog #3
Blog #3: With the reading you've done so far, about differentiation, can you see any differentiation I have organized for you in this course? Look at the assignments (listed on page 3 of the full syllabus and outlined on pages 7 - 11). Which one appears to you (not your friends, or study buddies, but to YOU) as if it may be the product and process differentiated for student interest? Briefly explain why you think so, and connect it to something you read in Ch. 1 of Fulfilling the Promise.
This class is full of opportunities to differentiate! I think a good example of this would be in the final project assignments. We get to make choices, which benefits all students, as to what assignment would most benefit us. This assignment meets the needs of each student and allows them to accomplish more as they find a topic of interest. Interest is one of the students traits that chapter one discusses.
Your syllabus is a good example of differentiation as it gives varied examples of what you expect of us. Students need to see many examples in order to fully comprehend something. Under the field assignments portion you have given two examples that can cater to different wants and needs. According to Chapter 1 in our book, giving choices is a positive way to differentiate.
Also, we get to complete a field assignment where we are able to analyze differentiation and apply it in our own lives. The book also discusses the importance of being varied in the way students complete assignments. In this class we are able to do some assignments in groups and some individually. The classroom community assignments gives us all the information and then allows the students to go at their own pace. They are able to complete the bulleted points as they need as long as the assignment is finished on the deadline.
This class is full of opportunities to differentiate! I think a good example of this would be in the final project assignments. We get to make choices, which benefits all students, as to what assignment would most benefit us. This assignment meets the needs of each student and allows them to accomplish more as they find a topic of interest. Interest is one of the students traits that chapter one discusses.
Your syllabus is a good example of differentiation as it gives varied examples of what you expect of us. Students need to see many examples in order to fully comprehend something. Under the field assignments portion you have given two examples that can cater to different wants and needs. According to Chapter 1 in our book, giving choices is a positive way to differentiate.
Also, we get to complete a field assignment where we are able to analyze differentiation and apply it in our own lives. The book also discusses the importance of being varied in the way students complete assignments. In this class we are able to do some assignments in groups and some individually. The classroom community assignments gives us all the information and then allows the students to go at their own pace. They are able to complete the bulleted points as they need as long as the assignment is finished on the deadline.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Blog #2 Morning Meetings
1. In the "morning meeting" readings you were exposed to several teachers who do morning meeting in their classrooms. Please find one of them, list his or her name, and explain what they do or believe about morning meeting.
Mr. Saunders was a good example of not giving up and finding new strategies to make things effective. When sharing began to get tedious and comments were getting short he started doing initial check-ins the day before. Some students he helps the to organize their thoughts, other he helps generate thoughts. The day of their sharing he does one last pep talk with the student. These strategies made his Morning Meetings more effective and engaging for the students.
2. In both part I of Differentiation in Practice and chapter 1 in Fulfilling the Promise, you find a short list of curricular elements that teachers can adjust and a short list of student traits or characteristics teachers can respond to. One of the books lists 4 of these, while the other lists only 3. What do you think changed in Tomlinson's thinking to add a 4th curricular element and a 4th trait to her original list?
The book adds a 4th curricular element which is 'Learning Environment'. In the article we read online it states that Mrs. Johnson understands that the learning environment may be the single most important make-or-break element in helping her students become the best they can be. The message we send in our classroom will alter students work and learning. If the class is unorganized and the teacher getting things done late then the students work will be done in the same way. I like how he likens it to weather, it definitely affects everyone and sets a mood each day. As students see the hard work and respect that the teacher has for her classroom, the students and their work they will take more pride in what they do. I have seen the impact that organization and the lack thereof have had on the students and their abilities.
The book also adds a 4th student trait which is affect. This element has to do with individual feelings. We are not just working with students to help them learn and grow in knowledge but we are also dealing with emotional and feeling beings. We need to be conscious of how our students feel in our classroom. They need to always feel comfortable and accepted. Students can come to class with emotional baggage that can shut down the learning process. When our students feel safe and accepted they want to try and don't feel worried about making mistakes. My students will know that making mistake while we try new things is a good thing and that we should never make fun of it. The feelings and students affect are essential to the learning process.
3. In the introduction to The First Six Weeks of School you read about the importance of establishing a friendly, predictable, and orderly classroom as a "prerequisite for children's academic achievement." Is "friendly" as important as "predictable" and "orderly"? Why or why not? (Please refer to ideas you find in the introduction to The First Six Weeks of School.
Students need to feel accepted and wanted in the classroom. A friendly classroom allows the tension of cease and the student to relax and enjoy the day. A classroom needs to be organized and orderly so that the curriculum can be taught. Predictability is so essential as well, especially for those students with disabilities who will be impacted by sudden change. We need to build a trust with out students so that materials and be used and independent work can be done in an organized manner. Students will then be able to explore and build on interested in their own way. Warmth and friendliness help the child feel loved while organization and predictability assure the child that their are limits and boundaries to help them feel safe.
Students should be introduced to the classroom and the school. Materials should be made familiar to them and expectation should be established so that class time can begin to flow.
The teachers that I remember most were the ones that loved me and created a friendly classroom where all students were accepted and given the attention they needed.
Mr. Saunders was a good example of not giving up and finding new strategies to make things effective. When sharing began to get tedious and comments were getting short he started doing initial check-ins the day before. Some students he helps the to organize their thoughts, other he helps generate thoughts. The day of their sharing he does one last pep talk with the student. These strategies made his Morning Meetings more effective and engaging for the students.
2. In both part I of Differentiation in Practice and chapter 1 in Fulfilling the Promise, you find a short list of curricular elements that teachers can adjust and a short list of student traits or characteristics teachers can respond to. One of the books lists 4 of these, while the other lists only 3. What do you think changed in Tomlinson's thinking to add a 4th curricular element and a 4th trait to her original list?
The book adds a 4th curricular element which is 'Learning Environment'. In the article we read online it states that Mrs. Johnson understands that the learning environment may be the single most important make-or-break element in helping her students become the best they can be. The message we send in our classroom will alter students work and learning. If the class is unorganized and the teacher getting things done late then the students work will be done in the same way. I like how he likens it to weather, it definitely affects everyone and sets a mood each day. As students see the hard work and respect that the teacher has for her classroom, the students and their work they will take more pride in what they do. I have seen the impact that organization and the lack thereof have had on the students and their abilities.
The book also adds a 4th student trait which is affect. This element has to do with individual feelings. We are not just working with students to help them learn and grow in knowledge but we are also dealing with emotional and feeling beings. We need to be conscious of how our students feel in our classroom. They need to always feel comfortable and accepted. Students can come to class with emotional baggage that can shut down the learning process. When our students feel safe and accepted they want to try and don't feel worried about making mistakes. My students will know that making mistake while we try new things is a good thing and that we should never make fun of it. The feelings and students affect are essential to the learning process.
3. In the introduction to The First Six Weeks of School you read about the importance of establishing a friendly, predictable, and orderly classroom as a "prerequisite for children's academic achievement." Is "friendly" as important as "predictable" and "orderly"? Why or why not? (Please refer to ideas you find in the introduction to The First Six Weeks of School.
Students need to feel accepted and wanted in the classroom. A friendly classroom allows the tension of cease and the student to relax and enjoy the day. A classroom needs to be organized and orderly so that the curriculum can be taught. Predictability is so essential as well, especially for those students with disabilities who will be impacted by sudden change. We need to build a trust with out students so that materials and be used and independent work can be done in an organized manner. Students will then be able to explore and build on interested in their own way. Warmth and friendliness help the child feel loved while organization and predictability assure the child that their are limits and boundaries to help them feel safe.
Students should be introduced to the classroom and the school. Materials should be made familiar to them and expectation should be established so that class time can begin to flow.
The teachers that I remember most were the ones that loved me and created a friendly classroom where all students were accepted and given the attention they needed.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Who I am! Blog #1
1. What grade (and in which school) will you be teaching?
I am teaching at Hidden Hollow in Eagle Mountain. I will be teaching 2nd grade, along with about 5 other teachers. It is a big school!
2. What is your favorite children's book?
I like fractured fairy tales. I love the book 'Waking beauty'. It was not around when I was young but I love reading it to nieces and nephews. As a little girl I loved the book 'Dance Tanya' (I think that is the correct title) I liked it because my older sisters was a beautiful dancer!
3. If you watch TV, what shows do you most enjoy?
Being newly married we cannot afford TV :) but we have recently watched 'The office' series and 'LOST'. I like wholesome shows that an entire family can watch like 'Home improvement'
4. What movie affected you enough that you'd be willing to see it again?
I love love Tangled. I enjoy talented singers and I think both of the main characters have amazing voices and the songs are positive and fun.
5. What are you really good at?
I am really good at being busy. I like to never stop. When I get super sick that is when I am reminded that I need to slow down. I am also good at getting straight A's :).
6. What is a talent you wish you had?
I am okay at the piano and play when I can but I wish that I could read music in a way that I could just sit down and play anything.
7. Tell me your background in sports and/or athletics.
I love sports. I have been playing since I can remember. I played soccer, softball, volleyball, basketball. All during high school my friends used to play Ultimate frisbee. I think we play every weekend during warmer months. In the summers we go water skiing and biking. I run sometimes but hate doing it.
8. Tell me your background in visual arts, dance & drama.
I am not the most creative/artistic person. I have been in dance since I was little and was on dance company in high school. I was the drama specialist in an after school program last year but only because they needed one not because I can act in any way. It was fun!
9. What is your musical background? (Lessons? Singing? Instrument? Read music? Enjoy listening to music? What kinds?)
I took piano lessons as a little girl for many years and complained to my mom about it everyday so eventually she allowed me to quit. I regret that now. I love to sing though! I was in a dance and singing group called spotlight sensations for about 6 years. We travelled around do shows and church firesides. I sang in choirs in Junior high and High school. I love good music. I enjoy hearing classical piano music as well as country music. I don't like heavy or obnoxious things. Just good positive tunes.
10. What would you be doing this summer, if you were not going to be an intern?
Besides biking and going on family vacations. I would be working my life away. Like I said before I stay too busy. I will still be working but only a little bit and my husband insists that I don't get another job so I can focus on this semester of classes. Just doing class work will help me to focus.
11. What would you like me to know about you that I haven't asked?
I love kids and have learned a lot this year from being a coordinator of an after school program in Provo. I know I will never be fully prepared to teach but it gave me a glimpse into what it will be like. I am excited for you class!
I am teaching at Hidden Hollow in Eagle Mountain. I will be teaching 2nd grade, along with about 5 other teachers. It is a big school!
2. What is your favorite children's book?
I like fractured fairy tales. I love the book 'Waking beauty'. It was not around when I was young but I love reading it to nieces and nephews. As a little girl I loved the book 'Dance Tanya' (I think that is the correct title) I liked it because my older sisters was a beautiful dancer!
3. If you watch TV, what shows do you most enjoy?
Being newly married we cannot afford TV :) but we have recently watched 'The office' series and 'LOST'. I like wholesome shows that an entire family can watch like 'Home improvement'
4. What movie affected you enough that you'd be willing to see it again?
I love love Tangled. I enjoy talented singers and I think both of the main characters have amazing voices and the songs are positive and fun.
5. What are you really good at?
I am really good at being busy. I like to never stop. When I get super sick that is when I am reminded that I need to slow down. I am also good at getting straight A's :).
6. What is a talent you wish you had?
I am okay at the piano and play when I can but I wish that I could read music in a way that I could just sit down and play anything.
7. Tell me your background in sports and/or athletics.
I love sports. I have been playing since I can remember. I played soccer, softball, volleyball, basketball. All during high school my friends used to play Ultimate frisbee. I think we play every weekend during warmer months. In the summers we go water skiing and biking. I run sometimes but hate doing it.
8. Tell me your background in visual arts, dance & drama.
I am not the most creative/artistic person. I have been in dance since I was little and was on dance company in high school. I was the drama specialist in an after school program last year but only because they needed one not because I can act in any way. It was fun!
9. What is your musical background? (Lessons? Singing? Instrument? Read music? Enjoy listening to music? What kinds?)
I took piano lessons as a little girl for many years and complained to my mom about it everyday so eventually she allowed me to quit. I regret that now. I love to sing though! I was in a dance and singing group called spotlight sensations for about 6 years. We travelled around do shows and church firesides. I sang in choirs in Junior high and High school. I love good music. I enjoy hearing classical piano music as well as country music. I don't like heavy or obnoxious things. Just good positive tunes.
10. What would you be doing this summer, if you were not going to be an intern?
Besides biking and going on family vacations. I would be working my life away. Like I said before I stay too busy. I will still be working but only a little bit and my husband insists that I don't get another job so I can focus on this semester of classes. Just doing class work will help me to focus.
11. What would you like me to know about you that I haven't asked?
I love kids and have learned a lot this year from being a coordinator of an after school program in Provo. I know I will never be fully prepared to teach but it gave me a glimpse into what it will be like. I am excited for you class!
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Tool of Choice
What?
We went over our final project, we are able to choose a flyer, newsletter or a brochure. We then get to design it for educational purposes.
So What?
Well first of all it is nice to know that there are so many options out there to be able to make all of these things. We talked about word perfect, google docs, and pages as just a few. There are many cool resources online that have already built cute templates for any of these projects. It is nice to know that the ordinary person can create professional looking flyers and brochures these days.
I have found that each time we talk about something new in class I am able to use it in my own life then. Just after viewing all the templates in class I made a flyer for volunteers for a kids summer activity. Our class gave me tons of wonderful ideas to make it look nice and professional so people will notice the flyer. These tools are for everyday using and this class has been very very helpful. Just google docs alone has helped me get through the semester smoothly.
Now what?
I can make flyers to send home with students for classroom and whole school activities. I have never created a new letter but it will be a great tool to keep parents updated on what is happening in the classroom and hopefully give them a desire to come and help out for themselves. Routines newsletters can also make sure that parents know dates and times for things that they need to be aware of.
I think almost any grade can do these activities themselves. Students can have a good time trying to promote something with a flyer. With all the tools these days even 1st graders can take part in them. I want to teach a range of age groups and it will be fun to experiment with each group so see just how user friendly all of these tools we learned about are. We can make brochures for a nearby company, we can make flyers if there is a lost dog in the area, and so much more. This has been a great class!
Video:
I grew up with Schoolhouse Rock and I love it. I still find that if someone starts singing one of the tunes that I can remember it and usually picture what was on the video. It did help me a lot with learning. Today I watched the noun one and I remember this one in particular. Now days the fonts are retro and the video itself is a little old school but it can still be a great tool for teaching children. The songs can be easily memorized which I know helped me on test when I was younger. I really liked this video this week.
We went over our final project, we are able to choose a flyer, newsletter or a brochure. We then get to design it for educational purposes.
So What?
Well first of all it is nice to know that there are so many options out there to be able to make all of these things. We talked about word perfect, google docs, and pages as just a few. There are many cool resources online that have already built cute templates for any of these projects. It is nice to know that the ordinary person can create professional looking flyers and brochures these days.
I have found that each time we talk about something new in class I am able to use it in my own life then. Just after viewing all the templates in class I made a flyer for volunteers for a kids summer activity. Our class gave me tons of wonderful ideas to make it look nice and professional so people will notice the flyer. These tools are for everyday using and this class has been very very helpful. Just google docs alone has helped me get through the semester smoothly.
Now what?
I can make flyers to send home with students for classroom and whole school activities. I have never created a new letter but it will be a great tool to keep parents updated on what is happening in the classroom and hopefully give them a desire to come and help out for themselves. Routines newsletters can also make sure that parents know dates and times for things that they need to be aware of.
I think almost any grade can do these activities themselves. Students can have a good time trying to promote something with a flyer. With all the tools these days even 1st graders can take part in them. I want to teach a range of age groups and it will be fun to experiment with each group so see just how user friendly all of these tools we learned about are. We can make brochures for a nearby company, we can make flyers if there is a lost dog in the area, and so much more. This has been a great class!
Video:
I grew up with Schoolhouse Rock and I love it. I still find that if someone starts singing one of the tunes that I can remember it and usually picture what was on the video. It did help me a lot with learning. Today I watched the noun one and I remember this one in particular. Now days the fonts are retro and the video itself is a little old school but it can still be a great tool for teaching children. The songs can be easily memorized which I know helped me on test when I was younger. I really liked this video this week.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Video blog
What?
We learned about finding educational videos and being able to save them to your computer with Zamzar. We also learned about the option of uploading them directly to Youtube so that everyone can have access to them.
So What?
I never even knew about teachertube before this class. What a helpful resource, I like that now we don't have to search through all the inconvenient stuff on youtube and can go directly to a positive source. The resources I found on both youtube and teachertube are impressive. I am surprise that people even at such a young age have such talent in creating videos both informational and for fun. I like that people are getting out there and doing active things, making movies and contributing to others.
We had a wonderful time recording our own video for students to help them to learn math concepts. It felt good to be doing something good for others. It was easy to post it on youtube for everyone to see. I never realize how much fun you could have doing an assignment. It doesn't need to be the same paper essay every time, we can change things up and be creative with the technology we have today.
Now what?
The thing that I like the most is that everyone can have access to these things. My students and their parents don't have to invest a lot of money to do videos or find videos or use the technology that we have learned about in class because most all of it is free. I will use teachertube a lot in my classroom. You can find a video or a picture or a presentation for just about anything these days that can enhance your teaching skills. In two years when I finally start teaching there will be even more resources.
I did a video for mine that was a silly song to learn the states and capitals. It is interactive and things like that will stay in a students mind. I remember learning a song when I was in elementary school about Utah and its counties. I still remember a lot of the song to this day. I think it would have only added to the fun and the memory of it if there was a video or silly character I had watched and sung along with. These videos can be used just for a good laugh for the students, an interactive to get them up and moving, or something that will inspire them to do great things themselves. It can be used in so many ways in the classroom.
Video Review:
I like the video. I can relate when they said that when their mom or dad have technology questions they come to the kids. We are growing up in a technological time that our parents knew nothing about. I agree with them that things will continue to change. I like idea of fingerprinting instead of credit cards so that there is no more identity theft. We do things every day to protect from identity theft and I think more and more will be done to protect us from that. How nice to have touch screens for our phones and Apple has even come out with an I-pad touch computer. The options are limitless and there will continue to be more. This was a good video by Motorola.
We learned about finding educational videos and being able to save them to your computer with Zamzar. We also learned about the option of uploading them directly to Youtube so that everyone can have access to them.
So What?
I never even knew about teachertube before this class. What a helpful resource, I like that now we don't have to search through all the inconvenient stuff on youtube and can go directly to a positive source. The resources I found on both youtube and teachertube are impressive. I am surprise that people even at such a young age have such talent in creating videos both informational and for fun. I like that people are getting out there and doing active things, making movies and contributing to others.
We had a wonderful time recording our own video for students to help them to learn math concepts. It felt good to be doing something good for others. It was easy to post it on youtube for everyone to see. I never realize how much fun you could have doing an assignment. It doesn't need to be the same paper essay every time, we can change things up and be creative with the technology we have today.
Now what?
The thing that I like the most is that everyone can have access to these things. My students and their parents don't have to invest a lot of money to do videos or find videos or use the technology that we have learned about in class because most all of it is free. I will use teachertube a lot in my classroom. You can find a video or a picture or a presentation for just about anything these days that can enhance your teaching skills. In two years when I finally start teaching there will be even more resources.
I did a video for mine that was a silly song to learn the states and capitals. It is interactive and things like that will stay in a students mind. I remember learning a song when I was in elementary school about Utah and its counties. I still remember a lot of the song to this day. I think it would have only added to the fun and the memory of it if there was a video or silly character I had watched and sung along with. These videos can be used just for a good laugh for the students, an interactive to get them up and moving, or something that will inspire them to do great things themselves. It can be used in so many ways in the classroom.
Video Review:
I like the video. I can relate when they said that when their mom or dad have technology questions they come to the kids. We are growing up in a technological time that our parents knew nothing about. I agree with them that things will continue to change. I like idea of fingerprinting instead of credit cards so that there is no more identity theft. We do things every day to protect from identity theft and I think more and more will be done to protect us from that. How nice to have touch screens for our phones and Apple has even come out with an I-pad touch computer. The options are limitless and there will continue to be more. This was a good video by Motorola.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Podcasts/Vidcasts
What?
This week we learned about Podcasts and Vidcasts and what the difference is and where they used. We talked about how both of these can be helpful in teaching.
So What?
I honestly didn't know the difference between a podcast and a vidcast. I like that we now have the technology that we can record sound, video or both together and send it all over the internet. We discussed how you can use the podcasts to listen to famous speeches or to discuss animals sounds and their differences.
Just the other day I was wanting to show a youtube video to the kids I work with at school and was not able to because youtube is blocked at that school. It was helpful when we learned about Zamzar that will help you to record and download what you want so you can use it freely. I have enjoyed that everything we are learning in this class is also so useful to me right now. I will now be able to find whatever podcasts and vidcasts that I need and be able to save them so I will always have them in the future.
Now What?
Now what I need to do is become more familiar with both podcast and vidcast. I need to understand my curriculum and begin finding things that will be helpful when I do start teaching. I will be able to allow them to listen to speeches, science and math explanations and all sorts of wonderful things. Even as I just type into google "podcast" it comes up with business, science, music, health, etc. There is so much information out there that can be accessed through podcasts.
Vidcasts can be better in lots of ways for all students because not only will they be able to hear instruction but they will see it also. We talked about doing quantum physics just on a podcast and how hard that would be to follow but if we are able to see the steps as well it makes it easier. Again by doing a google search I found vidcasts that teach how to quilt, show lab testing, show music videos and all sorts of interesting things. I will use both of these tools often in my classroom, if it just to set the mood, or for specific instruction it will be a helpful tool.
This week we learned about Podcasts and Vidcasts and what the difference is and where they used. We talked about how both of these can be helpful in teaching.
So What?
I honestly didn't know the difference between a podcast and a vidcast. I like that we now have the technology that we can record sound, video or both together and send it all over the internet. We discussed how you can use the podcasts to listen to famous speeches or to discuss animals sounds and their differences.
Just the other day I was wanting to show a youtube video to the kids I work with at school and was not able to because youtube is blocked at that school. It was helpful when we learned about Zamzar that will help you to record and download what you want so you can use it freely. I have enjoyed that everything we are learning in this class is also so useful to me right now. I will now be able to find whatever podcasts and vidcasts that I need and be able to save them so I will always have them in the future.
Now What?
Now what I need to do is become more familiar with both podcast and vidcast. I need to understand my curriculum and begin finding things that will be helpful when I do start teaching. I will be able to allow them to listen to speeches, science and math explanations and all sorts of wonderful things. Even as I just type into google "podcast" it comes up with business, science, music, health, etc. There is so much information out there that can be accessed through podcasts.
Vidcasts can be better in lots of ways for all students because not only will they be able to hear instruction but they will see it also. We talked about doing quantum physics just on a podcast and how hard that would be to follow but if we are able to see the steps as well it makes it easier. Again by doing a google search I found vidcasts that teach how to quilt, show lab testing, show music videos and all sorts of interesting things. I will use both of these tools often in my classroom, if it just to set the mood, or for specific instruction it will be a helpful tool.
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