Mechel said, "Both interest and readiness groups are necessary to meet the needs of all students. By giving students the opportunities to take responsibility for his own learning can create a sense of accomplishment and increase understanding for the worth of education. Excellent teachers are often more of a cheering section for students than head coach. Although both roles are essential in the development of students, the cheering section is what the child most often remembers."
This is so powerful! I didn't think of learning in this way. It is so true, the sense of accomplishment can be so powerful and we, as teachers, should do all we can to allow our students to feel accomplished and increase our students understanding of the worth of education.
Brittiney talked about this quote on her blog, " I can't give myself to this place, to this work, to you until I believe in you. I can't believe in you until I know you believe in me".
This quote is so incredible! It is so important that we create a classroom that is a safe haven, a place where our students feel safe and learn to trust. I think that this will turn into a famous quote while I'm a teacher. So awesome! Love it!
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Monday, March 7, 2011
Blog #7
Part 2: Why? Explain this, and give me an idea of a concept or topic you are familiar with, and what it might look like to teach it with this strategy.
It is hard to pick just one strategy that I will use in my classroom. I think these are all great ideas and I love how they all involve the students making choices. Although I picture myself using all these strategies I think that the one I will use the most is graphic organizers. I love how many different choices there are and how much I can adapt to the individuals.
Oh topic that I think I will use the graphic organizers for is characters in books. I love this whole idea I think it is adorable and is a great way to help the students remember the different characters in books.
It is hard to pick just one strategy that I will use in my classroom. I think these are all great ideas and I love how they all involve the students making choices. Although I picture myself using all these strategies I think that the one I will use the most is graphic organizers. I love how many different choices there are and how much I can adapt to the individuals.
Oh topic that I think I will use the graphic organizers for is characters in books. I love this whole idea I think it is adorable and is a great way to help the students remember the different characters in books.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Blog #6
I am a strong believer in always differientating. There are so many reasons to differentiate. I feel that as some situations may be differentiating for students interest the same activities can be differentiating for student's readiness. Every student needs something different and as teachers we need to make sure we anaylze what our students need and run with it. Not differentiating is because selfish. differentiating is not something that is difficult but can be something that you have to think outside the box about. I feel that differentiation can be a tool for many different categories of teaching and readiness and interest are two of the important ones that go hand in hand.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Blog #5
Classroom Routines
Remember clear and predictable classrom routines are probably the different between productivity and chaos for classrooms where teachers attempt to address variations among learners.
Develop a high degree of successful autonomy
Set out to deal proactively with students as individuals, we must be more adept at helping students help themselves
Become skilled at building routines that take us out of the business of pulling puppet strings on a moment-by-moment basis in the classroom
Use Visual Cues-students need help to remember where to put work, steps to follow, how to record completed work, there they are in the day, etc. They also need a reminder to speak soft
Designate several group formations at the outset of units rather than stopping to form groups.
Use goal cards-have students write their goals or stps they will follow for the activity on index cards and keep them on their desk as a reminder and helps teacehrs to see what the students goals are
Teach for smooth transitions-have a process for cleaning up. Remember to recap and analyze, along with having a discussion leading to tomorrow's lesson
Remember clear and predictable classrom routines are probably the different between productivity and chaos for classrooms where teachers attempt to address variations among learners.
Develop a high degree of successful autonomy
Set out to deal proactively with students as individuals, we must be more adept at helping students help themselves
Become skilled at building routines that take us out of the business of pulling puppet strings on a moment-by-moment basis in the classroom
Use Visual Cues-students need help to remember where to put work, steps to follow, how to record completed work, there they are in the day, etc. They also need a reminder to speak soft
Designate several group formations at the outset of units rather than stopping to form groups.
Use goal cards-have students write their goals or stps they will follow for the activity on index cards and keep them on their desk as a reminder and helps teacehrs to see what the students goals are
Teach for smooth transitions-have a process for cleaning up. Remember to recap and analyze, along with having a discussion leading to tomorrow's lesson
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Blog #4
A-1) Based on Principal Allan's presentation on Wednesday, what are your current thoughts about morning meetings and their potential to build a caring, trusting community in a classroom? What are you thinking in terms of trying morning meeting, yourself, when you are a teacher?
After listening to Principal Allan's presentation I'm more "hooked" on morning meetings than I've ever been! I believed that they were an amazing thing but after listening to things first hand I realized that this truly is a magical thing that will build caring, trusting communities years after years. Thinking about my classroom morning meetings makes me wonder how it will really work because I want to teach the younger grades. I wish she would have hit on doing morning meetings with younger kids instead of just focusing on her experience while in fifth grade. Although I'm still going to try it and will just have to experiment just like Principal Allan did when she started morning meetings.
B-1) In chapter 3, Tomlinson discusses five specific ways in which a teacher can respond to students' needs for affirmation, contribution, power, purpose, and challenge. What are those five ways (list them briefly, from pages 27-35)? Explain what really speaks to you about Tomlinson's discussion of these specific responses.
Invitation
It is important that the teacher gives each student an invitation into her class. Invitations much be given as the learner first comes into our classrooms and must continue through the rest of our time with the students.
opportunity
It is teacher's responsibility to give students opportunities to learn and grow. We need to plan and teach so that students can reach as high as possible while with us.
investment
Invested teachers are what we all should be striving to be. An invested teacher is someone who carea and is dedicated to the learning and growing of their students. These are the teachers that stick out like a sore thumb because of their enthusiasm and success as a teacher.
persistence
A persistence takes place when teachers have a smooth rolling day in which they believe anything is possible and press on with continually growing and helping their students grow. Persistent teachers are continually being original, thinking outside the box, and doing everything in their power to help their students succeed. Learning is never over in their head.
reflection
We need to make sure we are continually using the magic of reflection. Each lesson we present, each moment we speak to a child, each conversation with other adults (parents and coworkers) should have to reflected on and should be helping us, as teachers, become to best we can become.
After listening to Principal Allan's presentation I'm more "hooked" on morning meetings than I've ever been! I believed that they were an amazing thing but after listening to things first hand I realized that this truly is a magical thing that will build caring, trusting communities years after years. Thinking about my classroom morning meetings makes me wonder how it will really work because I want to teach the younger grades. I wish she would have hit on doing morning meetings with younger kids instead of just focusing on her experience while in fifth grade. Although I'm still going to try it and will just have to experiment just like Principal Allan did when she started morning meetings.
B-1) In chapter 3, Tomlinson discusses five specific ways in which a teacher can respond to students' needs for affirmation, contribution, power, purpose, and challenge. What are those five ways (list them briefly, from pages 27-35)? Explain what really speaks to you about Tomlinson's discussion of these specific responses.
Invitation
It is important that the teacher gives each student an invitation into her class. Invitations much be given as the learner first comes into our classrooms and must continue through the rest of our time with the students.
opportunity
It is teacher's responsibility to give students opportunities to learn and grow. We need to plan and teach so that students can reach as high as possible while with us.
investment
Invested teachers are what we all should be striving to be. An invested teacher is someone who carea and is dedicated to the learning and growing of their students. These are the teachers that stick out like a sore thumb because of their enthusiasm and success as a teacher.
persistence
A persistence takes place when teachers have a smooth rolling day in which they believe anything is possible and press on with continually growing and helping their students grow. Persistent teachers are continually being original, thinking outside the box, and doing everything in their power to help their students succeed. Learning is never over in their head.
reflection
We need to make sure we are continually using the magic of reflection. Each lesson we present, each moment we speak to a child, each conversation with other adults (parents and coworkers) should have to reflected on and should be helping us, as teachers, become to best we can become.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Blog #3
I love Attitudes & Interests! This is a great way to get to know your students and see what you can use to help them most in developing a love for learning!I also want to use Vertebrates. Vertebrates, I feel, is a great way to see how much our students understand about a topic. I like how this is an activity that is friendly to all ages as well. With a few adjustments any student could use this and have it be on their level. Finally, I like the "picture of art pallet". This is a great way to have the students get a turn to share what they think and feel.
There are so many reasons why I like these three Inventory Ideas. I feel that they can help me differentiate my students because it will force me to see what my students like and what they prefer. You see their interest, readiness, and what I need to do for my studnets. There are so many ways to differentiate which may make it seem easy but I know it won't be an easy task to always "see inside my students heads". I need to do all I can to know where each of my students stand and these inventories are the perfect way to do that.
There are so many reasons why I like these three Inventory Ideas. I feel that they can help me differentiate my students because it will force me to see what my students like and what they prefer. You see their interest, readiness, and what I need to do for my studnets. There are so many ways to differentiate which may make it seem easy but I know it won't be an easy task to always "see inside my students heads". I need to do all I can to know where each of my students stand and these inventories are the perfect way to do that.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Blog #2
Last Paragraph of page 22:
"Connecting with each child is at the heart of differentiated teaching, because this approach to teaching does nto accept learners as interchangeable parts."
I love this because sometimes I get in the mind set that I can just pull out a lesson plan and use it on any group of children. That is not the case. I honestly feel that in order to be a good teacher and a successful teacher we must connect with our students. If we are not connected with our students they will not get much out of our teaching. Our students should not have to be flexible the teacher is the one that should be flexible.
"Connecting with each child is at the heart of differentiated teaching, because this approach to teaching does nto accept learners as interchangeable parts."
I love this because sometimes I get in the mind set that I can just pull out a lesson plan and use it on any group of children. That is not the case. I honestly feel that in order to be a good teacher and a successful teacher we must connect with our students. If we are not connected with our students they will not get much out of our teaching. Our students should not have to be flexible the teacher is the one that should be flexible.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Blog #1
1. What are your favorite things to do when you aren't in school or doing homework?
I have many things I love doing. I have always been one that doesn't do well with doing "nothing" I have always had to stay busy every minutes of my day. that bothers some people but it makes me happy. When I was in 4th grade my teacher did an afterschool sewing class and I participated. I loved sewing. Although once the class ended my time spend sewing ended. I have recently picked this hobby back up and am reteaching myself how to sew. During Thanksgiving break I pulled my sewing machine out, dusted it off, and got busy. This, right now, is my favorite thing to do when I'm not at school or work. I also love to cook! I love so many things but most of all being with my family and friends brings me more joy than anything!
2. When have you been really proud of yourself? Please explain why you felt that way.
There have been many times in my life when I have made myself proud. I feel like I have accomplished many things and have been very successful in my life. The first thing that comes to my mind when reading this question is when I became VP of National Junior Honors Society at my Jr. High. I always wanted to be an SBO officer and this was the only time that I came close to this "dream" I was so proud of myself that I had finally one an election of some kind!
3. What are you really good at in school? How do you know?
In school, I am really good at getting my work done. By looking at my test scores people could assume that I am "stupid" but I just am not a test taker. I try very hard to keep good grades and study hard hoping that one day I can get an A on a test. I know I am a good student and I went all through JR. High and High School without a missing assignment, which is how I know I'm good at completing assignsments, although I just can't figure out how to do well on a test.
4. What background, talent, skill and interest do you have in each of these:
a) music
Growing up I played the piano from when I was in kindergarten until the summer after ninth grade. I also was in my JR. High Band and played the flute all three years there. I love music and wish I wouldn't have stopped. I was very talented.
b) visual arts
I am not an artist. Although I have always loved taking pictures. I am so glad that you don't have to be good at something to love it because I love my camera but have very little talent in taking pictures.
c) dance
I LOVE dance! I danced starting from a young age until I was diagnosed with "bad feet". I was born with foot problems and the older I get the worse my feet get. I loved dancing and would have stuck to it forever but in seventh grade my feet slowed me down and my ballet shoes were retired.
d) theater
I love going to broadway! I wish that I lived in New York so that I could go to the theater every night! I have no desire to participate on the stage acting but I love watching the performances of others.
5. What is hard for you? What makes it hard?
It is hard for me to not be perfect. I am very hard on myself and have been diagnosed with a severe case of anxiety. It is hard for me to not be hard on myself. For some reason I believe that I can and should be perfect. Many people say that I am normal, everyone wants to be perfect but there are nights that I cry myself to sleep because I am not perfect.
6. What is your favorite children's book, and why is it your favorite?
I love children's books! This is a hard question for me. For some reason my favorite book as a child was "Hop on Pop" and I would have to say it always will be. I've always had a special connection with my dad and this book was a book my dad always read to me. Anything that reminds me of my dad I love because he is my biggest role model and I love that relationship we share.
7. What is your favorite TV show, when you can spare the time to watch?
I love Biggest Loser. This is a great show that changes people's lives for the better. I make sure to leave my Tuesday nights open so that I can watch this show each week. I love seeing these people go from because "down in the dumps" to so happy!
8. What movie could you watch again and again?
I can watch Blindside over and over again. There are not many movies out there that are clean and are just an all around good story with someone doing something nice for someone else. This is a great show and I think we should all try to be more like Sandra Bullock is in this movie.
9. What are some things you really care about?
I really care about my family, friends, my car, my education, my job, my hair, and my swimsuit.
10. What will set you apart as a teacher?
My personality will set me apart as a teacher. I have so much energy and can't wait to take it into my classroom. I will be the kind of teacher that will have just as hard of a time watching my students do worksheets and students have doing them! I think education should be more than just paper pencil. My class will always be up and moving!
11. What else should I know about you as a person and a student that could help me be a better teacher? What would you like me to know about you that I haven't asked about?
I have a very serious surgery over Christmas break and have a long recovery ahead of me. I have a large tumor in my jaw and had to have it cleaned out and I was given new bone in more than half my jaw. This recovery results in me being very tired and sometimes I have a hard time focusing.
I love school but have a hard time sitting quiet for 2 hours. It would help if we did a lot of small group discussions or activities so that I can have a chance to talk for a little while during class. "Lectures" are hard on me.
I have many things I love doing. I have always been one that doesn't do well with doing "nothing" I have always had to stay busy every minutes of my day. that bothers some people but it makes me happy. When I was in 4th grade my teacher did an afterschool sewing class and I participated. I loved sewing. Although once the class ended my time spend sewing ended. I have recently picked this hobby back up and am reteaching myself how to sew. During Thanksgiving break I pulled my sewing machine out, dusted it off, and got busy. This, right now, is my favorite thing to do when I'm not at school or work. I also love to cook! I love so many things but most of all being with my family and friends brings me more joy than anything!
2. When have you been really proud of yourself? Please explain why you felt that way.
There have been many times in my life when I have made myself proud. I feel like I have accomplished many things and have been very successful in my life. The first thing that comes to my mind when reading this question is when I became VP of National Junior Honors Society at my Jr. High. I always wanted to be an SBO officer and this was the only time that I came close to this "dream" I was so proud of myself that I had finally one an election of some kind!
3. What are you really good at in school? How do you know?
In school, I am really good at getting my work done. By looking at my test scores people could assume that I am "stupid" but I just am not a test taker. I try very hard to keep good grades and study hard hoping that one day I can get an A on a test. I know I am a good student and I went all through JR. High and High School without a missing assignment, which is how I know I'm good at completing assignsments, although I just can't figure out how to do well on a test.
4. What background, talent, skill and interest do you have in each of these:
a) music
Growing up I played the piano from when I was in kindergarten until the summer after ninth grade. I also was in my JR. High Band and played the flute all three years there. I love music and wish I wouldn't have stopped. I was very talented.
b) visual arts
I am not an artist. Although I have always loved taking pictures. I am so glad that you don't have to be good at something to love it because I love my camera but have very little talent in taking pictures.
c) dance
I LOVE dance! I danced starting from a young age until I was diagnosed with "bad feet". I was born with foot problems and the older I get the worse my feet get. I loved dancing and would have stuck to it forever but in seventh grade my feet slowed me down and my ballet shoes were retired.
d) theater
I love going to broadway! I wish that I lived in New York so that I could go to the theater every night! I have no desire to participate on the stage acting but I love watching the performances of others.
5. What is hard for you? What makes it hard?
It is hard for me to not be perfect. I am very hard on myself and have been diagnosed with a severe case of anxiety. It is hard for me to not be hard on myself. For some reason I believe that I can and should be perfect. Many people say that I am normal, everyone wants to be perfect but there are nights that I cry myself to sleep because I am not perfect.
6. What is your favorite children's book, and why is it your favorite?
I love children's books! This is a hard question for me. For some reason my favorite book as a child was "Hop on Pop" and I would have to say it always will be. I've always had a special connection with my dad and this book was a book my dad always read to me. Anything that reminds me of my dad I love because he is my biggest role model and I love that relationship we share.
7. What is your favorite TV show, when you can spare the time to watch?
I love Biggest Loser. This is a great show that changes people's lives for the better. I make sure to leave my Tuesday nights open so that I can watch this show each week. I love seeing these people go from because "down in the dumps" to so happy!
8. What movie could you watch again and again?
I can watch Blindside over and over again. There are not many movies out there that are clean and are just an all around good story with someone doing something nice for someone else. This is a great show and I think we should all try to be more like Sandra Bullock is in this movie.
9. What are some things you really care about?
I really care about my family, friends, my car, my education, my job, my hair, and my swimsuit.
10. What will set you apart as a teacher?
My personality will set me apart as a teacher. I have so much energy and can't wait to take it into my classroom. I will be the kind of teacher that will have just as hard of a time watching my students do worksheets and students have doing them! I think education should be more than just paper pencil. My class will always be up and moving!
11. What else should I know about you as a person and a student that could help me be a better teacher? What would you like me to know about you that I haven't asked about?
I have a very serious surgery over Christmas break and have a long recovery ahead of me. I have a large tumor in my jaw and had to have it cleaned out and I was given new bone in more than half my jaw. This recovery results in me being very tired and sometimes I have a hard time focusing.
I love school but have a hard time sitting quiet for 2 hours. It would help if we did a lot of small group discussions or activities so that I can have a chance to talk for a little while during class. "Lectures" are hard on me.
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