Self Reflection

    In my head, I always pictured myself to be a Kindergarten teacher, but after one year of being in Ready, Set, Teach I knew that it wasn’t a fit for me. I knew I still wanted to be a teacher, but I wasn’t quite sure what I wanted to teach. This year, I experimented in two different level of math classes and think that I have found my calling.

   My first semester, I was in a middle school math class. There were rough days, the students never seemed to want to listen or do their work, but I learned strategies from my site teacher that made them want to work. Some ways that I learned to get students interacted are to have incentives (my site teacher had a contest with all her classes to see who get ready for class and through their warmup most efficiently), have Saturday school if they don’t do their work, and be in constant contact with parents. I realized that even though I liked this math class, I wasn’t too sure about the age group.       Middle school is an awkward stage for most students. It takes a special someone to teach that grade level, and I am not that someone.

    My second semester, I worked within a high school math class. This was more my speed. I enjoyed the level of math that was being taught as well as working with the students. The class that I specifically worked with this year was a freshman Algebra class. The students still struggled with doing their work, but they were more accountable than the middle schoolers. They also respected authority more which is easier to work with. My site teacher at the high school gave me a lot of useful information and built up my confidence when I taught the students. He even let me create a review and teach all his classes when he was absent one day. His belief in me showed me that I can actually BE a teacher.

     Over this past year, I have grown a lot in teaching and leadership skills thanks to my middle school site teacher. My largest and most important change is in my confidence. I grew as a person thanks to my high school site teacher. I went from a girl with no confidence to a woman who is ready to teach and lead a class. 

My Favorite Children's Book

As a child, I had trouble sitting down and reading a book, but there was one book series that always intrigued me to read, Junie B. Jones. Junie B. Jones is about the adventures of a spunky Kinder-gardener written by Barbara Park and illustrated by Denise Brunkus. This series was easy for me to read because the stories of Junie B. were always interesting and humorous.

This series follows the tale of Junie B. through her kindergarten experiences and then follows her through first grade. Every story entails a humorous plot of Junie growing up, from her rides on a stinky smelly bus or her mushy gushy valentine. There is a plot that every younger readers will enjoy. Though Junie's stubborn and defiant attitude might lower judgement of the book because she isn't a "good role model," her ways are always addressed by the end of each book.

Most new readers don't enjoy reading because they are not reading what interests them. Junie B. Jones is a great series that will teach kids to enjoy reading more. Barbara Parks did a wonderful job of creating a character that will never go unforgotten.

Learning Disabilities in the Classroom

Having learning disabilities (LDs) in the classroom is inevitable. There are always some sort of fashion of a LD in every class, whether it be ADD, visual processing order, or gofted and talented students. I think of one the biggest struggles that teachers face is involving all students and assuring that they get the education needed all at the same time.

In my site classroom, I can think of multiple students have an LD. I struggle with making sure that I reach information just to two of the students. I have one student that hasn't been diagnosed with anything yet, but I know for sure that he struggles learning the way other students learn. Getting him involved in a lesson or helping him understand is hard. I have worked with him throughout the semester and I've found that pairing him up with other students that are comprehending the lesson works well with him. He likes feeling like one of his peers and being with them. The other students help him with the work and see where he is struggling. Most students in there love him and are always encouraging him and trying to help in some way. Seeing this, I think it's extremely important to make all students interact with each other. The students are able to help other students that have LDs, and the students with LDs enjoy working with them.

As a teacher, it is hard to reach every child in the way they need to be reached. Having other students help makes it easier and you are able to make sure that everyone learns what is needed.

Creativity

I enjoyed watching Sir Ken Robinson's talk about creativity because he brought up really good points that about creativity in education that are often overlooked by educators. Creativity is the use of individuals' minds to imagine or express an original thought. Robinson stated that everyone is born with the ability to be creative, but if that is true, then why do we have so many adults that are "not creative?"

I think it is extremely important to dig in to children's creative side and continuously reach for that side. Our education system now focuses in on students being able to all perform the same way allowing little to no creative experiences. Children are so desperate to learn until we start telling them the way they have to learn. My brother, who was in Kindergarten at the time, has even said, "I don't like school and learning." This child has one of the biggest imagination I have ever seen a child posses. He draws picture that I can't at 17 years old. He calls himself a "master builder" when he talks about building with Legos. He loves learning, he just doesn't know that it is learning because of how school defines learning. My brother is already adopting a dislike for school at such a young age, and I can only see it decreasing. If schools would add in more creative freedom to their studies, then students might see learning differently and their thoughts about school would change.

Growing up, I was told by teachers that there were only certain ways to do things, and I definitely think this stunted my creative growth. I remember being in the 5th grade and struggling with a creativity project because of my experiences before which put constraint on my creative side. Even now, I would label myself one of those people that are 'not creative'. I have lost that part of me that creates original thoughts. I have to find other ways to express myself in art. I really think that this is a cause of me having to block out creativity at such a young age.

Teachers should focus on creativity just as much as testing or subject matter. They should give projects that allow students to express themselves. They shouldn't show an example of just one way to do an assignment. Allow creative freedom throughout the classroom. Teachers should let the students be able to express themselves.

Wanting to be a future math teacher, it is hard to think of ways to be creative in the classroom. In math, students are typically taught that there is only one way to solve problems. I would bring creativity by teaching many different ways to solve problems and even asking how the students would solve problems. I would find creative ways to memorize formulas or information that my students will have to know and have students join in. It will be a difficult task to bring creativity into my classroom, but I am determined to find ways because I don't want my students to ever feel like they have lost their creative side due to constraints on their creative freedom.

Essential 55 (part 2)

In the first set of the Essential 55 blog, I talked about rules 1-10 of Ron Clark's Essential 55. In this blog, I will discuss rules 11-20.

11. Surprise others by performing random acts of kindness:
I think that this is an important rule to establish in young children. People don't do things for others on a normal basis. Clark says, "Usually, if it isn't someone's birthday or a special occasion, people don't see a need to go out of their way to do something special for someone else." You can look around today and see that we live in a very selfish world. We are raised to fin for and only think about ourselves. This rule helps student's learn to think about other's and what would mean something to other people. 

12. When grading other student's papers, give only the correct grade:
In this rule, Clark talks about how if a student is grading a paper and gives the incorrect grade to another student, the amount differed will be taken form the grader's grade. He also discusses how there should only be X's on the paper, that way if he sees someone writing something more than an X that they are cheating. This rule makes sure that the students are honest.
Clark also discusses the fact that people don't like students grading other student's work, but how he goes about doing it. He does things such as giving quizzes over a topic, but leaving names off the papers. He then passes them out at random and has the students grade them. Then he only takes the scores as feedback. This way he gets the information that he needs without having to worry about student's privacy.

13. Follow along when we read together in class:
Reading together in class is a bore to most student's, but it's an important for their reading comprehension development. Clark has developed three simple strategies to keep student's on track.
1. "Read with force, energy, and expression."
This will keep student's into the reading and will help them read enthusiastically on their own.
2. "Select novels and readings that I think are enchanting, appealing, and full of intriguing characters."
Kids hardly ever seem to like reading, but they just may not be choosing books that will be able to capture a student and sucker him i to reading.
3."If I see a student's eyes not on the page...or if I call on a student to read and they don't know where we are, their name goes on the board." This keeps student's on track while reading.
I think these things are genius ways of making sure that student's stay on track with reading during the classroom and that they really work within the classroom.

14. Answer all written questions with a complete sentence:
I remember this rule from the moment I started school, and it still shocks me when high schoolers aren't able to write in complete sentences. Writing out complete sentences help comprehension and student's are able to pull their thoughts completely together. Clark says, "It helps them develop and organize their thoughts.." He also writes about how he co-teacher (who was over math and science) even used writing prompts in her classroom. As a future math teacher, I really liked this idea. I feel that if students are able to write out what the problem is asking and the steps taken to solve, then they completely understand the objective. I will definitely be using this idea in my future classroom.

15. Do not ask for a reward:
This is a hard idea, especially for kids, to grasp. In life, we see people getting stuff for doing something good and we just want the same in return. Clark states, "At work in the real world, rewards aren't always given to people for a job well done." This is something that everyone, including myself, needs to understand. I think learning this fact at a young age will help in the long run. We don't deserve a prize every time that we do something that we should already be doing, and we definitely shouldn't ask for a prize.

16. You must complete your homework every day:
This rule... I would not have been able to follow it. Heck, I'm even typing this blog 3 weeks later than I am supposed to be. This rule seems impossible, but I like the way Mr. Clark approaches it. He  creates a homework tally banner. The class keeps track of the days that all the students turn in the homework assigned on time. If this was used in my classroom, I sure as heck would be turning in my homework every single day. I would not want to be the one that makes the entire class lose the streak. This causes internal pressure as long as peer pressure. Though those things aren't seen as good things to have in a class room, this is used in a more positive way and I love this idea.

17. Subject transitions will be swift, quiet, and orderly:
People get so distracted now a days, they can't move from one thing to another without getting majorly distracted. Ron Clark says, "We could be so much more efficient if we could just stick to our goals, complete them, and then use the remaining time for our leisure activities." I personally am so guilty of this. I get sidetracked all the time. I feel like this habit could be kicked early on in life if we make younger students practice it.

18. Be as organized as possible:
Though I may not be good at time management, turning things in late and getting distracted easily, one thing that I for sure am is organized. If you ask me where something is, I will be immediately able to tell you where it is. Everything has a place and is in its place. Clark makes it a point to make sure that each of his students are as organized as possible because it will make life easier. He also says that we should model how we want our students to be organized, and that they will follow along. I think this is true because I learned my organization skills from watching my mom. One of the most important things a teacher can be is organized so that students will follow.

19. When homework is assigned, do not moan or complain:
Moaning and complaining when homework is assigned is second nature to most students. Clark makes a point that often time and energy is wasted complaining and putting off rather than just getting down and doing the job. I myself am guilty of doing this. To keep from the moaning and complaining, Mr. Clark says that there will be double the homework if anyone complains or moans. This reassures that there is no complaining.

20. When a substitute teacher is present, all class rules apply:
Many times students will see that there is a substitute and then throw all the rules out the window. They lie and want to slack off for the day and not live up to the teacher's standards. I really like a point that Clark makes when talking about this rule, he says, "I want them [his students] to be the type of individuals who will give a job 110 percent because they want to and not because they have to." Following the rules when a teacher isn't there shows the students' character. Learning to follow rules, even when the enforcer isn't present, will help the students become a more well rounded person in the real world.

The Essential 55

In class, I have started to read The Essential 55 by Ron Clark. These are 55 rules that Clark created and uses in the classroom. Some people might say that 55 rules is about 50 too many for a classroom, but Clark's reasoning behind each rule makes each rule count. For my next five blogs, I will be writing about what I am taking away from the book, what stuck out to me, and just my thoughts on the rules. Each blog will be about ten of the rules, so this blog will be about rules 1-10.


1. Responding to Adults:
 Clark goes over the importance of saying "Yes ma'am" or "No Sir" with his students. This is such a simple thing to do, but people rarely say it. Growing up in the south, I was raised to say those types of things because I was taught to respect people. Clark even says in his book, "It sets the tone for the type of respect I expect from my students." All the extra two words add is respect. Teaching kids to say "ma'am" and "sir" at a young age will take them a long way in life.

2. Making Eye Contact:
In my personal opinion, I think eye contact is so important! This is another way to show respect. When you make eye contact with someone while they are talking, it shows that they have your full attention. When you make eye contact with someone while you are talking, you will get your point across more clearly. As a teacher it is important to keep eye contact with your students. If you can see their eyes while you are teaching, you will be able to see if they are getting distracted/ day dreaming or actually paying attention in class.

3. Congratulating a Classmate:
Everyone loves being congratulated when they do something well, big or small. Clark even says,  "Anytime people are given praise and rewarded for their efforts they are going to do a better job." I definitely agree with this statement, when people know they are doing good, they keep trying just as hard to get that acknowledgement. Clark also includes that all applause should last at least three seconds at appropriate clap volume.

4. Respect other students' comments, opinions, and ideas:
We live in a world today that people shut people down so quickly and don't even listen to what they have to say. This in turn makes people belittle their thoughts and ideas. Those ideas could be the next greatest thing to sliced bread, but no one would know because they were raised in a world where ideas were dumb and pointless. Clark tries to make his students realize that each opinion matters. He  teaches his students to listen to what others have to say. This trains them for the future, and I personally think more people need this training.

5. If you win, do not brag; if you lose, do not show anger:
Mr. Clark makes a good point in this rule, he says, "If you are good at something others will recognize it. There is no need to tell others how talented you are, because by bragging about yourself, you are seen in a negative light, and people won't care about what skills you may have." Kids have a tendency to brag about the skills that they have, and then they are seen with a large ego. This rule helps teaches kids to be humble. It also teaches them to not be a sore loser and congratulate the winners.

6. If you are asked a question in conversation, ask a question in return:
This is a social skill that even some adults lack. When asked how you are, you should question them back. It is just the courteous thing to do. Clark says, "You are far more likable and respectful  when you are asking about the thoughts and opinions of others." Asking them back shows that you are interested in them and their thoughts.

7. Cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough and say excuse me:
To many people, this seems like such a common thing to do, but we have to be trained as kids. The best way to train them to do this is to make it a rule. Mr. Clark has a funny way of making them remember this rule. He tells them that there is an old superstition and it always makes them remember to cover, as well as say "God bless you."

8. Do not show disrespect with gestures:
By creating this rule, Clark saved time and energy. Instead of having to stop and tell students what they are doing wrong each time they tsk, roll their eyes, etc., he can just give a mark and the students automatically know what they did wrong.To practice this rule, he has the students role play. I think this is a genius way to have them practice. Sometimes students don't realize how often they are being disrespectful because it has just become second nature. Making the students realize that it isn't right, helps set them straight.

9. Always say thank you when you are given something:
This one once again seems like common sense, but people don't say thank you when given stuff. Clark really enforces this one with his students. In his book, he talks about how he has taken back things countless time because the students don't say thank you. The students think he's joking at first, but quickly realize that he is not. This makes the students more thankful (or at least seem like they are more thankful) for their stuff. I will definitely practice this in my future classroom.

10. When you receive something, do not insult the gift or the giver:
Children are always so blunt and honest, especially when it comes to getting gifts. They will immediately tell you if they like the gift or if they hate it. Teaching kids to be more appreciative about gifts is something that Clark is trying to instill in them.

Out of these first ten rules, you can see a common theme of seeming like common sense. Ron Clark is on a mission to help raise the next generation to be better than the last, and to complete that mission, he creates these rules. These set of rules will not only help them be successful in the classroom, but successful in life as well.

Learning Utopia

Everyone's learning style is completely different. Some people learn best in a "very structured, from the book" type class. Other people learn best in an "interactive and fun" type classroom. Will Richardson, an author in education, asked people to describe their ideal learning environment. Most people said a list of the same things, such as, 'safe environment,' 'fun,' 'real life application,' 'social,' 'positive environment,' etc. When we look at classrooms today, we aren't able to see many of these characteristics. Instead we see attributes that didn't make it on the list, for example, 'teacher controlled,' 'standardized assessments,' 'sitting in rows,' 'emphasis on grades,' etc. We as teachers and future teachers have to try and step away from the typical learning environment and create a learning utopia for our students. In order to do that, I believe that we have to picture our own ideal learning environment, and we must try to make it a reality.

My dream classroom to learn in would be set up in groups or a type of place with couches or cushions to sit on, not one with desks all individually placed a row. I would feel more comfortable and willing to learn. I think a classroom should still have some type of time restraints, but not 45 minutes. Classes should be at least 75 minutes, if not longer. Classes should be able to go into depth in each lesson and still have time for the teacher to answer and questions the students might have. I don't think that any class period should be any longer than two hours because some students get restless. I also currently learn best in what would be a fun, interactive classroom that is mentored by a teacher who is passionate about that certain area or can at least create passion for that topic.

 When I say "a fun, interactive classroom," I don't mean a class that is social hour. A fun class for me means not sitting a taking notes over a lesson. Fun is making an interactive game out of a lesson that already seems uninteresting. I want a classroom to be interactive. I want to be able to participate and work with other students to collaborate ideas.

The single most important factor of my learning utopia is passion. The teacher MUST be passionate about what he/she is teaching. I gain my motivation on whether or not the teacher cares about what he/she is teaching. I personally take the spark of passion that they give and turn it into a flame of passion for myself. If a student sees that the teacher does not care about a subject, the student begin to question if he/she even needs to care about it for themselves. This is when students begin to learn things just for tests and not for life.

I plan on turning my ideal learning environment and creating it for my future students. I want my future students to not have the 'typical' classroom. I want them to be comfortable, have fun, and gain a passion for learning.