I really liked looking at all of lesson plans and ideas. I would love to use some of these lessons and ideas in my own classroom when I teach. The unit that I liked was "It's All a Matter of Chance." I feel that this makes math more fun for students, as well as relates it to them. With me teaching 6th grade, I feel that using these fun activities will really help my students. I liked the sample 5.1 and 5.2. Sample 5.1 really starts the students look at probability with questions that would relate to them and they get to decide if it is likely, unlikely, certain, or impossible. I think this is a great way to Pre-Assessment. With Sample 5.2 I like it because it is a Self- Assessment where the students get to rate their math skills. I feel that this will help me to get to know my students and their attitudes about math. I wish I had a teacher who took the time to do this.
I also really liked the "We Each Have a Role to Play." I think that with 6th graders this will be really fun, because they get to control their discussions and be the masters and teachers of their learning. Each student in a group has a role/part to play in the reading and they are able to discuss what they read. I have experienced this in Axel's class, and loved it. It made me want to read and because I had a job, I the student could control where the discussion went, which helped all of us to get on the same page.
I really enjoyed seeing all the ideas that are available to me, and that they are really getting to know the student, which is extremely important to me. I can't wait to use these in my class.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Fulfilling the Promise pp. 120-162
I really enjoyed this assignment to look at all the tools you can use. Looking through these ideas I can see which ones I would use in my class, and will help me be a differentiated teacher. I loved how you could use them with all grades or adapt them to the grade level you would teach. Teaching 6th grade this year, I see what I would like to use in my classroom to make subjects more fun. I really liked the "Learning Menus" pg 127, I think this is a great way to help students know what is expected of them on all different learning levels. That way early finishers can choose a dessert, and if students don't get to the dessert its okay. I also really liked the "Novel Think-Tac-Toe" pg 131. I think this is a great for 6th graders, because it is fun activities they get to choose with the novel they read. I like this so much better than just a regular book report. I also think that because they can choose what they want to do it makes them so they want to do the activities. Another idea I liked is the Learning Contracts pg. 149. I think this will help get the students to stay on task as well to create an organized environment for the class. I am a very organized person, so I think this will help me as a teacher. Overall, I have enjoyed looking at all of these ideas and I have tried to put them with lesson plans I am creating. I LOVE THIS BOOK. I can't wait to use what I have learned and use it in my class.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Chapter 7
I love this Chapter. This is my favorite chapter of this book, because it really sums up what a great teacher should be doing. I like how it brings in the taming of the fox and prince. In this chapter I really liked some of the points that it made.
* Effective teachers spend a great deal of time working and interacting directly with the students.
* Teachers' enthusiasm for learning and for their subject matter is an important factor in student motivation that, in turn, is closely linked with student achievement.
* Effective teachers set high expectations for themselves and their students with an orientation toward growth and improvement evident in the classroom.
* Effective teachers know and understand their students in terms of abilities, achievement, learning preferences, and needs.
These to me were amazing words about how to be an effective teacher. I really feel that I need to get to know my students real well, and let them get to know me. I know that if I take time to understand my students and their needs, as well as help them build skills my class will be amazing. I also feel that it is important to set the expectations high for all students, because each one gives something to the class, and no one should have low expectations for anyone. I know I am going to have enthusiasm about everything, even if it is something that is not my favorite. This helps students to be engaged as well as makes them excited. There are so many ideas I have for my classroom and what kind of a teacher I want to be, I just want to get out and teach now and use the tools I have. I really loved this chapter and I will refer to it as a motivator to get me through the hard times of teaching.
* Effective teachers spend a great deal of time working and interacting directly with the students.
* Teachers' enthusiasm for learning and for their subject matter is an important factor in student motivation that, in turn, is closely linked with student achievement.
* Effective teachers set high expectations for themselves and their students with an orientation toward growth and improvement evident in the classroom.
* Effective teachers know and understand their students in terms of abilities, achievement, learning preferences, and needs.
These to me were amazing words about how to be an effective teacher. I really feel that I need to get to know my students real well, and let them get to know me. I know that if I take time to understand my students and their needs, as well as help them build skills my class will be amazing. I also feel that it is important to set the expectations high for all students, because each one gives something to the class, and no one should have low expectations for anyone. I know I am going to have enthusiasm about everything, even if it is something that is not my favorite. This helps students to be engaged as well as makes them excited. There are so many ideas I have for my classroom and what kind of a teacher I want to be, I just want to get out and teach now and use the tools I have. I really loved this chapter and I will refer to it as a motivator to get me through the hard times of teaching.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Fulfilling the Promise Chapters 5 and 6
These chapters were really good! It is amazing how much I am learning and want to learn from this book. The chapters taught me how to relate the curriculum to everyday life. It is important to understand that if we apply the things we are teaching our students to their life, they will want to learn more. I also think that as teachers we should get to know every student on a individual basis, know their strenghths and weaknesses and help them grow and develope their skills. I understand that there is just going to be more and more to teach, "We teach in our classrooms like hamsters in a wheel." I think we feel that we need to go so fast to get everything in, that we don't take time to look around and see that our students are individuals. We must make the curriculem and instructioon engaging for students to want to learn. I am so scared that teachers are not going to go about this the right way, that I am going to make sure I am not that "hamster on a wheel" Children want to learn, but I think that teaching so fast is too much for them to handle, so they start to hate learning all together. In my classroom I am going to find the balence of getting all the material in and really getting to know my students. To me knowing my students and them knowing me is the most important thing.
"Because you matter, the teacher says to the student, and because learning matters to you, I will do my best." I love this quote, I think that students think that they must get A's on everything for a teacher to think that they matter, this is why I think that some students hate school, becuase they don't think they matter to anyone. It is important to make sure that my students know they don't have to get A's on everything or 100 percent to matter to me, because each one matters and is a special part of the class. Learning is a big important part of school, so if I have a good attitude and create a community in my class the students will know that I will teach them things that will be valuable to them. "Because I see your value, I will conect with you." These chapters along with this whole book have showed me what it means to be an amazing teacher. I want to connect with my students, I want to engage their minds, I want to teach them inportant lessons and I hope they teach me. I want to students to know I have a passion for teaching and for them. This book makes me feel like I can do this!
"Because you matter, the teacher says to the student, and because learning matters to you, I will do my best." I love this quote, I think that students think that they must get A's on everything for a teacher to think that they matter, this is why I think that some students hate school, becuase they don't think they matter to anyone. It is important to make sure that my students know they don't have to get A's on everything or 100 percent to matter to me, because each one matters and is a special part of the class. Learning is a big important part of school, so if I have a good attitude and create a community in my class the students will know that I will teach them things that will be valuable to them. "Because I see your value, I will conect with you." These chapters along with this whole book have showed me what it means to be an amazing teacher. I want to connect with my students, I want to engage their minds, I want to teach them inportant lessons and I hope they teach me. I want to students to know I have a passion for teaching and for them. This book makes me feel like I can do this!
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Letter to Jeramey
Dear Jeramey,
While having your letter read in my Differentiated Class, I was honestly touch by your story. I think that it is amazing that you are teaching High School in Mississippi. I truly think that would be a hard position to teach, but you are Brave! I think that it is important to know that you are the teacher that can leave footprints in the students hearts forever. While I know it is not that easy, I think you can accomplish it. As reflecting upon your letter, I have come across some ideas that will help you hopefully accomplish what you are looking for.
First, you need to let your students know that you "respect them and you also respect who they have become." This is important, especially for high school students they are already in a world that does not respect them, because they have the title "High School Students," but know that they have the respect from you will help them know that they in return can respect you. Also they have already become something, it is your job to know who they have become and help them grow from that. This will help establish a respect in your class to help you move to create a community.
Second, at this point they don't want to learn, because they don't find anything valuable to them. You as a teacher need to help them know that you do have important things to learn today and they are worthy things. When students realize that you are making time with important things and they are worthy they will start to want to learn, if the opportunity is there. However, you must create that opportunity for them. I know there are not many resources for you, but I am sure they have not had many all their lives if you make some resources available the students will understand their value and will want to make more of an effort.
Last, create a community and a support system with in your classroom. You may think that it may be too late, but it is not too late. These children need this support in order for them to learn and grow. By creating this support system you can create a community and allow them to share what they are thinking and well as you can share what you are thinking. In class we have been talking about Morning Meetings, now I know in high school it would be more difficult to have one of these, but you could make adaptions to your class. This I am finding out is creating that safe community and a place where students are sharing their feelings. It lets them know that you will show respect for people, their ideas, and their property. It would help create the opportunity to want to learn and be grow. Something like this may be just what you need.
I hope your class will get better for you, and that you can be the best teacher you would like to be. Just remember you are leaving footprints in those students hearts forever, Don't Give Up!! I know you can do it, because I can tell you are a special teachers because only teachers who care and are very special would be in the position you are. I hope what I have said will help you along your journey. Best of Luck, and hang in there it will come.
Love,
Erin Randolph
While having your letter read in my Differentiated Class, I was honestly touch by your story. I think that it is amazing that you are teaching High School in Mississippi. I truly think that would be a hard position to teach, but you are Brave! I think that it is important to know that you are the teacher that can leave footprints in the students hearts forever. While I know it is not that easy, I think you can accomplish it. As reflecting upon your letter, I have come across some ideas that will help you hopefully accomplish what you are looking for.
First, you need to let your students know that you "respect them and you also respect who they have become." This is important, especially for high school students they are already in a world that does not respect them, because they have the title "High School Students," but know that they have the respect from you will help them know that they in return can respect you. Also they have already become something, it is your job to know who they have become and help them grow from that. This will help establish a respect in your class to help you move to create a community.
Second, at this point they don't want to learn, because they don't find anything valuable to them. You as a teacher need to help them know that you do have important things to learn today and they are worthy things. When students realize that you are making time with important things and they are worthy they will start to want to learn, if the opportunity is there. However, you must create that opportunity for them. I know there are not many resources for you, but I am sure they have not had many all their lives if you make some resources available the students will understand their value and will want to make more of an effort.
Last, create a community and a support system with in your classroom. You may think that it may be too late, but it is not too late. These children need this support in order for them to learn and grow. By creating this support system you can create a community and allow them to share what they are thinking and well as you can share what you are thinking. In class we have been talking about Morning Meetings, now I know in high school it would be more difficult to have one of these, but you could make adaptions to your class. This I am finding out is creating that safe community and a place where students are sharing their feelings. It lets them know that you will show respect for people, their ideas, and their property. It would help create the opportunity to want to learn and be grow. Something like this may be just what you need.
I hope your class will get better for you, and that you can be the best teacher you would like to be. Just remember you are leaving footprints in those students hearts forever, Don't Give Up!! I know you can do it, because I can tell you are a special teachers because only teachers who care and are very special would be in the position you are. I hope what I have said will help you along your journey. Best of Luck, and hang in there it will come.
Love,
Erin Randolph
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Fulfilling the Promise pp.100-103, "File of Inventories"
Fulfilling the Promise
With this information I would use this in my differentiating classroom to see what the students intrests are. I would also see what the students think their strenghths and weeknesses are and try to develop their weeknesses are and turn them into strengths. Everyone has favorite things, and this would help me see what those are, to be a teacher that cares for my students. This would really help to get to know your students, where most of the time if this is not done I think you would be missing out on getting to know star students. I wish that a teacher took the time to do this for me in Elementary, I think it would have built a strong relationship with the teacher and me.
I personally think these inventories are really good, and I would use them. However, what I would do is give the "About You" invenetory and keep on file for me. And then I would make another "About You" inventory with quesitons such as, where were you born? What's your favorite vacation? etc... Then have the students find people in the class that have the same interest so they get to know other students and I get to know them more, and see what students relate to them. Which this will be good for me to create that safe environment and also if they are having a hard time, I know who can help me with the students and make them feel welcome, or let the student know they have a friend. These give me a great way to see what is a good seating chart and who is intersested in activities.
"File of Inventories/Pre-Assessments"
In my Student Teaching classroom I would use the smiley face one. Also I would use the writing sample because it lets the students has fun and are able to use their imaginagtion. This also lets me see their personality, which I feel is important to see that for each student. It lets me see their own personal writing style and what they need to work on in writing. I liked the Problem Solving Rubric because it gives me a chance to see what they need to work on and what concepts they are getting. I wish that was done for me as a student, because I have a really hard time with story problems and if a teacher did this I feel that I would have been better at them. So this a great way to help my students.
I think that for pre-assessment I would use the smiley face one. I would use this because I have used this before in field and the students reallly liked it. It does not look like an assessment so they have fun with it, and they don't really give you the answer they think the teacher is looking for. Even the upper grades think it is fun and easy so they are more willing to do it for you. Its a good way to see how they feel about subjects.
With this information I would use this in my differentiating classroom to see what the students intrests are. I would also see what the students think their strenghths and weeknesses are and try to develop their weeknesses are and turn them into strengths. Everyone has favorite things, and this would help me see what those are, to be a teacher that cares for my students. This would really help to get to know your students, where most of the time if this is not done I think you would be missing out on getting to know star students. I wish that a teacher took the time to do this for me in Elementary, I think it would have built a strong relationship with the teacher and me.
I personally think these inventories are really good, and I would use them. However, what I would do is give the "About You" invenetory and keep on file for me. And then I would make another "About You" inventory with quesitons such as, where were you born? What's your favorite vacation? etc... Then have the students find people in the class that have the same interest so they get to know other students and I get to know them more, and see what students relate to them. Which this will be good for me to create that safe environment and also if they are having a hard time, I know who can help me with the students and make them feel welcome, or let the student know they have a friend. These give me a great way to see what is a good seating chart and who is intersested in activities.
"File of Inventories/Pre-Assessments"
In my Student Teaching classroom I would use the smiley face one. Also I would use the writing sample because it lets the students has fun and are able to use their imaginagtion. This also lets me see their personality, which I feel is important to see that for each student. It lets me see their own personal writing style and what they need to work on in writing. I liked the Problem Solving Rubric because it gives me a chance to see what they need to work on and what concepts they are getting. I wish that was done for me as a student, because I have a really hard time with story problems and if a teacher did this I feel that I would have been better at them. So this a great way to help my students.
I think that for pre-assessment I would use the smiley face one. I would use this because I have used this before in field and the students reallly liked it. It does not look like an assessment so they have fun with it, and they don't really give you the answer they think the teacher is looking for. Even the upper grades think it is fun and easy so they are more willing to do it for you. Its a good way to see how they feel about subjects.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Fulfilling The Promise: Chapters 1 & 2
Chapter 1
In the beginning of this chapter I like the quote " The one-sized fits-all teacher may very well discover that the "size" of instruction he or she has selected fits almost no one" (pg 2). Growing up I felt that some of my own teachers felt that one-size should fit all, or there was something wrong with you. I had a hard time reading and some of my teachers thought that there was something wrong with me. I was just a slow reader and they couldn't understand why I could not read like the other students. When I was in third grade a teacher took time to see that my phonics needed improvement and took each letter and made flashcards for me and helped me visually see the words. She took time to see that "one size" does not fit all, and you must see how each child learns. Like it talks about in the chapter she saw my readiness and interest. Therefore, she was able to see the product that came about. While reading this chapter I could not stop thinking of that 3rd grade teacher who helped me to read and see that I was worth it.
At the end of the chapter I loves the story of the Little Prince and how fox needed to be tamed. With my third grade teacher, she showed that she believed in me, in order for me to believe in her that she could teach me. I see that how the three cogs work together to help in the classroom. I understand that what the students seek, the teacher needs to respond. My favorite quote from the cogs is, " The most effective teaching does not seek transmission of knowledge isolated from human need, but rather attempts to help young learners discover the power of knowledge to reveal, amplify, and develop the best that is in them" (pg 12). To me this shows that we as teachers really need to help our students to discover the power they have. We must believe in them to know that they will believe in us. In my classroom I hope to be able to help my students see that I believe in them, and will always remember my third grade teacher, and her example to me as how a differentiated classroom should work, and how to help my students.
Chapter 2
Chapter 2 at first taught me that we must have the connection with our students , it is so important to get that connection. "If a teacher connects learning to a child's emotions, she is more likely to learn than if what is being taught remains remote from her emotions" (pg 15). This shows me that if we connect to children's emotions and help them learn, anything is possible for their continuing learning. Also that "Connecting with each child is at the heart of differentiated teaching..." (pg 22) I liked this chapter, cause it breaks down what the student seeks from the "3 Cogs" with affirmation, contribution, power, purpose, and challenge. The one that I liked the most was Contribution, I think that is important for students that they are important, and their contribution is so important for the classroom. When I was in 6th grade I had a teacher that showed me I have a place in my classroom and I could contribute just as much as anyone else. She showed us that all of us have strengths that help with others weaknesses. She showed me my abilities that I can help others and they can help me. I think that it is critical that we so are students that they are the best contributors to the classroom, and their abilities can help everyone. My favorite quote from this chapter is "Teaching asks us to do the impossible, It asks us to establish ties with each child- not to establish ties with all the children as though they were one student. They are not." (pg 22) Throughout these chapters I have learned that all students are different and have different needs. I am starting to recognize what I want to start in my classroom, such as have a great environment in my classroom that helps students see their strengths, abilities, and uniqueness in order to obtain that student-teacher connection. This is what I hope to obtain in my teaching.
In the beginning of this chapter I like the quote " The one-sized fits-all teacher may very well discover that the "size" of instruction he or she has selected fits almost no one" (pg 2). Growing up I felt that some of my own teachers felt that one-size should fit all, or there was something wrong with you. I had a hard time reading and some of my teachers thought that there was something wrong with me. I was just a slow reader and they couldn't understand why I could not read like the other students. When I was in third grade a teacher took time to see that my phonics needed improvement and took each letter and made flashcards for me and helped me visually see the words. She took time to see that "one size" does not fit all, and you must see how each child learns. Like it talks about in the chapter she saw my readiness and interest. Therefore, she was able to see the product that came about. While reading this chapter I could not stop thinking of that 3rd grade teacher who helped me to read and see that I was worth it.
At the end of the chapter I loves the story of the Little Prince and how fox needed to be tamed. With my third grade teacher, she showed that she believed in me, in order for me to believe in her that she could teach me. I see that how the three cogs work together to help in the classroom. I understand that what the students seek, the teacher needs to respond. My favorite quote from the cogs is, " The most effective teaching does not seek transmission of knowledge isolated from human need, but rather attempts to help young learners discover the power of knowledge to reveal, amplify, and develop the best that is in them" (pg 12). To me this shows that we as teachers really need to help our students to discover the power they have. We must believe in them to know that they will believe in us. In my classroom I hope to be able to help my students see that I believe in them, and will always remember my third grade teacher, and her example to me as how a differentiated classroom should work, and how to help my students.
Chapter 2
Chapter 2 at first taught me that we must have the connection with our students , it is so important to get that connection. "If a teacher connects learning to a child's emotions, she is more likely to learn than if what is being taught remains remote from her emotions" (pg 15). This shows me that if we connect to children's emotions and help them learn, anything is possible for their continuing learning. Also that "Connecting with each child is at the heart of differentiated teaching..." (pg 22) I liked this chapter, cause it breaks down what the student seeks from the "3 Cogs" with affirmation, contribution, power, purpose, and challenge. The one that I liked the most was Contribution, I think that is important for students that they are important, and their contribution is so important for the classroom. When I was in 6th grade I had a teacher that showed me I have a place in my classroom and I could contribute just as much as anyone else. She showed us that all of us have strengths that help with others weaknesses. She showed me my abilities that I can help others and they can help me. I think that it is critical that we so are students that they are the best contributors to the classroom, and their abilities can help everyone. My favorite quote from this chapter is "Teaching asks us to do the impossible, It asks us to establish ties with each child- not to establish ties with all the children as though they were one student. They are not." (pg 22) Throughout these chapters I have learned that all students are different and have different needs. I am starting to recognize what I want to start in my classroom, such as have a great environment in my classroom that helps students see their strengths, abilities, and uniqueness in order to obtain that student-teacher connection. This is what I hope to obtain in my teaching.
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