Today was my final day at my practicum...I have completed my 30 hours.
I have enjoyed the teacher and fell in love with all the kiddo's so, I have decided to extend my time in their classroom :) I am just not ready to say goodbye. I have truly learned so many things over the last few months. It has been really exciting to see the things I have learned through my NAU program being applied in a real classroom. I finally feel like I am being exposed to what teaching is all about. I started my bachelor's degree with no real knowledge of what went into running a classroom but I am finally started to get it. I have gained so much from this experience. Building a relationship with several of the students makes it all so clear as to why I wanted to teach in the first place. I love children!!! I was invited to their holiday party in a couple weeks and I am really looking forward to attending!
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Monday, November 22, 2010
A Poem
(Poetry)
Reading and writing is so fun,
You can do it anytime, even out in the sun!
Books take you to a magical place,
Sure to leave a smile on your face.
Writing skills may not come easy,
But you can always write something cheesy!
Reading and writing is a must,
You don't wanna be left in the dust!
Reading and writing is so fun,
You can do it anytime, even out in the sun!
Books take you to a magical place,
Sure to leave a smile on your face.
Writing skills may not come easy,
But you can always write something cheesy!
Reading and writing is a must,
You don't wanna be left in the dust!
Something to Ponder
(Technical)
After watching a video in class, about children teaching children, it raised a good question...are teachers really needed? The video suggested that children can learn a new skill or information on their own, without an adult guiding them, and turn around and teach it to someone else. Wow. What a statement. After watching this video I didn't know what to say or think. But I did know, that I did NOT agree with this idea. I challenge you to really think about this idea. Are teachers really needed in todays society? Do children learn better from one another rather than an adult figure? Are we now in a world of Google and that's all we need? How do you learn best? How do you think children learn best?
After watching a video in class, about children teaching children, it raised a good question...are teachers really needed? The video suggested that children can learn a new skill or information on their own, without an adult guiding them, and turn around and teach it to someone else. Wow. What a statement. After watching this video I didn't know what to say or think. But I did know, that I did NOT agree with this idea. I challenge you to really think about this idea. Are teachers really needed in todays society? Do children learn better from one another rather than an adult figure? Are we now in a world of Google and that's all we need? How do you learn best? How do you think children learn best?
Bringing in Books
(Expository)
Creating a classroom library is a wonderful way to encourage students to pick up a book and explore. It's as easy as 1, 2, 3...
First, pick out a quite and comfortable place in the classroom that students can get cozy and read. The more comfortable the space, the longer they will want to stay. Instead of stiff chairs, try bean bags. Kids will love this. Bookshelves (holding the books) can be used as a great divider to separate the "library" from the rest of the room. Next, some sort of organization system is a must. The area should be organized, welcoming, and appealing to the students. Books should be placed within the students reach. They should not have to come find their teacher every time they want to read. The books also need to be sorted in some way. Whether it be by author, type, level, etc. Students should be able to easily find what they want ad quickly. Too much effort to find he book they want may discourage them to altogether. Lastly, you can CHEAPLY sort the books. It does not have to be expensive to be "workable". Cardboard boxes, milk crates, old shoe boxes, plastic baskets, etc. are just a few ideas/ways to sort the various books. The teacher can decorate the boxes (Or students!) to make them more attractive and appealing. Creating a classroom library can be fun and easy with the right ideas!
Creating a classroom library is a wonderful way to encourage students to pick up a book and explore. It's as easy as 1, 2, 3...
First, pick out a quite and comfortable place in the classroom that students can get cozy and read. The more comfortable the space, the longer they will want to stay. Instead of stiff chairs, try bean bags. Kids will love this. Bookshelves (holding the books) can be used as a great divider to separate the "library" from the rest of the room. Next, some sort of organization system is a must. The area should be organized, welcoming, and appealing to the students. Books should be placed within the students reach. They should not have to come find their teacher every time they want to read. The books also need to be sorted in some way. Whether it be by author, type, level, etc. Students should be able to easily find what they want ad quickly. Too much effort to find he book they want may discourage them to altogether. Lastly, you can CHEAPLY sort the books. It does not have to be expensive to be "workable". Cardboard boxes, milk crates, old shoe boxes, plastic baskets, etc. are just a few ideas/ways to sort the various books. The teacher can decorate the boxes (Or students!) to make them more attractive and appealing. Creating a classroom library can be fun and easy with the right ideas!
Learning in Life
(Persuasive)
Children spend so many hours a day at school that learning is the LAST thing they seem to want to do when they get home. But we have to change this! In order to do so though, teachers and parents need to join together and ensure that the students are continuing their learning once they leave he classroom. But, how can we do this? Teachers need to reach out and build a relationship with each students parents/care takers. This can be done in so many ways. A simple way to reach ALL is to have a classroom blog or website. With the use of technology, teachers can reach every family with a quick click of the mouse. These can be used to write letters sharing what you did in class, offering suggestions of how to continue activities at home, or share things that are coming up soon.
Another way to reach out is through journals sent home. Each student can bring a notebook to and from school each day that their parent and teacher will write in to one another to communicate. This way include students struggles of the day along with their accomplishments. Again, teachers can write down ways for students to continue working at home. This is vital! Children need to see that learning does not only happen at school or apply in the classroom. Knowledge learned before the final bell rings should be carried out into the "real world". For example, if students are learning how to read, parents should start to expose or point out all the things they can read in their personal life. Whether is be a stop sign, street name, food labels, or a book...show children what they learn in school are needed outside of school. This can only be done with the parents help. Teachers need to expose various ways/activities to parents to continue learning at home.
Children spend so many hours a day at school that learning is the LAST thing they seem to want to do when they get home. But we have to change this! In order to do so though, teachers and parents need to join together and ensure that the students are continuing their learning once they leave he classroom. But, how can we do this? Teachers need to reach out and build a relationship with each students parents/care takers. This can be done in so many ways. A simple way to reach ALL is to have a classroom blog or website. With the use of technology, teachers can reach every family with a quick click of the mouse. These can be used to write letters sharing what you did in class, offering suggestions of how to continue activities at home, or share things that are coming up soon.
Another way to reach out is through journals sent home. Each student can bring a notebook to and from school each day that their parent and teacher will write in to one another to communicate. This way include students struggles of the day along with their accomplishments. Again, teachers can write down ways for students to continue working at home. This is vital! Children need to see that learning does not only happen at school or apply in the classroom. Knowledge learned before the final bell rings should be carried out into the "real world". For example, if students are learning how to read, parents should start to expose or point out all the things they can read in their personal life. Whether is be a stop sign, street name, food labels, or a book...show children what they learn in school are needed outside of school. This can only be done with the parents help. Teachers need to expose various ways/activities to parents to continue learning at home.
Building a Bond
(Narrative)
This semester I was really hoping to build a bond with the students in my practicum class. I wanted to get to know each individual rather then the class as a whole. I am so happy that I have been able to share the past 3 months with these first graders! What little personalities each one has. I started to really feel welcomed when I walked in one morning and heard several kiddos say "Yay! Ms. Mollie's here!!". What a great feeling. Needless to say, this made waking up at 6:30 am seem not as bad :) After only 2 or 3 weeks, I feel like the children were starting to warm to me. They started asking me for help (rather then their usual classroom aid), wanting to read aloud to me during book browse, and sharing parts of their personal life with me. I was truly touched by this. My very first day in their classroom, their teacher said to me, "you have to earn their trust before you can get anywhere". So, it was really important to me to do so. I would try each day to talk about something non-school related with a couple of kids. I hoped this would show I care, I am here for them, and that I like them. Whether it be asking what their being for Halloween, complimenting their shoes, or pointing out something we have in common. I knew I was getting somewhere with the students when they were asked what their thankful for this Thanksgiving and several responded with, "Ms. Mollie". It doesn't get much better than that! :)
This semester I was really hoping to build a bond with the students in my practicum class. I wanted to get to know each individual rather then the class as a whole. I am so happy that I have been able to share the past 3 months with these first graders! What little personalities each one has. I started to really feel welcomed when I walked in one morning and heard several kiddos say "Yay! Ms. Mollie's here!!". What a great feeling. Needless to say, this made waking up at 6:30 am seem not as bad :) After only 2 or 3 weeks, I feel like the children were starting to warm to me. They started asking me for help (rather then their usual classroom aid), wanting to read aloud to me during book browse, and sharing parts of their personal life with me. I was truly touched by this. My very first day in their classroom, their teacher said to me, "you have to earn their trust before you can get anywhere". So, it was really important to me to do so. I would try each day to talk about something non-school related with a couple of kids. I hoped this would show I care, I am here for them, and that I like them. Whether it be asking what their being for Halloween, complimenting their shoes, or pointing out something we have in common. I knew I was getting somewhere with the students when they were asked what their thankful for this Thanksgiving and several responded with, "Ms. Mollie". It doesn't get much better than that! :)
Print Rich Environment
(Descriptive)
I would describe my practicum classroom as a very print rich environment! There is literally literacy everywhere. The moment you walk in the door, you are thrown into a world of books, signs, student writings, and so much more. The classroom is very child centered with everything being at child eye level or within the children's reach. The white boards and smart board are hung at a lower level so it is more eye level for the students. Everyday their teacher writes out their schedule on the board and reads it to them. Another section of the white board is dedicated to hanging up student's writing for all to see and read. All the centers are labeled with rules printed next to them. Rules include what students are expected to do at the center and when they are allowed to use center. The teacher also has each students name printed on their desk, on the rug (for circle time), and along the wall. There are also books everywhere in the classroom in bins. The books are neatly organized into various bins and can easily be obtained by the students. The teacher also as a calendar on the wall which they read each and everyday. This includes reading the month, day of the week, and the days weather. I think the classroom is set up in a very "kid friendly" way and completely supports literacy. No matter where you look in the classroom, your eyes will be drawn to something to read!
I would describe my practicum classroom as a very print rich environment! There is literally literacy everywhere. The moment you walk in the door, you are thrown into a world of books, signs, student writings, and so much more. The classroom is very child centered with everything being at child eye level or within the children's reach. The white boards and smart board are hung at a lower level so it is more eye level for the students. Everyday their teacher writes out their schedule on the board and reads it to them. Another section of the white board is dedicated to hanging up student's writing for all to see and read. All the centers are labeled with rules printed next to them. Rules include what students are expected to do at the center and when they are allowed to use center. The teacher also has each students name printed on their desk, on the rug (for circle time), and along the wall. There are also books everywhere in the classroom in bins. The books are neatly organized into various bins and can easily be obtained by the students. The teacher also as a calendar on the wall which they read each and everyday. This includes reading the month, day of the week, and the days weather. I think the classroom is set up in a very "kid friendly" way and completely supports literacy. No matter where you look in the classroom, your eyes will be drawn to something to read!
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