Blogging

Wow, I'm sitting here thinking about the very first day, when Dr. Langholz told us we had to write blogs about our experiences throughout the semester. At first, I was somewhat frustrated, because I am in no way, shape or form a technology whiz. Soon after I started posting blogs, I found that it was a great way to relieve my thoughts and reactions to what I was experiencing from the class. In other words, I was warming up to the idea about personal blogs. I think that I have learned a lot about myself and what I think through my reflections posted on my blog. I think that blogs are not only a great way to communicate with others your view and what you are learning, but it also builds strength and stimulation from what you are reflecting about. It makes you think about each experience individually and more in depth. 

Chalk

I am really glad that Dr. Langholz and Dr. Knick had us watch "Chalk." I have heard many different opinions and perspectives on it, but overall I enjoyed viewing it. I think I liked it so much, because of it's unique underlying parallel to actual classrooms. Of course, Chalk was a very dramatic and fictional production, some aspects of it reminded me of actual situations and experiences that I have encountered myself or have heard of. My parents are both teachers, so I have grown up around the classroom my entire life. I have heard many of the ins and outs of what goes on and I go in and observe whenever I can. Thanks for letting us view Chalk!

50% of teachers quit within the first 3 years of teaching...

WHAT A STAGGERING STATISTIC! I couldn't believe it! 

As far a Chalk goes, I think it is a very hilarious way to express different aspects of teaching. I mean, I understand that it's very sarcastic and kind of overdone (maybe?) but it does bring up some things that do happen everyday in schools! 

New Teacher's Perspectives

I sincerely appreciate the three new(er) teachers who came in to talk with us in our lecture on Monday night. It is so very nice to hear what new teachers have to say in preparing to be an educator. Bridget, Laura and Jason were teachers of three different aspects of school. Jason is a vocal music director, Laura is a special education teacher, and Bridget is a middle school math teacher. I loved hearing each side of these individuals and how certain things such as No Child Left Behind, directly effect them. When asked a questions, all three teachers responded with honest and real answers. What I got most out of the lecture was that:
1. I need to keep up my enthusiasm and energy because it effects those around me, including my students and colleagues.
2. I need to create and maintain strong communication and support from my colleagues.
3. I need to take teaching one step at a time and figure out which way works best for me. As beginning teachers, sometimes it will be hard to get colleagues to try my ideas on something, because they are so used to doing it in a certain way. I also need to gain new insight from every experience that I have.
4. Continue to be a lifelong learner! This one stuck out to me the most because it is so true! There is no possible way for one person to learn EVERYTHING there is to know about teaching. I need to keep my mind open to new things and try out my ideas.

This lecture has been my favorite by far. I think it was my favorite because I can relate to these new(er) teachers. They have experienced first hand what it is like and the obstacles in which they had to overcome to be on their way to become expert teachers!

Thanks!

Useful Educational Websites!

The following are links to educational websites to help with a variety of teaching and student needs! Check them out!



We are an online spelling program that makes practicing for spelling tests fun!

Resources for Math Teachers

Teaching ideas and resources for Elementary teachers.

An amusement park of math and more... designed for fun! Math lessons, math games, math practice, math fun!

The Internet's #1 Education Site for K-8 Kids and Teachers!

Learn to Read at Starfall - Teaching comprehension and phonics.

Monday, Oct. 27

I began to see the light as to what goes on "behind the classroom." At Monday night's lecture, I was given very important information about a district's school board and the happenings within the board. Mona and David's input was really helpful in starting to figure our each role of a school district. It is unbelievable how many people it takes to complete a successful school. Each role whether is be a teacher, an administrator or even someone on the school board is important in the development of a successful schooling community.

Administration Point of View

Okay, this post is a little late, but better late than never..

I thought Monday's lecture with the two local administrators was very meaningful. Nothing is better than getting important information right from the source. I very much appreciated the fact that they both were very straigh-forward in their answers. Many times, people like to beat around the bush about answers and point of views that aren't so rosy, but I liked hearing solid, straitforward answers and evidence. I thought their advice was legit, and that it will help future educators like us when we go in for our interviews. Thank you!

Teachers are Like Mirrors

I love this video. I saw it last year and it has stuck with me ever since, it's such an inspirational video!

High Stakes Community School

I absolutely LOVED class tonight. It was very engaging and everyone was able to be involved. I think it's a great method of teaching other than the traditional lecture. I wish, however, we had more time to discuss and debate the parts to the proposed comprehensive plan for increasing student achievement. I feel that as future educators, this learning style helps us prepare for the "real" teaching world by stating our opinions and trying to back then up with sensible evidence. Thanks for a great class!

The Miniature Earth

My mom just sent me this video clip called "The Miniature Earth." It's only about 3 minutes long, so take a look. It's amazing what you'll see!!! 

I believe this video clip has an impact on us as future educators. Even though it doesn't directly involve teaching, it opens our eyes to all of the aspects to what will make up our classrooms someday. It's very interesting. 

http://www.miniature-earth.com/me_english.htm

LIS Lecture

Although the information in the lecture was relevant to what we need to know as not only future educators, but students as well, I thought it was too much information given in a one hour class. I thought the speaker was very prepared and engaging, but I couldn't keep up!

I am very fond of the new LIS webpage and its navigational ease. I have to admit it, it was actually kind of fun to go to the webpage and experiment with all of it's features.

Writers in Conversation

Last night, I attended a lecture called, "Writers in Conversation." The two speakers, Amy Weldon and Rachel Faldet, presented pieces of their own work. I'm not going to lie, I was not at all interested in going to this lecture, but by the end I was glad that I went. Amy spoke first and read a couple chapters from a novel she has been working on. Her writing style is very descriptive and I was able to imagine exactly what she was saying. I'm not sure if this is a book I would necessarily pick up for a leisure read, but I was intrigued by the  way Amy presented her text. I appreciated that she was able to share with us her personal novel in progress. Rachel presented next, and she read some of her non-fiction writings. Her first excerpt was from a childhood camping excursion. Her sense of humor was very dry and straightforward.  It was funny to listen to. Her second excerpt was another personal work that explained in detail about her dead sister-in-law's purse. I have to say, it was nothing like I expected it to be, but her writing style made we want to listen and know more about it! I really appreciate these two women's willingness to share their personal stories! Thank you!

Monday

So I'm going to be honest, I'm not really a fan of all of this "online" stuff. I'm a first-time blogger and so far I'm not having the best time navigating around and figuring things out. However, I am keeping an open mind about the possibilities of online learning and taking advantage of our advanced technology.

I think what we learned in class on Monday night was so helpful. Since there are so many changes and alterations in the curriculum and requirements, it's nice to know there are sources I can go to to make sure I remain on track for my major.

Chalk and Wire
I think that online portfolios are a good idea. I would, however, like to have a hard copy portfolio in addition to the e-portfolio. It makes me feel better if I have the actual hard copy in my hands, just incase something were to happen to the e-portfolio.

Lions for Lambs

Overall, I really enjoyed this movie. I liked how all of the aspects of the movie were woven together. I thought the professor in this movie portrayed a "good" teacher. I did because he instilled in Todd a sense of urgency to see what he could become. The professor didn't tell Todd what he should or shouldn't be doing, he only helped guide him and give him new prospectives on his life. At the end of the movie, it could be seen that Todd was very intrigued by what his professor had been talking to him about. The professor wasn't giving him answers, he was only raising awareness about the happenings in the world and in Todd's life.

Welcome!

Welcome to my blog!