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!