Celebrating the Holiday Season with Diversity

      

                                                                                            

 

                                

The United States is rich with diversity. Look at diversity through the eyes of educators.  The observance of the holiday by various cultures and populations can become very complicated when it comes to the classroom. Knowledge of the holidays and how they are celebrated can enhance the classroom and inclusion efforts.  How would you as a teacher handle the holiday season.  We are to treat each student equally. Since this is my favorite time of the year I would want to give my students something.  I would probably allow time and days for my students to share how they celebrate the holiday season. This activity will allow student to learn about various culture and about families who are less fortunate, and no one will feel left out.

 http://bit.ly/194kHjX

 

 

 

 

                   

           

Behavior In The Classroom

A few weeks ago I gave a presentation in my ECDC class on Guiding Children’s Behavior and Creating a Classroom Community.  Emphases was placed on modifying behavior.  You probably heard a teacher using an old approach, Mary, you aren’t paying attention or Brian, remember to raise your hand. Today we resolve to learn something new rather than fall back on what other teachers have said.  Once we find out what works best for us in the classroom, we should take it and run with it in order to have some control of what goes on among the students. I feel that it is the responsibility of the teachers to create a change in order to effect a change when it comes to inappropriate behavior.   When children act out new teachers have and tenancy to panic.  A couple of things to remember is to stay calm, assertive and reflective.   First, think through how you will respond to the situation at hand. During my presentation I shared a visual behavior chart with my classmates.  The chart will help students become aware of their behavior on a daily basics.  The student’s names are printed on a close pin and the close pin is moved throughout the day depending on the student’s behavior.  Each student starts the day in the square labeled Ready to Learn. As the day progresses the close pin is moved according to the students behavior.  I plan to implement this into my daily routine in the near future as I began my teaching career. 

What's In Store For Student Teachers?



The Student Teachers Experience:  If you are in your senior year of your educational career, then thinking about passing Certified Teacher is not the only thing   on your mind.                                      

  How about your student teaching semester?  So…you’ve got butterflies, excited and nervous all rolled up into one.  What will you be doing and just how much will you be responsible for?  Will you be given various tasks that will help you reach your goal as a strong educator or will you only be expected to observe, listen, make copies and run errands for the Clinical Teacher?  Your experience could be either good or bad.  The Clinical Teacher is the one who has all the answers to that question. 

I had the opportunity to observe a fellow classmate over the week-end, who is presently doing her student teaching this semester.  She told of some of her experiences good and bad.  The only advice that I could give was from the experience of volunteering at my children's school.  And this is what I said to her and it goes to all future student teachers: get to know the staff, the ladies in the office, lunchroom workers etc.  Develop a great relationship with the Principal, you may even want him or her to observe you in the classroom and give you some feedback. Keep copies and take photos of all your work.  You may be able to use it later or put it in your portfolio.  I’m not that great at remembering names, but learn the name of all the students and become Miss or Mr. Curious. All of those things could get you the recommendations you need and set the tone for an A+ model of student teaching.  http://www.wikihow.com/Be-a-Good-Student-Teacher

                     Another Child Goes Hungry 

The summers at my grandparent was the best.  I can remember as if it was yesterday. Every kid on the block enjoyed hanging out there.  Unlike, most parents on the street when lunch time came they would call their kids in and we would all have to go home until they finished lunch.  At my grandparents it was just the opposite.  If we were all playing at my grandparent’s home at lunch time every kid got a hot dog, grilled cheese, popsicles, chips, juice or whatever.

One day Mr. Evans, one of the neighbors across the street, stopped my grandfather as he was coming home from work and told him man you’re not ever going to have anything your wife feeds every kid on the block. My grandparents were not rich by no means, but we had whatever we needed and we always had plenty to eat. Maybe that was because we shared and was taught to share.  Saying that to say this.  How can you deny a child food and a thirty (30) cent breakfast?  Where was the morals of that staff member?  Why didn’t she pay for the lunch instead of throwing it in the trash and having the child go hungry?  I just cannot get that out of my mind.  If it was against the schools policy then THINK! Some have done a lot worse than going against the rule and paying thirty (30) cents for the child’s breakfast.

http://on-msn.com/1aue32k

  

How to Introduce Change

Blog #6











This week’s blog takes me from Mahara to Taskstream . Am I, the only one who thinks that the changes between the two should have either happen at the beginning of the fall semester or at the beginning of spring 2014? Maybe a tutorial session to help make the transition smooth, and less stressful for everyone.  Right now, in the middle of the semester, when assignment are due and under construction with semester end  fast approaching we are expected to learn, make changes and transition to something new.  Don't misunderstand me. Change is good and I know we as future
educators need to be able to adapt to change, whether it occurs in a teaching or student environment.
This is just my opinion TODAY.

http://bit.ly/1h6CcFy
                             

Going to School Hungry- How Important is Breakfast?

Blog 5

                                                   

                                               Breakfast  is the most important meal of the day.  Breakfast      jump starts our  metabolism from an over night fast and it replenishes  our glucose supply.  It helps those of us who need to loose a few pounds or have diabetes.  When we skip breakfast  we're really putting our body into starvation  mode.  We live in a society where you wouldn't think of children  going to school hungry. We have grants and programs where breakfast is served to thousands of children each day.  Yet, we still have children going without breakfast which effects a there

               classroom performance. 

 

http://bit.ly/19DWO1w

Does the countries Goverment Shutdown affect Teacher?

Something I always say is, “I take my hat off to all Teachers. Now, I‘ve changed it to just Teachers and that’s because not all teachers should be teachers and that’s just my opinion. Teaching is a full time job. Teachers arrive at school around 7:30 a.m. and some before and go home after 3:00 p.m.  Teaching goes home with them in the evenings, week-ends and on holidays.  Teachers are like seragate parents for the children they teach. Yet, are they compensated enough for the job they do? I don’t think it should be about the dollars nor the time off in the summer as I’ve heard some say.  It should be about the impact they (you) would hope to make on many children’s lives.  Who would have thought that our country’s goverment shutdown would affect teachers around the nation?  Well, it does.  Educators who teach for example, on military bases around the world.  It may even affect the plans teachers have for making a lesson come alive. Ex. a visit to a museum or national park.  Go to the aid of a teacher next week.  Maybe you can share your career with a class.

 


bit.ly/czzweL

Time management is an important factor for educators. Lessons plans, teaching materials, supplies, prep. work for activities and the list goes on.  Teacher’s time includes giving attention to the students and their needs, while using all the latest technology and trends. The purpose of this class is preparing future teachers for the trend.   Now, I was really looking for a unique idea on Pinterest for another class when I came upon this website that just might be of some help when you my fellow colleagues are having a crazy week, a brain freeze is approaching and you can’t reach your mentor to complete your lesson plan for the week. The top ten (10) websites every teacher should know about at the Elementary Level are pinned below.  I did check them all but I did check a few have fun and I hope they will spark ideas, creativity and help you manage your time when you become a teacher.

http://learningcanbefun.wikispaces.com/Top+10+Websites+for+Teachers

Violence in Schools Today

Violence in Schools Today: Blog #2
A few weeks ago a stabbing took place on one of North Houston’s area high schools campuses.  Over the last year we have had a number of school stabbings and shootings.  Police believe an argument escalated into this physical fight and a weapon was produced and used.  No weapon was recovered.  A seventeen (17) year old male student was killed, and three other students were injured.  Information gathered throughout the investigation says that this incident may have been gang related. School violence is unacceptable, yet it happens on campuses every day. Prevention is the key to reducing incidents and managing behaviors before they get out of control. Intervention strategies are crucial to keeping students, faculty, safe in moments of crisis. And we must remember it is not just here in the Houston area.  It is from Chicago, Illinois to Toronto, Canada to Spring, Texas and the place go on and on.  What can we as future educator do to help with the gang violence and bulling in our school systems?   
http://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Teen-charged-in-fatal-stabbing-at-Spring-High-4785678.php

My Professional Goal

I believe that each student is a unique individual who needs a secure, caring, and stimulating atmosphere in which to grow and mature emotionally, intellectually, physically, and socially.  It is my desire as a educator to help students meet their fullest potential in these areas by providing an environment that is safe, supports risk taking, and invites a sharing of ideas.  There are three elements that I believe are conducive to establishing such an environment, 1. the teacher acting as a guide, 2. allowing the child's natural curiosity to direct his or her learning, and 3. promoting respect for all things and all people.