Read-a-louds:
We have not had any read a louds since Christmas Break ended but we did have Young Adult Novel presentations. We were allowed to pick a book to read and share with the class, which we did in the form of a pop up PowerPoint. I chose the book What Happened to Goodbye by Sarah Dessen. I LOVED this book and strongly recommend any of her books. I also found some books that I wanted to read from this including the Jaycee Dugard book and Thirteen Reasons Why.
Learning Experiences:
In class we are learning about effective lessons in preparation of going out to classrooms soon! Mrs. Jackson did an activity where she should Maslows Hierarchy of Learning so we would be able to see the different levels of learning. We also had a guest speaker come visit us who was a South Carolina teacher of the year. She taught us that you are more likely to remember something if you see it on a yellow background with red type. We also learned that if you put things in to circles you'll remember it more likely as well.
Current Event:
Quote of the Week:
"Teacher who love to teach, teach children to love learning" -Unknown
I love this quote because it is so true! If your teacher does not want to teach something then you most likely won't learn it because of their lack of enthusiasm.
Observations:
While working on my vocabulary work this week I realized how Maslows levels of learning applied to myself. One day I did the synonyms and antonyms and by the next I forgot the meanings of the words but once I had to apply them for filling in the blanks and choosing the right word I began to remember the words.
Reflection:
As we begin preparing our lessons to teach the class I continue to get even more excited for field experience!!!
The last couple of weeks before school was let out for the holidays was very hectic. We were busy preparing for exams and having our special Teacher Cadet party. So here is an overview of those last few weeks before break.
Read-a-Louds:
- Icey read Big Bear Little Bear written by David Bedford and Jane Chapman. Little Bear was wanting to grow up but he is not ready for it. This is similar to a hurried child because they are forced to grow up too early and not have a childhood. This book could be used for a journal entry where the students write about something they want to be when they grow up and something they miss from childhood.
- Jordan read Color Dance by Ann Jonas which was a good way to use as an introduction to a color mixing lesson in art. The primary colors join together to make secondary colors.
- Selina read an excerpt from the novel Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks. The excerpt talked about abusive relationships, which is a barrier, and why it is so hard for women to leave. It was a good excerpt because many girls in our class may end up in one and this can give them the strength to leave.
- Melanie read Losing Romeo by A.J. Byrd, which addressed teen pregnancies, which is also a barrier. It was a good excerpt because Romeo was trying to make the decision whether to stay with her or leave. It was insightful to see what was going through his head, but we did not find out his decision! :(
- Elise got us in the festive mood with Merry Christmas Princess Dinosaur by Jill Kastner. Princess Dinosaur opened her presents too early and are now hiding from Santa so they won't get in trouble. This is a cute Christmas story that I had never heard before but it was very good.
Learning Experiences:
We started learning about hurried children and how it detracts from their childhood. We did a book in a day where we took too books about hurried children and each person got a chapter. Then we picked ten points that we felted were most important in the chapter. We went over the various chapters in the next class which gave us good information about hurried children. After finishing that we watched an episode of Supernanny where she dealt with a family of five hurried children. The last day of class we had a party and exchanged gifts with our Secret Santa's, which was sooo much fun.
Current Event:
- http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/camapaign-k-12/2013/01/school_districts_continue_to_f.html
- I read about how the government budget for this year is going to affect public education. They are trying to postpone cuts until March to work out a better deal that won't affect education as much. If public education funding decreases then there may be a move towards private schools so their children can get a quality education. The cuts in funding can lead to loss of jobs and increased class sizes. Hopefully they will work something out that doesn't affect education as much.
Quote of the Week:
- There go the people.
I
must follow them for I am their leader.
Alexandre
Ledru-Rollin
- I choose this quote because it relates to education because teachers are leaders. Teachers are also learners as well as leaders because they learn from their students. A teacher must know how to teach but also learn from their students and follow their thought processes. If you know some one well enough then they will more easily relate to a teacher and take away more from class than before.
Observations:
I realized that many children are hurried through life and are over scheduled, which is not okay because children need to be children and not miniature adults. I also realized the joy on people's face when they receive gifts, and how it makes you feel to give. Also that all of us loved playing with our children's gift before we gave them away.
Reflection:
I am looking forward to going out in the field because we are getting closer to being able to go out in the classrooms.
