I wanted to share a poem I wrote for my kids. I showed them the poem in class and I think I will use it in the future with my teaching.
I’m Hype:
Yeah, I get Hype
I get Hype when you speak out of turn
When you lay your head on your desk
Do you really think you can sleep in class?
I get Hype when you don’t do your homework
When you are violent to others
Or when you aren’t nice to yourself
I definitely get Hype when you don’t come to school
Or when you always come late and chew that gum
Without a doubt, give up and I get really Hype!
I also get Hype for other reasons
I love to get Hype when you never give up!
I love to get Hype when you work hard
When you use polite language and respect others
Or when you decide to be responsible
I love to get Hype when you study hard
When you get good grades
When you help others, even those you call “Spanish speakers”
I really get Hype when you are the same elsewhere in the building
I love to get Hype when you self-evaluate
When you think about college
When you love your culture
When you love the culture of others
I love to get Hype when you don’t let others bring you down
When you aren’t a “hater” and support others
When you read, think, and struggle hard for your success
I get Hype because it’s my job
I get Hype because I love you
I get Hype because I care about your future
You decide how I get Hype about you!
Friday, May 1, 2009
Monday, April 13, 2009
A Few Fun Things
I just wanted to quickly share a few fun things I like to do with my students. They not only help me as a teacher but it also, in a health way, embarrass your students.
First, and I think I shared this with a few perspective students, find a student who will be your insider to the drama and gossip in the classroom. Not only is it fun to learn about the crushes and who is dating who, it is also helpful when trying to observe the students interactions. It gives a different dimension to understanding your students. Additionally, you can use it to help your students through growing pains and some of the social learning we all must go through.
Second, learn the language of the students. The students work very diligently to make themselves different than adults and use "cool" lingo. Learning such lingo is not only useful to understand the points they get across but its also helpful in being silly, bringing laughter in the classroom, and recognizing their language. Students enjoy your recognition of their language. I personally like to use it when redirecting behavior and/or showing the silliness of some of there actions.
Lastly, dance and sing your hear out. The kids get embarrassed and love the entertainment. It is such an easy way to bridge relationships and make them feel comfortable by your "antics"
These have all been fun and helpful to me.
First, and I think I shared this with a few perspective students, find a student who will be your insider to the drama and gossip in the classroom. Not only is it fun to learn about the crushes and who is dating who, it is also helpful when trying to observe the students interactions. It gives a different dimension to understanding your students. Additionally, you can use it to help your students through growing pains and some of the social learning we all must go through.
Second, learn the language of the students. The students work very diligently to make themselves different than adults and use "cool" lingo. Learning such lingo is not only useful to understand the points they get across but its also helpful in being silly, bringing laughter in the classroom, and recognizing their language. Students enjoy your recognition of their language. I personally like to use it when redirecting behavior and/or showing the silliness of some of there actions.
Lastly, dance and sing your hear out. The kids get embarrassed and love the entertainment. It is such an easy way to bridge relationships and make them feel comfortable by your "antics"
These have all been fun and helpful to me.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Spring Break
Today marks the beginning of Spring Break!
It feels great to have a week off to be able to catch up with life and the simple enjoyments. It is also very exciting considering how near the end of this journey is approaching. Our portfolios, which mark the culmination and end to our work, are due by May 1st! That being said, there is still plenty to be done before we receive our degrees.
Currently, I have finished the first of two weeks in which I teach the entire class for the complete day. As part of the program, as required by the state, student teachers have to "take over" the classroom for two weeks. It seems as a daunting task when you first begin the program but you are more than well prepared by the time April comes around. That is not to say that difficulties will not be had but that you will have enough experience and tools to work through and problem solve instruction and management. It is a worthwhile experience as many of my peers and I have voiced how much practical learning has been had during these full days of teaching.
Just a couple of things to keep in mind as you, the students are going to be wild and off the wall on Friday before Spring Break so it would be wise to plan activities that will help manage their excitement-I just learned the hard way. I have come to learn that classroom management is a very delicate balance that becomes a craft of trying to strike a very specific balance between your desired level of control while allowing them, the students, to be.
It feels great to have a week off to be able to catch up with life and the simple enjoyments. It is also very exciting considering how near the end of this journey is approaching. Our portfolios, which mark the culmination and end to our work, are due by May 1st! That being said, there is still plenty to be done before we receive our degrees.
Currently, I have finished the first of two weeks in which I teach the entire class for the complete day. As part of the program, as required by the state, student teachers have to "take over" the classroom for two weeks. It seems as a daunting task when you first begin the program but you are more than well prepared by the time April comes around. That is not to say that difficulties will not be had but that you will have enough experience and tools to work through and problem solve instruction and management. It is a worthwhile experience as many of my peers and I have voiced how much practical learning has been had during these full days of teaching.
Just a couple of things to keep in mind as you, the students are going to be wild and off the wall on Friday before Spring Break so it would be wise to plan activities that will help manage their excitement-I just learned the hard way. I have come to learn that classroom management is a very delicate balance that becomes a craft of trying to strike a very specific balance between your desired level of control while allowing them, the students, to be.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Integrate yourself
I am not sure if I have mentioned this before but as we get closer to the hiring process I can't stress enough of how important it is for students teachers to put themselves out there and becoming integrated in the school community. The most ideal situation is be recruited by the school where you student teach and it is a place you want to work. It relieves it a lot of stress and sets up a great spring board for the first year.
There are a couple of things student teachers can do to help integrate themselves into the school. Some of the easiest things to do is attend and help with after-school activities. For example, I had a blast going to the school dance and our schools basketball team. There are also side projects within the school such as PA announcements. Oh, and very importantly, ensure you participate in the spirit days. Not only are they fun and help you connect with your own students, it shows your commitment to building the school culture.
Every school is difference and such their needs are different. Nonetheless, make every effort to put yourself out there from the beginning of the school year.
There are a couple of things student teachers can do to help integrate themselves into the school. Some of the easiest things to do is attend and help with after-school activities. For example, I had a blast going to the school dance and our schools basketball team. There are also side projects within the school such as PA announcements. Oh, and very importantly, ensure you participate in the spirit days. Not only are they fun and help you connect with your own students, it shows your commitment to building the school culture.
Every school is difference and such their needs are different. Nonetheless, make every effort to put yourself out there from the beginning of the school year.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Some Advice
A snow day today!!
School was canceled because of the winter storm. This is definitely a new experience for me as I am from California
On another subject, I am in the process of applying for certification and it is somewhat of a headache. I am not very good with paper work and now that I am in the classroom full-time there is less opportunities for me to run around and take care of errands. Thus, for perspecive students I would like to offer some advice:
1. Take all three Praxis test before the start of the program! This will save you a lot of time and money.
2. Take care of all your clearances before the start of summer term.
3. Take care of any requisites before the program. It sucks to be going through the program and having to take additional classes. (this one I avoided!)
4. Have your immunization up to date and prepare to make a doctor's appointment for end of January. You need to get a physical in order to apply for certification.
5. Have $40 stored away for your certification application.
That is all for now.
School was canceled because of the winter storm. This is definitely a new experience for me as I am from California
On another subject, I am in the process of applying for certification and it is somewhat of a headache. I am not very good with paper work and now that I am in the classroom full-time there is less opportunities for me to run around and take care of errands. Thus, for perspecive students I would like to offer some advice:
1. Take all three Praxis test before the start of the program! This will save you a lot of time and money.
2. Take care of all your clearances before the start of summer term.
3. Take care of any requisites before the program. It sucks to be going through the program and having to take additional classes. (this one I avoided!)
4. Have your immunization up to date and prepare to make a doctor's appointment for end of January. You need to get a physical in order to apply for certification.
5. Have $40 stored away for your certification application.
That is all for now.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
A Day
Today started at its usual time of 6:30AM.
I took a shower, made a quick and delicious breakfast and was out my place by 7:20. It took approximately 40 minutes to get to my placement. Once I arrived I took my normal position and began reading in the lobby. I like to model reading for the children and I enjoy saying good morning and having small chats with them as they stroll into the building.
After picking up the students, my CM handed me the keys and for the first time I lead the students into the classroom. I had them put their things in their lockers and begin working in their folders. Of course, it didn't go as smooth but it was very manageable and by the end the students were busy at work.
After 10 minutes of writing in their folders and the morning announcements, I began to teach the lesson. Taking some hints from another teacher I began my lesson and it went smoothly. I kept going from class lecture to individual work and back and forth. As a result, my classroom management was smooth. It was a great lesson and gave me further confidence. Sometimes you take one step forward and two back but one must stay resilient.
The afternoon was a little different. The students were a little rowdy or as they would describe, "hype." For the most part, they did well amidst some disruptions. The afternoons are always harder but we managed. I think I am starting to discover my management style and it is difficult for some of the students to transition from my CM to my lessons. Most don't have an issue but some are still trying to adjust.
Once school finished, I began my math club. I am teaching algebraic concepts to my 6th graders. It is a lot of fun and they are learning beyond the scope of the classroom. Once we finished at 4PM, I took two of my students to an after school program at the school I have become involved with. Typically I stay at the program till about 6PM but I had to leave early today - I have several assignments to work on. Therefore, I got home at 5:15PM and began to cook dinner. I relax and by 6PM I was back to work. I worked for about two solid hours straight. I took a break and did another hours of work including making preparations for the following day. After that....
ZZZZZZzzzzzzZZZZZZZzzzzzzzZZZZZzzzzzZZzzZZzZzzZZzz
I took a shower, made a quick and delicious breakfast and was out my place by 7:20. It took approximately 40 minutes to get to my placement. Once I arrived I took my normal position and began reading in the lobby. I like to model reading for the children and I enjoy saying good morning and having small chats with them as they stroll into the building.
After picking up the students, my CM handed me the keys and for the first time I lead the students into the classroom. I had them put their things in their lockers and begin working in their folders. Of course, it didn't go as smooth but it was very manageable and by the end the students were busy at work.
After 10 minutes of writing in their folders and the morning announcements, I began to teach the lesson. Taking some hints from another teacher I began my lesson and it went smoothly. I kept going from class lecture to individual work and back and forth. As a result, my classroom management was smooth. It was a great lesson and gave me further confidence. Sometimes you take one step forward and two back but one must stay resilient.
The afternoon was a little different. The students were a little rowdy or as they would describe, "hype." For the most part, they did well amidst some disruptions. The afternoons are always harder but we managed. I think I am starting to discover my management style and it is difficult for some of the students to transition from my CM to my lessons. Most don't have an issue but some are still trying to adjust.
Once school finished, I began my math club. I am teaching algebraic concepts to my 6th graders. It is a lot of fun and they are learning beyond the scope of the classroom. Once we finished at 4PM, I took two of my students to an after school program at the school I have become involved with. Typically I stay at the program till about 6PM but I had to leave early today - I have several assignments to work on. Therefore, I got home at 5:15PM and began to cook dinner. I relax and by 6PM I was back to work. I worked for about two solid hours straight. I took a break and did another hours of work including making preparations for the following day. After that....
ZZZZZZzzzzzzZZZZZZZzzzzzzzZZZZZzzzzzZZzzZZzZzzZZzz
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Classroom Management
The importance of following through.
One lesson I have learned in my time in the classroom is the importance of following through with the consequences you give to students. If not, the kids will come to know you as is described as a "push over."
First, be very clear about your expectations and what they should be doing. For example, instead of saying, "stop being disruptive and do your work," a more explicit and i believe effective approach would be, "you should not be talking to anyone and you need to be working on problems 1-10 on page 18 of your math book." Students don't always have an understanding of class decorum or need explicit directions. Do not leave any action vague and be as direct as possible so they know what do and there are no questions asked.
One lesson I have learned in my time in the classroom is the importance of following through with the consequences you give to students. If not, the kids will come to know you as is described as a "push over."
First, be very clear about your expectations and what they should be doing. For example, instead of saying, "stop being disruptive and do your work," a more explicit and i believe effective approach would be, "you should not be talking to anyone and you need to be working on problems 1-10 on page 18 of your math book." Students don't always have an understanding of class decorum or need explicit directions. Do not leave any action vague and be as direct as possible so they know what do and there are no questions asked.
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