Character Counts

I tend to use words like integrity and other character adjectives such as respect, honesty, etc., when I speak with students. I am not sure how effective my conversations are but I am trying to give identification to what may seem an intangible concept to younger children. More importantly, I like to introduce children to these ideas that, in my opinion, mean much more than anything being learned in the classroom. Though, I hesitate and worry that I maybe recklessly using the words. I use them often but I am not certain I use them judiciously and as poignantly. Nonetheless, there is an old plaque I want to discuss in connection with my student’s performance this past week.

I spent six years in leadership that proved to have an everlasting influence in my character. I have many memories and experience I pull from during those times. One such memory is of an old plague a Leadership teacher use to hang above the door inside the classroom. It read: Return with Honor. Early on, not much thought was given to the plague but we were given a moment to think about what the plaque was suggesting. Discussion was had and many ideas where offered but essentially the plaque was giving us a command: go out, champion good, and return to only spread the idealism through action. A tall task for anyone but an expectation any child can rise to.

Returning to my classroom, my CM invited me to sit-in on a grade group meeting. I was completely interested to find out what occurs at these grade group meetings. First, I have been baffled by the idea that these teachers only meeting informally during their prep or lunch. There isn’t any formal time set aside for them to cooperate professionally, support each other, and find creative resources or methods. Second, I was curious to discover what topics would be addressed and, of course, the language being used. Surprisingly, my learning did not occur as much in the grade group meeting as it did about finding out how the class behaved while we were at the meeting.

According the gym teacher who was covering the class for the last 30 minutes of the day, the students were very disruptive and not adhering to their responsibility of independent reading and journal writing. I was surprised because the class has been doing very well, a few moments aside. Then, afterschool, I ran into a student and probed her about the classroom. She agreed that the class was being noisy and disruptive but there were only a few students who were responsible for creating and sustaining such environment.

I didn’t get a chance to return to the classroom since it was my last day of placement for the week but the incident caused me to think about “actual” learning and maturity. I believe as teachers we are trying to instill a long-term discipline of learning and personal growth that also transcends into the various social circles of the students. What is a respectful classroom student that does not employ the idea elsewhere? Thinking about my education, I read many of the textbook stories in literature that dealt with character and growth. I always thought they were cheesy and I never related to them. It wasn’t until I started doing community service in leadership and becoming involved in the discourse of social justice and service in college that I began to seriously take ownership over trying to become a concerned, educated, and contributing citizen. I think the same applies to younger children. These students know much more than we give them credit for and, although the literature stories provide great examples of the meaning of character, I believe children need to be able to openly discuss and experience the importance of the principles we seek to instill. Let us take the learning and experience it. Let us take our class to a soup kitchen before thanksgiving and in the spring – showcase hunger does not vary according to season. Have the children learn about other countries and their way of lives. Lastly, and the idea I advocate the most, have the students work on a social service project displaying the power of social action. The kids I work with live in a difficult neighborhood - a simple and starting point of describing the neighborhood – and they need to realize the power they can yield even in what many deem as a disadvantage position.

I believe such work will instill, among many other things, pride, ownership, and confidence. My students need to realize that the words of respect that I constantly teach do not only apply to the classroom or during the presence of a substitute, but a much larger important responsibility of citizenship. I criticize the current model of preaching and reading without being an example or providing an opportunity for children to practice such principles. Thus, integrity should mean as much to the students as to the teacher.

Let us, as teachers and students, return to the classroom with honor!

Interesting Story

I tried to embed a video with no success but here is the link:

http://video.nytimes.com/video/2008/11/14/sports/1194832954906/boys-in-the-scrum.html?partner=permalink&exprod=permalink

It is a really interesting story form the New York Times about a teacher who started a rugby team at his school. It's always great to hear success stories both as a future teacher and former player of the sport.

Enjoy.

It's Been a Minute

It has been a while since I last posted. Things have been very busy with the program, the TEP open house, and the various on going projects.

First, thank-you for all of those that were able to come out to the TEP open house last weekend. It was a lot of fun for me and I hope those who came got a better understanding of the program and had some of their questions answered. If anyone has any further questions, please feel free to contact me by sending me an email at: najarro@dolphin.upenn.edu . Also, I give tours and take prospective students out to lunch, so if you are in the area call the GSE admissions office and ask for a tour.

Now, for a recap on what has been occurring...

First, my math club is taking off and has been a great success. I have approximately 7 students who stay after school for an hour twice a week. We work on various problems but I introduced them to algebra this past week. I am excited to observe the progress over the next couple of months but thus far it has been a great success.

The school website is still under construction. Due to the demand of the program, I decided to focus on content and layout and leave the actual writing of the website for winter break. I have been taking pictures of the school and designing possible layouts on paper. I have set the relaunch date for January 5th, 2009 - the first day back from break.

I have also started collecting computers for my students. Many of them do not have computers. I do not have the money to buy computers for all of them but I do know how to build computers. Thus, I have been collecting computers and rebuilding them with different parts. As a result, I have had several laptops donated as well as almost new computers. It is very excited and I am anxious to give them to my students.

Lastly, everyone in the program is focused on their lesson plans. We have to write and instruct a lesson in Literacy, Math, and Science. We have to write a lesson plan, submit it for review, and then record our lessons for analysis as our final term 3 project. It is long process but an opportunity to get a feel for the planning and execution of a lesson.

Well, I must return to my work. I should mention it is beautiful outside. Fall is amazing on the east coast. I am from CA and have not experience such a fall season.

I hope everyone is well.