From Student to Teacher

2006-12-08T00:34:00.000-05:00

Today I had a rare and delightful experience... being able to kick back and visit with my cooperating teacher while the students were at P.E.! We discussed classroom management issues, talked about lesson plan ideas, and shared cute and funny stories about some of the students. Our conversation took a more serious note with the topic of "uninvolved" parents. She mentioned that one particular student's parents had not been in the classroom or even been in contact with her since the very beginning of the school year. No replies to notes sent home, no parent-teacher conferences, no communication whatsoever. At first, I was annoyed with the thought of how this inconsiderate behavior would make it difficult for the teacher. But my perspective and sympathy shifted from teacher to student when she commented, "Yeah, way to show your child you care about them, huh?"

What message does that send a child, when they draw a picture and leave a note for their parents on Open House day, and then the parents never go and miss that gift? Or when they're in a play at school, or have a special presentation, or a game for a sports team, and no one is there to see them and cheer them on?

I began to understand why this particular child is always seeking attention and seems so sensitive and "needy"... she's insecure. My feelings of frustration and annoyance at the parents turned to pity for the student. Every child needs and seeks encouragement and approval from those they love or look up to. Love is a basic human need. I began to understand how much of a void is left when they don't see it expressed. This really pulled on my heart strings! Knowing where this child is coming from sort of automatically increased my patience for her attention-seeking. More than anything, it reminded me of the critical role and incredible potential a teacher has, and it reinforced my determination to a make a difference in my students' lives. I can't be their parent, but as a teacher, I can show them that I sincerely care about them and their future. This is hope and desire for making a difference is the very core of why I want to teach.

Teaching With Technology, Part 2

2006-12-06T08:48:00.000-05:00

After teaching my technology lesson, I had the chance to observe a friend teach hers in a 5th grade classroom that opened my eyes to a deeper perspective of teaching with technology. Her lesson was phenomenal! She had the students using the school laptops to learn longitude and latitude by tracking hurricanes. I was extremely impressed with the entire thing. What I was most impressed with was how she handled everything. She did a wonderful job teaching the lesson. The students obviously had experience with computers, but the novelty of having laptops created a surge of excitement, along with some rather uncooperative and disruptive behavior. What did not help was the fact that her cooperating teacher skipped out on the whole thing, and was not there to help. I marveled at how she remained composed and kept going, despite the students' behavior and even through technological glitches. What I learned is that technology can be a wonderful tool for education, but the students have to be taught how to use it before expecting them to use it to learn any content. I now understand how necessary it is to also have the proper support in the classroom to monitor and facilitate learning with technology. It can be a powerful and effective tool, but only when these things are in place.

Teaching With Technology

2006-12-05T16:23:00.000-05:00

Right before the Thanksgiving break, I taught my technology lesson for my Implementation Project. I was really excited about this one because I knew it would be fun! I worked with my classmate, Emily, in developing the lesson, under the guidance of our cooperating teachers. The actual planning of the lesson proved to be somewhat difficult at first. After developing our first lesson, we quickly realized we had grossly overestimated the computer skills of most first-graders. Because I haven't had much experience teaching with technology (and unfortunately don't see it too often in the classrooms), I really didn't know what the students were capable of. Our cooperating teachers, as well as the computer teacher, advised us and really helped us develop a lesson that would both meet objectives of the curriculum and engage the students at an independent level.

We found a book called, "A Plump and Perky Turkey" by Teresa Bateman, and used it for the literature portion of the lesson. Our cooperating teachers had previously taught a unit on the different components of a story (i.e.- characters, setting, etc.), so this served as a review for them. They had not yet learned about the plot, or sequence of important events of a story, so this was the primary focus of our lesson. We developed a Kidspiration activity that would assess the students' comprehension of the material taught and which involved the students classifying the characters, different settings of the story, and the sequence of important events into their respective categories from a picture bank. This matched several first grade Technology and Language Arts standards (according to Virginia's Standards of Learning).

Overall, I think the lesson went very well! The students loved the story (as did their teachers!), and they seemed to grasp the concepts we taught. Some students had difficulty putting the events of the plot in order, but this was their first experience in doing anything like this. Most of them caught on quickly. What made me smile was how excited they were to be going to the computer lab for a language arts lesson!

This experience taught me that technology can be easily incorporated into "regular", conventional subjects. Before having this experience of planning a lesson with technology and actually teaching it, I thought using technology was a wonderful way of making lessons more interesting and I wanted to use it, but I sort of assumed that it would require a tremendous deal of effort and could only be applied to limited topics or subjects that catered to creativity and ingenuity. While some pieces of this may be true to a degree, I now truly see how technology can facilitate the learning of a concept even better than more conventional methods for a subject. Something as "normal" as a story in language arts can use technology and it didn't require a "computer geek" or "Teacher of the Year" to come up with it! I've been encouraged, and eagerly look forward to future opportunities to use technology in the classroom!

Shopping Like A Teacher

2006-10-28T23:57:00.000-04:00

I was doing errands this week and decided to pop in and browse through a "Teacher Store" in one of the local shopping centers. I was like a little kid in a toy store at Christmas time! I saw so many wonderful teaching tools, books of all sizes, educational games, posters, cool classroom decorations, and yes, toys- for students and teacher! I went from one display to the next, not able to stop for more than a few seconds because my eyes would spot something even better that I had to go check out! I really wanted to ignore my conscience and dive in and begin the process of accumulating all the fun "teacher stuff" for my future classroom, but then that little voice that always irritates me when I'm shopping kicked in and told me to wait until I actually have a classroom before investing in stuff to fill it with. But I've wondered... where do teachers get all their stuff? And more importantly, how do they afford it? Most of the teachers I've talked to have all said most of it comes out of your own pocket, although some is tax-deductible. I found this somewhat discouraging. It only made that irritating voice in my head warning me not to spend money stronger, so I left the super-cool "Teacher Store" without my "teacher stuff".

I was browsing again this weekend, this time through blogs, and I came across a wonderful "store" that will certainly help when I do have my own classroom. Cynthia Rutledge has compiled a list of resources for free educational materials and shared it in her blog. This list is especially for teachers, and there's some wonderful items that would be an asset to any classroom, especially for subjects like geography and the sciences, with everything from posters to videos and even textbooks! I found myself having the same reaction as I had in the teacher store- eagerly going from one website to the next in the excitement of finding cool "teacher stuff". But what makes this shopping experience even better than the first, is that it's all free! I may not have my classroom yet, but thanks to this list, you can bet that when I do, I'll be able to shop like a pro... like a teacher!

My Very First Lesson!

2006-10-19T21:44:00.000-04:00

This week I taught my first lesson in my practicum classroom. (insert squeal-of-delight here) The lesson was a literature-based lesson that we designed as a group project in our "Teaching Social Studies" class. The process of creating and planning the lesson proved to be hard enough, but I was even more nervous about teaching it. Every teacher I have talked to has said that experience is the best "teacher" when it comes to learning how to teach, and that I'll learn more from experience than from any college class. How true this is!

Overall, the lesson went well. But the biggest lesson I learned in teaching my lesson was not what I expected it to be. Going into this, I was most worried about how I would perform as a teacher. Would I explain things clearly and logically? Would I be able to keep the kids engaged? Would they understand the concepts and "get it"? Surprisingly, this wasn't really an issue. My greatest challenge turned out to be something I hadn't prepared for in my lesson plan... classroom management!

The students in my class are wonderful, and they were well-behaved during my lesson (as they usually are). But I realized that this good behavior is attributed to more than the natural, pleasant dispositions of first graders. Sure, I had observed student's behavior plenty of times, when my cooperating teacher was teaching. I guess I never realized how "high-maintenance" classroom management can be. This showed me what definitive control my teacher has over her class. Her students instantly respond to a hand signal, a whisper, or a look. Sing-songy tunes like "1,2,3, eyes on me", positive reinforcement, praise, and high-fives seem to be much more effective than corrections with negative connotations. She never raises her voice, because she doesn't have to. As a result, the classroom has an aura of happiness about it.

Having the role of "teacher" opened my eyes through experience to all the little things teachers have to pay attention to. Observing in the classroom has taught me a lot, even more than I expected or have learned from class. But stepping into my teacher's shoes and actually teaching clued me in to the power and effect a teacher can have by the way they manage their class. I'm eagerly looking forward to having more of these learning experiences.

Precious Moments

2006-10-11T23:47:00.000-04:00

I've recently created another blog, entitled "Precious Moments", that describes all of the experiences I've had this year during my student teaching that are, well, precious. I add them as they happen... Check it out!

Not Just Another Lesson Plan

2006-09-27T00:44:00.000-04:00

I've come to realize that lesson-planning is probably what I've struggled with the most in my pre-service teaching experience so far. We just finished a group lesson plan project, and with four of us it took us roughly three hours to plan one lesson! I'm always amazed at the creativity some teachers have for even the most conventional subjects. I recently read through one such incredible lesson plan, and it has really inspired me to think outside the box.

Miguel Guhlin designed a second grade writing lesson plan and posted it in his blog. This is definitely one I can learn from! The way each phase of the lesson builds on the previous one is very well thought out, and I really like how it progresses from modeling, to group collaboration, and finally to individual students attempting it on their own. But what I love most is that the students are learning something without even realizing it. His lesson does a fantastic job of teaching the entire process of developing an idea and writing about it through poetry, but he teaches more than that. He seamlessly incorporates blogging with the content of the lesson, and essentially turns his students into successful bloggers! This is such a cool idea! I think kids would really latch on to this with enthusiasm. It serves as a wonderful tool for effectively teaching the content. I admire how he instructs his students to give positive feedback when they share their poems with the class. But seeing your own work published online and receiving feedback from others through comments would be an even bigger "pat on the back". This lesson plan really opened my eyes to the amazing possibilities lesson plans can create, and I think teachers with ideas as cool as this deserve their own "pat on the back".

Back to School

2006-09-26T19:31:00.000-04:00

Classes have begun, and while I was eager to be back on a college campus, it's even more fun to be back to school in a first grade classroom! The beginning of our semester has been somewhat of a whirlwind, but I find that being thrown right into everything makes it that much more exciting.

The first day of class our professors mentioned that in addition to observing in the classroom, we would also be teaching. My first reaction was, "I'm not ready for this!". However, my excitement grew and my nervousness subsided (somewhat) as we explored the idea more. My first day back in my practicum with first grade was met with great anticipation. I was so anxious to meet the new students, learn more from my teacher, and get my feet wet in the classroom. I did more than get my feet wet that day...

Around 10:30 that morning, an announcement was made that a major water line in the county was broken, and the school was without water. As a result, all students were to be dismissed as soon as their parents could be reached. My teacher asked me to help by either calling all the parents or by taking over and reading to the class and carrying on with their morning routine. I chose to read the book and be with the class. I was kind of surprised and taken back with my own answer... what about the "I'm not ready for this!"? It was my first day back, and instead of gradually easing into the role of "teacher" like I had anticipated, I sort of dove right in. It might sound silly, but I sort of shocked myself. And the funny thing is, it was the best experience I've had in the classroom yet! It felt so natural, and what's more important, it proved to me that I am ready for this. I still have so much to learn, but this was just the experience I needed to gain the confidence that I can do it. So here we go... first grade, full speed ahead, and no turning back!

Reflection

2006-05-04T20:17:00.000-04:00

As this semester comes to a close and I'm finishing up my finals, it's caused me to stop and reflect on my experience the past few months. It was by far the most challenging semester I've had yet; and at the same time, it was also the most fulfilling and rewarding. I began the education program here at William and Mary with great anticipation and excitement. I was pretty sure I wanted to be a teacher, and I was looking forward to classes that I actually wanted to take.

In one education class in particular, we read a book titled, "The Courage to Teach", by Parker J. Palmer. This book really put into words what I have been feeling in my heart, as well as what I witnessed in some of my professors, whom I consider "good" teachers. Palmer explains,

"Good teaching cannot be reduced to technique; good teaching comes from the identity and integrity of the teacher." He continues in saying, "The connections made by good teachers are held not in their methods but in their hearts- meaning heart in its ancient sense, as the place where intellect and emotion and spirit and will converge in the human self."

I began my classes this semester expecting to learn how to become a good teacher... learning the theories, techniques and the inside scoop on what it takes. And I did learn some of these things. (I still have quite a bit to learn!) But I also learned something even more valuable that wasn't listed in the syllabus or course objectives. The more I studied teaching and education, and the more I observed and talked with teachers, the more I felt I was in the right place. I gained a tremendous sense of belonging, as if this is exactly what I was meant to do with my life. It's an incredible feeling!

I firmly believe that the true meaning of a teacher implies something much greater and more substantial than one who merely executes a job or pursues a profession; it is a vocation. I know I want to pursue teaching, because all the different aspects of my life and my identity seem to fit together for this purpose. My "intellect and emotion and spirit and will" all converge into a passion that comes from the significant meaning I truly find in this profession. I've learned so much this semester, but the greatest lesson has been the continuing discernment of who I am and where my heart is. I've discovered it's in teaching.

Gettin' the Hang of It...

2006-04-26T16:24:00.000-04:00

So I'm still trying to get used to this whole new world of blogging... I must admit, when I first started, I didn't think it would be possible unless I carried my laptop with me everywhere! I wondered if I would be able to think of things worth posting, that people would actually read. I was also extremely bewildered by the consistency and promptness with which people responded to one another. How do they keep up with everything??? As I was exploring this new frontier, I found some answers to my questions...

Vicki Davis lists some helpful tips and suggestions for bloggers on her Cool Cat Teacher Blog in response to reading an interview with Gina Trapani. This helped me tremendously!! After reading this, I don't feel quite so lost anymore... Do I have to carry my laptop everywhere? No! (whew!) But I do realize the importance of consistency. As a result, I'm actually starting to like blogging. Who knows, maybe I'm finally gettin' the hang of it! :)

Kids Like Rules??

2006-04-24T09:49:00.000-04:00

One of the things we've discussed at length in my Classroom Management class is the concept of rules and procedures. I always assumed rules were important, but I never realized how fundamental they are to the workings of the classroom. What REALLY drove this point home for me was a particular occasion that I wanted to share as an example...

During my second week of observing in my practicum, my cooperating teacher came down with the flu and was out for about a week. It was then I had the chance to observe a substitute teacher in her place. It was interesting, to say the least. :) At first, I expected the kids to play the stereotypical "take advantage of the sub" game and try to get away with anything they could. Much to my surprise, what I witnessed was the exact opposite!

The substitute began the day by following my teacher's instructions and lesson plans. As could be expected for anyone new in a classroom, it was still somewhat uncertain as to how and what the kids were supposed to do. The kids were very enthusiastic about trying to "help" by explaining their routines to the sub. At first she was appreciative, but things began to get a little out of hand as more and more of the kids were contributing their two cents. The sub finally resorted to doing things her way, explaining that because she was the teacher today, things would be different, and that was how it was going to be. No more suggestions or explanations... she was in charge! She changed the schedule for some of their activities, and conducted the lessons as she seemed fit... unlike how they were usually done. Everything was different, and no questions asked. I noticed from my little corner in the back of the classroom that the more she changed their schedule, routine, and activities, the students' behavior changed as well. They were antsy, acting up more, and seemed very defensive whenever corrected. I heard whispers like "She's mean", "It's not fair", and "I miss Mrs. Madison". During learning centers, some of the boys got into an argument. I wanted to jump in and intervene, but when I approached the sub her response was, "Let them work it out for themselves." One of the little boys began to cry, sobbing "I want my mom!" I felt sympathy for these students and felt somewhat relieved, myself, when I was able to leave!

After I got back I was reflecting on what I had seen, and I tried to put myself in the shoes of my first graders. How would I feel if a complete stranger came into my happy classroom and changed everything I was used to? And how would it feel if I was completely shut down and scolded for speaking up when I was only trying to help? I realized that these kids didn't see having a sub as an opportunity to break every rule and have "fun". They like their rules and routines because it's what they're comfortable with. They feel safe and secure in their routines and normal ways, and having an unfamiliar person with absolute authority come into their territory and tell them "this is the way it's going to be because I said so" is a threat to them.

It made me realize how valuable and powerful rules and procedures can be in the classroom, both for classroom management and for creating a specific atmosphere. But it also showed me the importance of listening to my students. I am certain that the substitute would have had a much easier time if she had just taken two seconds to listen to what the kids were telling her. I am grateful I had this experience, because it's convicted a belief I have... I may be the teacher, but I can learn just as much from my students, if not more, as they learn from me!

I'm back!

2006-04-22T17:50:00.000-04:00

Wow, this semester is flying by! I'm learning so much, both in my classes and in the real world (especially the hard lesson of time management!). :) Nonetheless, I am excited about what I'm learning, which has made me even more excited about my future in the field of education. The past few months I've been delving into the theories of educational psychology and classroom management, as well as seeing these theories applied in my practicum with my cooperating teacher. That is probably what I'm most thrilled about. I'm observing in a first grade classroom, and I absolutely love it! My cooperating teacher is everything I hope to be, and the kids in her class are fantastic. It's been fun being in the classroom and seeing what I've heard in class lectures put into practice. It's caused me to look forward to the future, and teaching itself, with great anticipation, and I'm excited about sharing my experience.

Tech Autobiography

2006-02-09T10:18:00.000-05:00

One of the first things I learned in my Instructional Technology class is that I am definitely technologically-challenged! I had never heard of some of the things we've discussed, ("what's blogging, again?"), and I certainly never thought I would actually be using much of this technology. (surprise!)

The first time I remember using a computer was in 2nd grade for a math tutorial game. My teachers in school mostly gave projects involving Word documents or spreadsheets, but nothing like this class! At home, we got our first computer when I was in 5th grade. This extended my list of experience with technology from Number Munchers to using Encarta Encyclopedia and playing Solitaire.

I think most of my experience with technology came with the Internet. I can't imagine the world without e-mail, IM or iPods. I wouldn't survive! I'm hoping that some of this new technology I'm learning to use will become just as easy and second-nature. I must confess, though I felt somewhat (or maybe extremely) intimidated and reluctant at first, I am excited by the possibilities and eager to learn the ropes... I'm getting in touch with my inner geek. :)