The four presentations that were given in class were Interactive Writing, Kid Spelling, Sitton Spelling, and Four Square. Each of the programs was distinctly different; but they all were about one common theme: helping students write. Each program had a focus that students were supposed to incorporate in their writing or help them get started. For example, Four Square literally had four squares that the students put different information in each that would serve as their topic sentences as they wrote. With Sitton Spelling, the students first learned basic high frequency words so that they could become better at proofreading their material.
These programs all went along with what we discussed in class today. My group talked about "Teaching Children to Write". This chapter focused on the different steps in the writing process. It also showed how one teacher, Mrs. Reeves came up with fun activities that promoted the students learning and writing through different subjects. She showed students that writing is fun and you can do it in all different circumstances and projects.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Monday, January 31, 2011
India Wordle
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
This past week of class, we have been learning about methods to becoming an effective literacy teacher. My favorite activity that we have done so far was making ourselves with some sort of metaphor. This is a fun activity that we could use in our classrooms, but it's also something important for us. For example, my metaphor was that I feel like I'm climbing a mountain. I have a walking stick that is helping me stay up and keep moving forward; and I have a backpack full of all of the tools I need to help me become a great teacher. That is how I feel right now; it's going to be something great to look back on at the end of the semester. It's going to be evidence of how far I've come and how much I've grown by the end.
We also prepared a list of what we believe 21st century classrooms will look like. The list that we compiled is going to help us become better teachers. By realizing the type of technology and the type of changes that are occurring in the classrooms now, we will be better prepared for them when we get our own classrooms.
We have also watched several videos in which teachers explain the important parts of being an effective literacy teacher. The video that my group watched was all about accountability. It was from the perspective of a student teacher (which we will be in that place soon!) and several other teachers. All of these teachers were sitting around a table and simply discussing what it means to be accountable. I think the most important idea that I took away from the video is that even if you make a mistake, you have to turn it into a learning experience. Because each and every one of us is going to make a mistake at one point or another, it's simply inevitable. But it's how we learn and grow from that mistake that really matters.
This week has been very valuable in showing us strategies that effective literacy teachers use. Throughout the course of this semester, we are only going to be learning more. It's exciting!
We also prepared a list of what we believe 21st century classrooms will look like. The list that we compiled is going to help us become better teachers. By realizing the type of technology and the type of changes that are occurring in the classrooms now, we will be better prepared for them when we get our own classrooms.
We have also watched several videos in which teachers explain the important parts of being an effective literacy teacher. The video that my group watched was all about accountability. It was from the perspective of a student teacher (which we will be in that place soon!) and several other teachers. All of these teachers were sitting around a table and simply discussing what it means to be accountable. I think the most important idea that I took away from the video is that even if you make a mistake, you have to turn it into a learning experience. Because each and every one of us is going to make a mistake at one point or another, it's simply inevitable. But it's how we learn and grow from that mistake that really matters.
This week has been very valuable in showing us strategies that effective literacy teachers use. Throughout the course of this semester, we are only going to be learning more. It's exciting!
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
21st Century Classrooms
I feel as though there isn't a set structure for all 21st century classrooms. Each teacher brings his or her own sense of teaching style into the classroom; creating a different environment and classroom community. It also depends on the age group of the students being taught. For example, elementary classrooms are usually more cooperative than secondary classrooms. This means that the desks are arranged in pairs or groups where the students are often asked to work together on a given task.
The make-up of classrooms is becoming much more diverse. Students are bringing in their different backgrounds, cultures, socioeconomic classes, thoughts, and abilities. Teachers are instructing at all different levels which often means that more people are coming into the classroom. These people may include parents, aids, and special education teachers. Students are also being pulled out of the classroom for different subjects. This means that often throughout the day, the classroom is constantly changing.
As technology is improving, so are the materials used in the classrooms. Some 21st century classrooms have access to computers for each student. This is usually some sort of projector in a classroom; overheads are beginning to be outdated by computers and smart boards. However, materials such as paper, pencils, markers, paint, crayons, and glue are always a constant.
If you were to visit two classrooms, even in the same building, they may be similar. However, they will have their distinct differences. This is because each classroom is going to have its own unique personality built around the teacher and the students in the class.
The make-up of classrooms is becoming much more diverse. Students are bringing in their different backgrounds, cultures, socioeconomic classes, thoughts, and abilities. Teachers are instructing at all different levels which often means that more people are coming into the classroom. These people may include parents, aids, and special education teachers. Students are also being pulled out of the classroom for different subjects. This means that often throughout the day, the classroom is constantly changing.
As technology is improving, so are the materials used in the classrooms. Some 21st century classrooms have access to computers for each student. This is usually some sort of projector in a classroom; overheads are beginning to be outdated by computers and smart boards. However, materials such as paper, pencils, markers, paint, crayons, and glue are always a constant.
If you were to visit two classrooms, even in the same building, they may be similar. However, they will have their distinct differences. This is because each classroom is going to have its own unique personality built around the teacher and the students in the class.
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