Self-Reflection

My senior year is coming to an end and it has made me think about several things. Many things have changed.I remember my Freshmen year and how much I dreaded having a Childhood Development class. I was certain that I would never be a teacher. As I learned more and more about how children grow and interact, my interest in the Education field grew. My sophomore year, I was even more involved with the students. I volunteered at a pre-k class and there was no turning back from there.I loved  teaching kids and I loved watching me and looking for guidance with big curious eyes. Junior year came y and unfortunately I wasn't able to take my Childhood Development class until Senior year. Through out that year I took law enforcement and opened myself up to different career paths. My passion for teaching was still somewhere inside me, but I wasn't sure how I would follow what I wanted to do in life. A couple months later everything flipped turned upside down.  I never imagined I would live in Texas and follow an education course. I met with my counselor at Elgin High School and she asked to choose two electives. I saw the sheet and immediately chose Education and Training. Practicum in Education and Training has helped me grow in so many ways that I don't even know where to start. My passion for teaching was revealed through each and every activity I made. I found people with same interests and goals as me. We helped each other out through out the year. I definitely had a lot more hands on experiences in the classroom. I learned how to create lesson plans and figure out objectives. I learned how to deal with classroom management and child behaviors. I've been able to use creativity and imagination while at the pre-school and I feel like I've been useful. I've taught kids site words, manners and songs as well as many dances. I've taught these kids how to get along and fix problems on their own. I've been teaching them how to tie their shoes. I would've never known how much of a responsibility it takes to be a teacher. I want to reach my goal of becoming one even more. I see the effort it takes and the time it requires. It's a challenge but this class has prepared me for it. I joined T.A.F.E (Texas Association of Future Educators) and had a great time creating my own children's book and competing. I was able to see how important the role of a teacher really is. My course teacher has done so much for us to understand and really reach the ultimate goal of becoming a teacher. Her class is not easy, it's full of challenges, but trust me, everything is worth it at the end. I would recommend her class to anyone who seriously wants to work with children. I'll never forget all the hard work I put into this class and  how it has helped me even though I struggled at times, I'm convinced about what I'm choosing as a career and I'm experienced in it to a certain extent. For all of that, I'm forever grateful.

Favorite Children's book

Choosing my favorite children's book is pretty difficult considering how my mother is a total book worm and introduced me to them at a very young age. I remember being 5-7 years old and having a stack of books. My mom had made a deal with me, if I was good and behaved well, she would award me with a different book. I never knew what the book would be about, and that excited me. I received a new book each week. I remember reading Dora's adventures, Clifford and many more. Eventually my mom bought me a Dr.Seuss collection. It had every Dr.Seuss book ever written and it also had a few stuffed animals and cd's and even a backpack! I loved my books so much! Then one day, my religious grandma came by and said that those books were bad and that they would bring demons into my house. So she threw them all away. Anyway, I'm getting a little off topic but I suppose two of my favorite books are Chrysanthemum and Corduroy. Both of these books have been mentioned by two of my classmates as their own personal favorite book, and even though I had planned to be original, I came to the conclusion that I can't deny my appreciation for those books. I liked the vivid pictures and as for Corduroy, I loved how much imagination was put into it. After reading it, I always thought of all my teddy bears and different stuffed animals. I didn't want to leave any of them out of my tea parties and adventures. I believe both books contain valuable, teachable lessons. Even though they are really old books, they have great value. Chrysanthemum deals with teasing and how a teacher handled the situation and how Chrysanthemum, as a student, felt because of this. I think it could help children understand when they are making someone feel bad and why they shouldn't do it. As for Corduroy, I think it makes children understand empathy a little more and opens up warm feelings as well as learning to care about other things that by sight might not look appealing. I read those when I was really small and I even kept the books now that I'm older. I believe children books should be enjoyable for all ages. Those two books have stuck with me since childhood and I plan to pass the importance of reading and especially reading these books to my future children.

Special Needs

I think when it comes to special needs and teaching kids with special needs requires one very important thing, patience. I've met many of these kids, and they really are such wonderful,intelligent lovable kids. They just require extra attention and care. I've been doing research on ADHD and I've found many interesting things about it. My brother hasn't been diagnosed with this but it's become more obvious lately. Ever since he was very little, 4-5 years old, he wouldn't understand simple instructions. I would send him to get me the broom and he would bring a brush. He was always fidgeting mad moving constantly. He gets angry fast, always has. Lately he hasn't been turning his homework in, even when he does it. I've seen him work on his homework but still he gets a 0 for it. That's why I was especially interested in learning more about this. I was going to do it anyway but having it as a project really gave the push I needed to investigate. I have a special needs student at the daycare. I'm not sure what disability he has but he is only 5 years old. He doesn't really speak so he tends to cry a lot in order to receive attention or out of frustration for not being understood. He loves to dance and plays with others. In the right environment, these special needs kids will get along. At the daycare everybody loves and understands this kid. They play with him and constantly want to hug him. The teacher has explained to the class how this little boy is special and how to treat him. She mentioned how he's different but he's our friend and we must treat him like one. I believe that as a teacher, having special needs students in the classroom is challenging but a great learning experience and it isn't as bad as you would think. As a future educator, I wish to always involve all students into the classroom with/without a disability. I believe that in order to do this, I must create that sort of environment. Be clear with how I teach and the instructions I give, and keep in mind that they need extra time and help. The key is effort, with it, you can do almost anything.

Creativity

Creativity is the use of imagination or original ideas. I think creativity matters in Education because without it, students aren't intrigued into what you are trying to teach them. They will not be interested. I've had many teachers and each one with their way of seeing things. Just like students, each teacher is different. I remember back in 7th grade, we had to use rubber bands and some needles to form a shape, our teacher gave us the instructions, we weren't allowed to choose what we wanted it to be, it had to be either an octagon or a square. We had to paint it black and gold because those were our school colors. Everything was limited. Some of my classmates did something else with the project some formed it into a bulldog since that was our mascot and painted it all kinds of different colors. Those students who were exploring their creativity ended up getting a zero because "That wasn't the assignment". After they received a zero, no one dared try creativity. Everyone stuck to the assignment and it turned out to be annoying and boring to accomplish it. Everybody's project looked exactly the same. But according to our teacher, she had been doing this for years and it was always a success. Point is, education without creativity is boring. Despite having that class for two years, I had English teacher who made us write a research paper and he said that we could add anything we wanted as long as we had back up to our statements. He let us draw out our writing and even perform it. Which means standing up and presenting it but in a enthusiastic dramatic form. I loved that class because nothing stopped me. I grew a passion for Reading and writing. Because I had explored the area with every part of my mind, it made me love it instead of hate it. The problems discussed by Sir Ken Robinson, need to be resolved through the teachers. He mentions how that relationship between a teacher and a learner should always exist. That is the top priority. Only use materials and technology and everything else available at school, if it will help the teacher teach and develop a lesson appropriate enough for the student. It starts there. There are so many things we, as future educators need to keep in mind, but one of them would be to never forget the importance of creativity. The way we felt in school when creativity wasn't an option.

The 55 Essential: Rules 44-55

I just finished reading "The Essential 55" by Ron Clark, and I have so many thoughts on the book. The last few rules were just as interesting as the rest. "I started telling the students to come with me with the problem and that I would handle it quietly. I told them that if they fuss or argue, their punishment is going to be worse than that of the person who did something wrong."(pg 127) this was part of rule 45, I really like the way he gives them options. It's either, he handles it, or they handle the situation in a mature way. I'd like to apply that in my class as well. I really like the Doritos rule as well, it adds humor in between all this seriousness. He tells his students the story of his sister licking the Doritos chip and placing it back in the bag so that he wouldn't get more. This reminds me of when I was about 5, I would do the same thing, but I would lick off the cheese off of every single chip and then offer it to everyone in the room. Many would say what a good mannered little girl I was, but in reality I wanted to get rid of the licked Doritos. "I tell teachers that they need to develop their own rule of 47 to add their own personality. I explain that they need to make the rules their own." (Pg 133)  I like the idea of this, it's almost a relief to have a little humor mixed in. "I want the kids to feel safe in the school, I want them to see me as someone who will fight for them and stand up for them if the time comes." (Pg 134) I know many kids who struggle at home and I want them to look forward to come to my classroom, somewhere safe. Somewhere where they can find hope and relief. I know that for a period of time, that was the case for me. I loved coming to school, just to escape home. I want to make sure my students feel the same and feel protected. "I never want my students to feel they are substandard to anyone or in any situation." (Pg 138) I really like how he pointed this out. I would never want my students to feel less than anybody. It's the same attitude I would apply. The last rule was a great way to end the book, "No matter how bad things get, however, make sure you are always developing into the kind of person you want to be, and the kind of person others want around." (Pg 158) that's exactly what I tell myself constantly. Things aren't always great but make sure that doesn't get in the way of becoming who you want to be. I really enjoyed this book and I know it'll help me in my future classroom.

http://www.smartclassroommanagement.com/2011/06/25/bullying-in-the-classroom/

The Essential 55 : rules 33-43

After reading chapters 33-43 of the Essential 55, I learned many more things and reasons of why Mr.Clark came up with all these rules. Most of these have to do with field trips and being out of class.  
I remember working at my mother's coffee shop a few years back, and having a really busy day. Many of the customers were rude and really annoying, but there were those few that were really polite and even called me by my name. Not "Miss" or "young lady". I remember when they would do this, I would sometimes give them an extra cookie or a coupon. My point is, Mr.Clark taught his students this simple rule. ".. When I introduce you to people, make sure you remember their names.." (Pg 105) He talks about Mrs. Clinton and how she made the effort to remember his students names. This is also something I would like to incorporate in my classroom. "We role play situations like that quite a bit to give the students adequate practice." (Pg 107) Practice makes perfect, I would have to teach the students to follow this rule and I love he idea of role playing, it's a fun way to learn. Another rule that I liked is "If you approach a door and someone is following you, hold the door." (Pg 111) this reminds me of a movie I once watched, "Take The Lead", it was about this teacher that was teaching some rebellious students how to dance tango and in the process would teach them good manners. In one of the scenes, he taught one of his students to open a door for a lady, or for anyone for that matter, and the student said "why, if she can open the door herself" and the teacher told him that the ladies would fall for him if he did so. Then the student began opening doors for everybody. I've grown up with this rule my whole life. I do it without thinking, no hesitation. I always find it rude when someone doesn't hold the door for me and let's it slam on my face. This is also definitely something I'd like to teach my students. "..it is a lot easier to tell them what you expect from them before you are on a trip than to wait until you have arrived at your destination."(pg 114) I truly believe in those words. Most students will follow what is expected of them, but if they don't know what you want them to do, it is very unlikely they'll perform as expected. Many teachers think it's logical, but I think it's important or almost vital to let them know what to do and what not to do. "Sometimes respect for others may not seem like it is going to have an impact, especially when you see no one around is taking manners into consideration. However, that is usually the time when such kind actions will be most appreciated and recognized by others." (Pg 115) I love the way he worded this. Last weekend we went on a field trip to Houston for some competitive events, and while we were there, we were taken to a buffet to eat. I've never really liked buffets, not because of the food, but because of how crowded and messy things can get. The time I was there, people were pushing and getting in everybody's way. These were college people! And even though the majority had a "me first" attitude, there were a few who were really respectful and considerate. Hey probably thought they went unnoticed, but oh my gosh, I was so glad the buffet wasn't all too bad. They were the exception, and I would also like my class to be the exception and make the time we spend anywhere on field trips or even during school, enjoyable and worthwhile in between all the craziness.

https://classroomcaboodle.com/teacher-resource/school-field-trip-guide-success/

The Essential 55: Rules 22-32

After reading chapters 22-32, There are many things that stuck to me but most of all, the ABC's of etiquette. I feel like he manners mentioned are going extinct nowadays. "Even if the kids never need to eat at a formal dinner, at least they will be prepared to..." (Pg 99) I love how he said "prepared", because really all his rules are to prepare his students for the future as grown individuals and that's exactly what I want to do with my students. Prepare them for life. "In the beginning, I had to remind them every day but after I worked with them a couple months, they know to pick up their trash before they leave."(pg 100) Here he talks about cleaning up after themselves. But the reason why I liked this quote is because what he did required repetition and consistency. It follows along what Mr.Wong taught as well. And I'm really starting to see the importance of this in the classroom. "....it is important to thank drivers and to wish them a good day." (Pg 105) I personally like this quote because throughout this chapter he speaks about the bus drivers and how people should be respectful out of consideration for others. I ride the bus, you cannot imagine how loud and crazy it gets in there. Many get in the bus and don't salute the driver and when they get off, they say nothing as well. I've always thought about how rude that is. I try to always say thank you and wish them a good day out of courtesy. "Entering an unknown environment can be intimidating and scary." (Pg 86) I know this feeling far too well. When I just moved to Texas, I mean everything is different here. I was definitely uncomfortable. My first day of school, I felt overwhelmed. But gladly, I had a student show me around, and even though I never heard of her afterwards, that helped me be a lot more comfortable with my surroundings. I love the idea of having the kids show a visitor around the school and escort them to the classroom. Taking pride of the school as well as showing them that you took the time and effort into welcoming them always ends in positivity. I wish more schools did this. The last and most simplest quote I chose is " I would allow them to keep a bottle of water on their desks..." (Pg 78) I liked this because kids always use the excuse of having to get a drink of water to get out of their seats. It simply disturbs the class. I remember doing this when I was in elementary, middle school and honestly sometimes here as a senior in high school. This removes that problem. Anyway I enjoyed this section of the book, can't wait for the rest.

The Essential 55- rules 11-21

The moment I continued reading "The Essential 55", I bumped into this quote "the best time to give someone a nice surprise is when it isn't expected." (Pg 29) I love this because no one has ever understood why i don't really like Christmas or Valentines or even Birthdays, people expect to receive things that day. I like being surprised and I feel like random acts of kindness are needed in such a terrible word. I love how he taught his students how important this was. I also love how he tried getting his students involved when reading to them. "I read with force, energy, and expression. I let go of all inhibitions and "become" the character."(pg48) I love reading and I feel like if you make it fun, the kids will love it or learn to love it as well. It's something I'd like to incorporate in my classroom some day. "I keep a homework tally banner...that tracks how many days in a row all the students in the class have done all of their homework assignments." (Pg 57) I really liked the idea of that because every class has a problem with not everyone turning their homework in. I feel like this would fix it. Another thing has to do with organization, "Teach them how to be organized by showing them examples of how you yourself are organized and the type of structure you expect from them." (Pg 66) always teach by example, is something my mother has always told me growing up. I've learned to do so, otherwise I'd be a hypocrite. I love how he applied is to his classroom when it comes to tideness. The last thing I liked was how "When the school year first begins, however, I don't even let kids get up to sharpen a pencil without permission." (Pg 75) I feel like this ties in with what we learned in Mr.Wong's book over repeating procedures and the importance of it the first few weeks of school. I really like the book so far, there are many things I will apply to my own classroom.

http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/article/classroom-organization-physical-environment

The Essential 55 - rules 1-10

I found many things interesting about "The Essential 55". Ever rule has a story behind it. One of my favorites was rule number 2. Making eye contact when speaking to someone or when someone is speaking to you. "Keeping eye contact is something that many people find hard to do, but it is important to get your point across to people and show them you're serious about what you are saying." (Page 3)To me, that rule is extremely hard to follow, has to do with low confidence and what not, yet whenever someone speaks to me while making eye contact it's easier to believe every word they say. They seem more sincere, so I understand the importance of this. I also really liked how he shared student's grades to the class. "I have found that sharing grades with the entire class can be a very positive experience, in the right type of environment." (Pg 8) I've never been able to experience this because every teacher is told to keep grades confidential and to just tell the student by himself. I would want to apply that method someday, when I begin teaching. I'd like to see if I gain positive results as well as he did. I most definitely like rule number 5, about not bragging. "No matter what their abilities, I want them to remain confident yet humble." (Pg 15) I've always thought it's important to let your abilities and skills shine through humility. "In order for this rule to work, you have to enforce it, and sometimes that is difficult." (Pg 24) Here, he is talking about rule 9, about taking away something if not shown appreciation for it. I like that quote, however, not because of the rule but because it applies to all rules. I'm a really nice person and it's hard on me to enforce rules on the students. But what he says, is really true. Which is why I love how he said he had to "remain consistent.". There he explains how a little girl got so excited when she was rewarded that she forgot to say thank you, the kids pointed it out and he had to follow his rule and take it away from her. This helps me understand I'll have to face those situations to and prepare to how I will react.

http://www.smartclassroommanagement.com/2012/06/16/how-to-be-consistent-with-classroom-management/

Learning at School?

After watching Will Richardson's video over education, I came to the realization that kids learn absolutely anywhere else but at school. It really shouldn't be shocking, schools make students "learn" with people their age and expect them to progress at the same pace, learning the same material, the same exact way. That is nothing like the real world. Besides, everyone learns differently, some will be better than others and not everyone have the same interests. All these things must be considered.

What motivates me to learn is my passion for teaching and wanting to become a teacher, working with kids. Before I came across a Children Education class, I didn't have motivation to learn much. Then teachers wonder why students like their electives better than core classes. This is because they chose those classes, they found it interesting. If anything, most of their motivation to keep coming to school is because they know they'll get scolded by their parents if they decide not that attend.

Since my goal is to work with kids, I would definitely try making school or my classroom a great learning environment. To do this first, I need to grab their interest with what I will be teaching. I need to make it fun and interactive, posing interesting questions. I would have groups of four or six in each table and encourage teamwork. I would have to know my students and their interests in order to provide the necessary education. I would make sure they really know and understand why a certain subject is important, how it involves them. It's not just to pass you class, but to remember it throughout their lives, making them a better person in society. "Practice our beliefs" is what was said towards the end of the video, and that's precisely what I plan to do.



https://rryshke.wordpress.com/2013/02/24/what-qualities-make-for-an-ideal-school-or-classroom/