Blog Posting #2- November 19

I have had the opportunity to work with all of the students in my first grade classroom. Though I have gotten to know a few students better than others. I really do love to work with the students and I am dreading to say good-bye to them in a few short weeks. It seems like I have just gotten in the rythm of things and I have to start over again. I have worked with high and low ability groups in the subject of reading. I have observed how the higher ability students were much more serious about school, did not disrespect me during our reading group, and were much better behaved. After a very rocky reading group with the low ability group, I have noticed that they are behaving much better when I am firm and address problems as soon as they happen. I think I am getting much better at handling those sorts of things....I was way too nice and timid in the beginning :) I have learned a lot this semster about working with students of different cultures, personalities, and ability levels. I also learned the BIG lesson of not being afraid of the students because they can smell your fear and will basically eat you alive :)

So Jason, I was wondering if you are looking forward to switching mentor teachers or if you are sad to see your students go?

Reflection on PDS

While at my PDS, i have worked with several different types of kids. These kids are from diverse backgrounds and have taught me a lot in a few short weeks. Perhaps the most important thing I've learned is that no student is the same. To make the learning worthwhile, it is important to pick up on how a students learn. Do they learn by lecture? or are they better at doing hands-on practice? Once I assess how the student learns best, I can use that strategy when teaching material in the classroom. Another important thing to remember is that whether or not parental support is present, we have to treat every student equally because each of them has the ability to learn and progress. I have also noticed that in the short time i've been at my PDS, i have had several new students enter the classroom. This shows me that Bruceton continues to grow.

I have noticed that diverse learning styles plays an important role in my relationships with my students. Have you noticed different learning styles in youur students at your PDS?

Blogging Possibilities

I think that teachers could use blogs to help their students learn more about them and what they will be experiencing throughout the school year. In the summer months, the teacher could create a blog for her students to read so that they could learn more about her, the adventures she went on over the summer, and what the students could expect during the course of the school year.She could write about her family, likes and dislikes, favorite hobbies, and encourage her future students to comment on what she wrote.

I have been keeping a written journal of my experiences at my PDS so that I can remember what happened in the classroom, how I approached it, or even just funny things that the students said. My journal is mostly just for myself and to keep memories, but a blog could be created for everyone else to read and comment on. I could write about my experiences or questions that I have and even ask for advice from other tutors. A blog could be used to help all of the tutors feel more connected and have a way to read about our similar or different experiences.