As this will be my last blog I would love to reflect on this entire project itself actually.
Well needless to say I absolutely loved it!
I have never done anything like this before, Although I have always wanted to.
Its so funny because my mother is so gifted and so talented that she has the most wonderful blog! Check it out ->http://www.rosesandrutabagas.com/blog/
She has the ability to transform a plain ordinary room into a masterpiece and her passion for that inspires me.
I mentioned in a beginning post of who inspires me.
I remembering listing a few of the great.. but I left the best till last..My mother.
I am so inspired by her.
So unbelievably proud to call her mom.
She pushes me to be the best that I can be.
She inspires me to be the best teacher I can be.
She has a gift of creativity and hopefully that can be passed on to me haha ya right! But I do hope that she can come transform my future classroom into a spectacular learning cave!
I was so excited to learn we would be embarking on this "Blog Adventure" for I hoped that my mom would rub off on me.
This blog was so helpful in clarifying my reasons for why I'm doing this.
It allowed me to dip into my thoughts,concerns, feelings, other the school system. It was a great project all in all. Actually learnt quite a bit, and not as easy as I thought it would be.
Every blog took a lot of time and preparation, and investigating.
It helped me learn more about the school system in general and more about certain issues that would not have caught my eye if I wouldn`t have done this.
I would love to have the pleasure to do this again.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Chadbourn Elementary School
It was a devastating Monday afternoon in Columbus County, Ohio. It was so sad to hear that 10 year old Jasmine McClain had taken her own life, due to allegation's of bullying. I've blogged on Bullying in the past, and I find it utterly disgusting and sad that kids, humans for that matter can treat their peers/strangers with such disrespect and hatred. Why can't people just get along. After seeing this video im about to share with you, it leaves me wondering more questions..How can a girl come home from school and seem to "be fine" as stated by her grandmother she was playing around and such and then commit suicide. Its so mind boggling and just devastating that someone can be so hurt at such a young age. My friend in Lacombe, his brother committed suicide this summer and it not only affects the family but everyone in the community. My thoughts and prays go out to that little girls family and the community for that matter to come together and be there for each other in moments of such a horrific tragedy .
http://www.wral.com/news/local/story/10395193/
http://www.wral.com/news/local/story/10395193/
After school programs
Students can widely academically benefit from these programs with homework clubs, study groups, math club, even a literary group. I know coming from experience students can gain so much when participating in after school programs.
Not only are they getting their homework done, but practising the right technique while under proper supervision.
Students that are involved in after school programs that are not about school work, are also very beneficial.
The home life of a student may not be up to par, and actually any time apart from home may be a blessing. Students are then able to connect with peers and mentors in a positive environment whether it just hanging around playing some games, or studying.Their are all sorts of after school programs available and give students a awesome attitude.
Hopefully we can expand on after school programs and get the kids off the street and help them stay out of mischief. We can be great mentors and role models to the new generation.
Here is a great after school program going on at Martin Luther King School in the states...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5VWdJuI_w8
Class Discussion Question.
Wednesday at the end of class we were given this scenario..
"A student in your class, Cody, refuses to do his desk work. What is a possible purpose or function for this behaviour? Please suggest an alternative behaviour he can learn or adopt to meet this purpose or function."
With a lot of hard thought Cody could be refusing to do his work because he is having problems at home, or even having problems with someone else in the class, he might not even understand the work. Alternative behaviour could be to create groups to work on the homework together so if he doesn't understand what he's doing there's his peers to help him. Just sitting down with him and trying to understand the problem beyond his actions.
With a lot of hard thought Cody could be refusing to do his work because he is having problems at home, or even having problems with someone else in the class, he might not even understand the work. Alternative behaviour could be to create groups to work on the homework together so if he doesn't understand what he's doing there's his peers to help him. Just sitting down with him and trying to understand the problem beyond his actions.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Facing the Future
Wow what a snowy day here in cold Alberta... BrRrRrR
All cozied up in a blanket enjoying some hot coco
and thought I would stop in for a warm Hello :)
Yesterday actually I stumbled upon a marvellous website called "Facing the Future ",available to teachers world wide.
Their moto online simply states :
Facing the Future engages students in learning by making academics relevant to their lives. We empower students to think critically, develop a global perspective, and participate in positive solutions for a sustainable future.
This website helps teachers around the globe to integrate their academics with global issues that are interesting enough to spark a student's interest and success. The website is fully loaded with curriculum and resources available to teachers.
All cozied up in a blanket enjoying some hot coco
and thought I would stop in for a warm Hello :)
Yesterday actually I stumbled upon a marvellous website called "Facing the Future ",available to teachers world wide.
Their moto online simply states :
Facing the Future engages students in learning by making academics relevant to their lives. We empower students to think critically, develop a global perspective, and participate in positive solutions for a sustainable future.
This website helps teachers around the globe to integrate their academics with global issues that are interesting enough to spark a student's interest and success. The website is fully loaded with curriculum and resources available to teachers.
A message brought to by Jack Edgerton.... http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=WikLGz7Fjnk
Here is a short You-Tube video I found on Facing the Future that clearly illurstrates just what "FTF" really is..
http://www.youtube.com/user/FacingtheFuture#p/u/8/lH46ymGlJX0
I just think this is so extremely wonderful, I actually was so curious to see what the curriculum look like I registered myself so I could get a peek..
Here is a link to the free downloaded Teacher's resource that they sent me of a math lesson for middle school..
https://www.facingthefuture.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=mXyE8Fr8UHs=
And now here is the student's handout to the same math lesson plan..
http://www.facingthefuture.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=vBOztUNZW_U%3d
This website will be so useful for when I am actually teaching and in the workforce. I really truly believe that all schools should some how educate our students about how vital it is to be knowledgeable and smart about our world and how to treat it. We need to start educating our kids about this serious matter or there will be nothing left of it.
I sincerely hope this amazing project becomes popular all around the world,
What a difference it will make.....
Here is a short You-Tube video I found on Facing the Future that clearly illurstrates just what "FTF" really is..
http://www.youtube.com/user/FacingtheFuture#p/u/8/lH46ymGlJX0
I just think this is so extremely wonderful, I actually was so curious to see what the curriculum look like I registered myself so I could get a peek..
Here is a link to the free downloaded Teacher's resource that they sent me of a math lesson for middle school..
https://www.facingthefuture.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=mXyE8Fr8UHs=
And now here is the student's handout to the same math lesson plan..
http://www.facingthefuture.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=vBOztUNZW_U%3d
This website will be so useful for when I am actually teaching and in the workforce. I really truly believe that all schools should some how educate our students about how vital it is to be knowledgeable and smart about our world and how to treat it. We need to start educating our kids about this serious matter or there will be nothing left of it.
I sincerely hope this amazing project becomes popular all around the world,
What a difference it will make.....
Monday, November 14, 2011
BC teacher salary
I started thinking today when I graduate with my education degree where I want to start teaching.
My family all lives in Beautiful British Columbia so my dream would to land a job hopefully in the okanagan. I don't think I would want to live in Alberta here for the rest of my life.
And then I started investigating the differences in salary a teacher can make across Canada.
I was SO shocked and a little disappointed in my findings. Below is a chart I found (thanks to google!)
| Province | Salary | Year | Link |
| British Columbia (Vancouver) | $73,972 | 2011 | BC's Local Collective Agreements (2006 - 2011) |
| Alberta (Calgary) | $87,954 | 2011 | Alberta Teachers' Association Collective agreements (2006 - 2012) |
| Saskatchewan | $72,435 | 2010 | Saskatchewan Teachers' Federation Collective Agreement (2007 - 2010) Teachers in Saskatchewan are currently trying to negotiate another contract. |
| Manitoba (Winnipeg) | $76,547 | 2010 | MTS Collective Agreements |
| Ontario (Toronto) | $83,865 | 2011 | OSSTF Collective Agreement (2008 - 2012) |
| Quebec (Montreal) | $52,435 | 2011 | Montreal Teachers' Association Collective Agreement (2010-2011) |
| New Brunswick | $72,536 | 2011 | New Brunswick Teachers' Federation Agreement (2008-2012) |
| Nova Scotia | $59,644 | 2010 | NSTU Collective Agreement (2008-2010) |
| P.E.I. | $64,608 | 2011 | PEI Teachers' Federation Agreement (2010 - 2013) |
| Newfoundland | $69,994 | 2011 | NLTA Collective Agreement (2008-2012) |
And then I really started investigating the BC teacher's issues and came across ALL this information about how teachers are actually seeking more money.
I use to not really pay attention to the reasons why employees or teachers in this case want more money but I agree that the pay should be equal across Canada.
Below I listed the link and the great CTV story on this subject....
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
School Fees
So as I am buying lunch today at the school I reach into my wallet and pull out my debit card and then,
I am prompted with the information that their is a .25 fee for using the schools debit machine.
Wow really? $ $ $
After raising prices already with parking which is already 285 for parking (in the back of the campus on gravel) and textbooks being 100-160 EACH they feel it necessary to charge us students .25 for a debit transaction.
Paying them to use a method of payment to buy something off them?
does that make sense to you? No me neither.. $
Were students who don't have a lot of money.. obviously. $
Yesterday I was at the school from 11 till 8.
I therefore needed to buy a lunch and dinner which was $9 for lunch and $8 for dinner.... $17.00 to eat here yesterday...
What a joke! $ $
how is that accommodating to student's needs?
It's not... $ $ $
You would think the school would want to entice students to eat at their venues with cheap prices.
In fact, I am now going to be bringing a lunch and snacks. $ $
So lost business right there... although lets be honest it won`t matter or make a difference everyone else will still use the debits and spend the ridiculous amounts of money... so Ive done nothing except waste my breath to argue about the subject.. $
My point is simply that perhaps all the money the school raises (last time i checked on the loop they were at..26,432 which is awesome!) but can`t their be a break to the students at all.. like lower parking rates or cheaper resources here...
On a more positive note though... haha it`s Wednesday morning.. no more classes for the day... just have to go teach PLAS and then helllllllloooooo long weekend :)
I am prompted with the information that their is a .25 fee for using the schools debit machine.
Wow really? $ $ $
After raising prices already with parking which is already 285 for parking (in the back of the campus on gravel) and textbooks being 100-160 EACH they feel it necessary to charge us students .25 for a debit transaction.
Paying them to use a method of payment to buy something off them?
does that make sense to you? No me neither.. $
Were students who don't have a lot of money.. obviously. $
Yesterday I was at the school from 11 till 8.
I therefore needed to buy a lunch and dinner which was $9 for lunch and $8 for dinner.... $17.00 to eat here yesterday...
What a joke! $ $
how is that accommodating to student's needs?
It's not... $ $ $
You would think the school would want to entice students to eat at their venues with cheap prices.
In fact, I am now going to be bringing a lunch and snacks. $ $
So lost business right there... although lets be honest it won`t matter or make a difference everyone else will still use the debits and spend the ridiculous amounts of money... so Ive done nothing except waste my breath to argue about the subject.. $
My point is simply that perhaps all the money the school raises (last time i checked on the loop they were at..26,432 which is awesome!) but can`t their be a break to the students at all.. like lower parking rates or cheaper resources here...
On a more positive note though... haha it`s Wednesday morning.. no more classes for the day... just have to go teach PLAS and then helllllllloooooo long weekend :)
Monday, November 7, 2011
Another awesome Video on Operant Conditioning
Hey all! haha I promise this is the last blog about this topic.. but as soon as I posted the last post I came across this amazing video actually of B.F Skinner testing his theories... so with that I am headed to bed :) Goodnight and hopefully youll enjoy this as much as I did!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_ctJqjlrHA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_ctJqjlrHA
Follow up...
Oh hello there! so I do realize I spoke to you this morning, but I think I need to point out how weird it is that we went over in class today things that I was worried about before class. In my previous post I was stating things that would worry me as a teacher... and well today we went over just that!!!
The solution is... Operant Conditioning...
What is it you may ask... well none other than managing behaviour!
Pretty much has to do with B.F Skinner's ideas of reinforcement and punishment!
Now not to bore you any more cause we all know what this about..but just in case your still unsure here is a clip from the hit tv show Big Bang Theory.... LOL enjoy :)
http://vimeo.com/18823407
The solution is... Operant Conditioning...
What is it you may ask... well none other than managing behaviour!
Pretty much has to do with B.F Skinner's ideas of reinforcement and punishment!
Now not to bore you any more cause we all know what this about..but just in case your still unsure here is a clip from the hit tv show Big Bang Theory.... LOL enjoy :)
http://vimeo.com/18823407
UGHHHHHH
Today I am soo ready to just be a teacher already!!!
I can not wait to get out into the field and start the next chapter in my life.
When I was a little girl I wanted to be a teacher and now at 22 Im just
dying to start. Some of my strengths and weakness's would be..
HmMmM well some of my weakness's would be...
Organizational Skills!!! which hopefully I will learn in the next few months :)
Not Picking Favourites
Scheduling
Not Being such a Pushover
I really want to be the BESSSSSSTTTTT TEEEAAACHHHHEEERRRRR
Some of my Strengths would be...
Commitment
Ability to make personal relationships with each student
Able to allow the door of success to Open
Classroom Management
The students will looovvveee me!! and all my unique teaching strategies
Its days like today where I look outside and day-dream about my future..
aaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh soooooo excited!!!!!
That is all for right now.... HAPPY MONDAY!
I can not wait to get out into the field and start the next chapter in my life.
When I was a little girl I wanted to be a teacher and now at 22 Im just
dying to start. Some of my strengths and weakness's would be..
HmMmM well some of my weakness's would be...
Organizational Skills!!! which hopefully I will learn in the next few months :)
Not Picking Favourites
Scheduling
Not Being such a Pushover
I really want to be the BESSSSSSTTTTT TEEEAAACHHHHEEERRRRR
Commitment
Ability to make personal relationships with each student
Able to allow the door of success to Open
Classroom Management
The students will looovvveee me!! and all my unique teaching strategies
Its days like today where I look outside and day-dream about my future..
aaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh soooooo excited!!!!!
That is all for right now.... HAPPY MONDAY!
Sunday, November 6, 2011
ESL Students
As I sit here and study for my sociology exam (which obviously is not going well hence why I'm blogging)
I come across a very interesting article in the textbook that talks of an Ojibway woman that describes her experience involving boarding schools and her original language....
Boarding school was supposed to be a place where you forgot everything about being Anishinabe. And our language too. But I said, "I'm going to talk to myself" -and that's what I did, under my covers-talked to myself in Anishinabe. If we were caught, the nuns would make us stand in the corner and repeat over and over, "I won't speak my language." (Ross, 1996:122)
It got me to really thinking about when I become a teacher how vital it will be to allow student's culture background to not be hindered in any way. This being said I believe it is important for the knowledge of all historical backgrounds to be brought to the education curriculum. Students should not be shunned for wanting to speak their own native language. ESL (English as a Second Language) students should flourish and expand their native language not be punished for it.
In closing I came across this document on the US language policies which I recommend you check out
http://www.linguapax.org/congres/taller/taller1/Beykont.html
I come across a very interesting article in the textbook that talks of an Ojibway woman that describes her experience involving boarding schools and her original language....
Boarding school was supposed to be a place where you forgot everything about being Anishinabe. And our language too. But I said, "I'm going to talk to myself" -and that's what I did, under my covers-talked to myself in Anishinabe. If we were caught, the nuns would make us stand in the corner and repeat over and over, "I won't speak my language." (Ross, 1996:122)
It got me to really thinking about when I become a teacher how vital it will be to allow student's culture background to not be hindered in any way. This being said I believe it is important for the knowledge of all historical backgrounds to be brought to the education curriculum. Students should not be shunned for wanting to speak their own native language. ESL (English as a Second Language) students should flourish and expand their native language not be punished for it.
In closing I came across this document on the US language policies which I recommend you check out
http://www.linguapax.org/congres/taller/taller1/Beykont.html
Saturday, November 5, 2011
PD Session
This last Thursday night I attended a PD session at the college that dealt with on-line educational resources that we as soon to be teachers can use that are available and FREE! It was such a great learning experience not to mention the free pizza we got along with it :) It was so great to go, can't wait for the next one!
Friday, November 4, 2011
Something on my mind...
As I sit here I have running through my mind is how to achieve better marks in college... then I remember my p.e teacher telling me that I need to have physical education in my daily routine for best results.
Well now I start "day dreaming" about when I become a teacher, what I could do to achieve the best results for my students .. I thought of a few things..
Well now I start "day dreaming" about when I become a teacher, what I could do to achieve the best results for my students .. I thought of a few things..
- Have a break of jumping jacks every 45 minutes..
- Have a couple treadmills in the classroom...(I know your probably laughing at that one)
- Have the students participate in physically active sports through out the day/week
- Have your classroom do a 30 min of gym time (before math or science class. To get their heart rate up.)
Hmmmmmm What else what else.... enough for now.. ill post more tomorrow... ciao for now :)
Play
So yessss it's friday night here Wooo Hoo!!
and another video I have stumbled across that I lovvvvee!!
This video is great for realizing we as adults need to incorporate "Play" in our everyday lives to be happy individuals. As a early childhood teacher we need to incorporate Play in our students lives to allow them to flourish.
So with that I hope you enjoy this video as much as I did :)
http://www.ted.com/talks/stuart_brown_says_play_is_more_than_fun_it_s_vital.html
and another video I have stumbled across that I lovvvvee!!
This video is great for realizing we as adults need to incorporate "Play" in our everyday lives to be happy individuals. As a early childhood teacher we need to incorporate Play in our students lives to allow them to flourish.
So with that I hope you enjoy this video as much as I did :)
http://www.ted.com/talks/stuart_brown_says_play_is_more_than_fun_it_s_vital.html
FFFLLYYYIINNNGGG CHHHIIICCKKKEEENNNN
A couple weeks ago I started my PLAS program for Kped...
It was soo excellent! Although I was pretty nervous, I stood there in the
gym waiting for them to rush in with excitement... I wondered to myself
Are they as nervous as I am...
The Clock strikes 12:00 and through the gym walls I hear screams coming
Louder
and
Louder
and
LOUDER
The doors swing open and here come 26 grade 5ers busting through with smiles and laughter
Three girls quickly come up to me with hugs and introduce themselves..Everything is going great.
I have the kids line up on the side of the wall.. there classroom teacher walks in sternly and tells
them to give me there listening posturing. They sit cross-legged with their palms up and most importantly
Eye Contact
I then proceed to introduce myself...
Hello my name is Ms.Liz!
all the kids go CrAzY!
Thats the name of our bus driver!! (they call out)
Then with that a boy on the end says LIZZZAAARRDDD!!
His teacher quickly glares and tells him to show me respect immediately
Fine... he says.... Ms.Lizard! LOL
I chuckled to myself and went on with the program. I really found the best name game. I thought since I wasn't familiar with any of there names what a perfect opportunity to start with a name game.
called Flying Chicken. OVER
I have the kids in two groups one group is in a line passing a rubber chicken AND their
UNDER
bodies. Either going under their legs or over their head. When the chicken reachs the end person they yell out.. FLLLLYYYINNNGGG CCCHHIIICCKKKEEENNN and thhhhrrrooowww the chicken across the gym. And while their passing that chicken over and under themselves the other group is in a circle repeating each other's names and when the chicken is thrown they go grab it and form a line and start passing it over and under, while the other group forms a circle... etc.
Well needless to say it was a HUGE hit amongst the grade 5's.
This Plas program confirms my heart's place in education,
It was soo excellent! Although I was pretty nervous, I stood there in the
gym waiting for them to rush in with excitement... I wondered to myself
Are they as nervous as I am...
The Clock strikes 12:00 and through the gym walls I hear screams coming
Louder
and
Louder
and
LOUDER
The doors swing open and here come 26 grade 5ers busting through with smiles and laughter
Three girls quickly come up to me with hugs and introduce themselves..Everything is going great.
I have the kids line up on the side of the wall.. there classroom teacher walks in sternly and tells
them to give me there listening posturing. They sit cross-legged with their palms up and most importantly
Eye Contact
I then proceed to introduce myself...
Hello my name is Ms.Liz!
all the kids go CrAzY!
Thats the name of our bus driver!! (they call out)
Then with that a boy on the end says LIZZZAAARRDDD!!
His teacher quickly glares and tells him to show me respect immediately
Fine... he says.... Ms.Lizard! LOL
I chuckled to myself and went on with the program. I really found the best name game. I thought since I wasn't familiar with any of there names what a perfect opportunity to start with a name game.
called Flying Chicken. OVER
I have the kids in two groups one group is in a line passing a rubber chicken AND their
UNDER
bodies. Either going under their legs or over their head. When the chicken reachs the end person they yell out.. FLLLLYYYINNNGGG CCCHHIIICCKKKEEENNN and thhhhrrrooowww the chicken across the gym. And while their passing that chicken over and under themselves the other group is in a circle repeating each other's names and when the chicken is thrown they go grab it and form a line and start passing it over and under, while the other group forms a circle... etc.
Well needless to say it was a HUGE hit amongst the grade 5's.
This Plas program confirms my heart's place in education,
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Top-Dog Phenomenon
For all of you that have once attended elementary school and then
S
T
E
P
P
E
D
Into the big halls of High School will relate just fine to proposed thoughts on none of than.....
Top Dog Phenomenon
Now I am certain there are many of us scratching our heads pondering those 3 words in wondering just what that means...well its easy... Its simply from going from the "top dog" at one particular school and then transferring to a lower position. This "phenomenon" quite popular with students from an elementary school transferring to a high school position. Personally the experience was thrilling as well as extremely nerve racking.
To give you an insight on my experience my elementary school Philip Sheffield consisted of grades from 4 to 7... quite small indeed. Now the high school I was about to embark an adventure upon was grades 8-12. Going from a student population from 250(ish) to around 2500. yes i said it 2500..... with having such a huge high school I feel it had quite a positive affect on me.
Firstly, among the student body I was integrated with multiple elementary schools in the district. Meeting many new faces and life long friends.
Secondly, you are interactive with the same teachers throughout your whole mature education experience . Instead of say perhaps attending a middle school in-between. Furthering connections and developing relationships.
Thirdly, you gain a sense of comfortability. Meaning, your around the same surroundings for 4 years of your life, the same kids 4 years of your life. This I believe having such a positive influence on a student since they are in that "Identity versus Identity confusion stage" trying to find themselves and figure out who they are. Having the same environment makes it easier for children to adapt to be themselves. Instead of welcoming new schools every 3 years.
I believe that eliminating middle schools are a good idea. Kids I believe have a better school experience in general when they are within an familiar area for learning and making connections. and lets face it.. that's the point isn't it?
S
T
E
P
P
E
D
Into the big halls of High School will relate just fine to proposed thoughts on none of than.....
Top Dog Phenomenon
Now I am certain there are many of us scratching our heads pondering those 3 words in wondering just what that means...well its easy... Its simply from going from the "top dog" at one particular school and then transferring to a lower position. This "phenomenon" quite popular with students from an elementary school transferring to a high school position. Personally the experience was thrilling as well as extremely nerve racking.
To give you an insight on my experience my elementary school Philip Sheffield consisted of grades from 4 to 7... quite small indeed. Now the high school I was about to embark an adventure upon was grades 8-12. Going from a student population from 250(ish) to around 2500. yes i said it 2500..... with having such a huge high school I feel it had quite a positive affect on me.
Firstly, among the student body I was integrated with multiple elementary schools in the district. Meeting many new faces and life long friends.
Secondly, you are interactive with the same teachers throughout your whole mature education experience . Instead of say perhaps attending a middle school in-between. Furthering connections and developing relationships.
Thirdly, you gain a sense of comfortability. Meaning, your around the same surroundings for 4 years of your life, the same kids 4 years of your life. This I believe having such a positive influence on a student since they are in that "Identity versus Identity confusion stage" trying to find themselves and figure out who they are. Having the same environment makes it easier for children to adapt to be themselves. Instead of welcoming new schools every 3 years.
I believe that eliminating middle schools are a good idea. Kids I believe have a better school experience in general when they are within an familiar area for learning and making connections. and lets face it.. that's the point isn't it?
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Adolescent Challenges
Violence......
So many kids these days are surrounded with bullying and violence that they can't help but become victims to.Maybe not in any schools in Alberta per say.. or even Canada. East Detroit is known for its "ghetto" reputation that children can't run away from the violence. Everyone has an enormous chance of getting hurt. Below I attached a link of a video I found so inspiring. About a 15 year old boy growing up in Detroit and is a victim to gang related violence. There needs to be outreaches for this kids to stop joining gangs and turning their life around. There needs to be love.
http://www.worldstarhiphop.com/videos/video.php?v=wshhROD3Chq9n03JaPd4
So many kids these days are surrounded with bullying and violence that they can't help but become victims to.Maybe not in any schools in Alberta per say.. or even Canada. East Detroit is known for its "ghetto" reputation that children can't run away from the violence. Everyone has an enormous chance of getting hurt. Below I attached a link of a video I found so inspiring. About a 15 year old boy growing up in Detroit and is a victim to gang related violence. There needs to be outreaches for this kids to stop joining gangs and turning their life around. There needs to be love.
http://www.worldstarhiphop.com/videos/video.php?v=wshhROD3Chq9n03JaPd4
Student Contact....
As referring to my previous blog about parenting we see a problem that surely raises some eyebrows...
If a child is being neglected at home and is looking for comfort from a teacher is that okay...
School Policy at some schools states : Absolutely NO contact of any kind
Now I agree... to some extent..
Last week I was teaching grade 5 kids for my KPED class at the college.
The clock strikes 12 and hyper-active grade 5's come storming in the gym. I
was approached by 3 young girls, whom all gave me a hug as they introduced
themselves.
Now would this be acceptable? If the school's policy is so firm, how could I
turn down three little children?
My thoughts on this is simple.. Using your own discretion.
I don't agree with school's having a policy of no contact. A lady I was
talking to the other day mentioned that in her grade 4 class there was this
little boy who got absolutely no attention at home, no hugs, no love. And everyday
he would come to class and give her the hugest bear hug. How could she refuse?
After being so neglected in his home life ,why wouldn't you want him to feel that
he is loved?
Real thought should be placed in this subject... It is a serious situation that needs to be addressed.
If a child is being neglected at home and is looking for comfort from a teacher is that okay...
School Policy at some schools states : Absolutely NO contact of any kind
Now I agree... to some extent..
Last week I was teaching grade 5 kids for my KPED class at the college.
The clock strikes 12 and hyper-active grade 5's come storming in the gym. I
was approached by 3 young girls, whom all gave me a hug as they introduced
themselves.
Now would this be acceptable? If the school's policy is so firm, how could I
turn down three little children?
My thoughts on this is simple.. Using your own discretion.
I don't agree with school's having a policy of no contact. A lady I was
talking to the other day mentioned that in her grade 4 class there was this
little boy who got absolutely no attention at home, no hugs, no love. And everyday
he would come to class and give her the hugest bear hug. How could she refuse?
After being so neglected in his home life ,why wouldn't you want him to feel that
he is loved?
Real thought should be placed in this subject... It is a serious situation that needs to be addressed.
Parenting Styles
What makes someone a parent? What makes someone a great parent?
Is it someone who is intertwined throughout every part of their child's life?
Is it someone who allows their child to have endless amounts of freedom?
Is it someone who is strict and allows no freedom whatsoever?
Is it someone who is far from knowing what is going on in their child's life?
We may not think of it, but how our students are parented reflects tremendously on their behaviour and progress at school. As we read in our assigned text for the class we actually learn that their are actually 2 fundamental skills for parenting...
one being
Control and the other
Acceptance
In other words : its a mixture of how restraining you are as a parent and how well you
comfort and love them
Growing up with Authoritative Parents reallyshaped moulded who I am today
Authoritative parenting... our text describes as this.......
Parenting style that encourages children to be independent but still places limits
and controls on their actions.
I have truly been blessed in life with having them both as my support figures.
As a teacher you will come across children who are not as grateful and who do not have anyone in their life that they can talk to or look up to as role model.
Hence why it is so important to always being nurturing and caring for your students. No matter how neglectful a parent may be or how pushy a parent may seem, always be that extra support system for whomever needs you.
Is it someone who is intertwined throughout every part of their child's life?
Is it someone who allows their child to have endless amounts of freedom?
Is it someone who is strict and allows no freedom whatsoever?
Is it someone who is far from knowing what is going on in their child's life?
We may not think of it, but how our students are parented reflects tremendously on their behaviour and progress at school. As we read in our assigned text for the class we actually learn that their are actually 2 fundamental skills for parenting...
one being
Control and the other
Acceptance
In other words : its a mixture of how restraining you are as a parent and how well you
comfort and love them
Growing up with Authoritative Parents really
Authoritative parenting... our text describes as this.......
Parenting style that encourages children to be independent but still places limits
and controls on their actions.
I have truly been blessed in life with having them both as my support figures.
As a teacher you will come across children who are not as grateful and who do not have anyone in their life that they can talk to or look up to as role model.
Hence why it is so important to always being nurturing and caring for your students. No matter how neglectful a parent may be or how pushy a parent may seem, always be that extra support system for whomever needs you.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Ted Talks
Now I know We watched this video in class
and after coming home and digesting it more and more
I truly am inspired to lead a different way and ask Why before I act.
Which will make me a better teacher the more I BELIEVE what I do and the
students will believe what I do and want to learn from me.
http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/simon_sinek_how_great_leaders_inspire_action.html
and after coming home and digesting it more and more
I truly am inspired to lead a different way and ask Why before I act.
Which will make me a better teacher the more I BELIEVE what I do and the
students will believe what I do and want to learn from me.
http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/simon_sinek_how_great_leaders_inspire_action.html
Piaget or Vygotsky
2 main psychologists... 
Both being Extremely talented.. But who Are they...
Piaget ---->
or
Vygotsky
Both being Extremely talented.. But who Are they...Well Piaget considered himself as a "genetic" epistemologist. He was all about the way children think and all the "stages" of learning. He made 4 stages
Stage one- -> Sensorimotor Stage (birth to 2 years) : A stage where children integrate sensory experiences with motor actions
Stage two- -> Preoperational Stage (2-7 years) : Where kids begin there world full of words and images.
Stage three- -> Concrete Operational Stage (7-11 years) : Where kids seem to become older than they are and "classify objects into different sets".
Stage 4- -> Formal Operational Stage (11-15 years) :Where kids finally start reasoning with more abstract , idealistic, and logical
way
And then there was... Vygotsky
And his view... Zone of Proximal Development
What is ZPD???? Well text book states " The range of tasks that are too difficult for children to master alone but can be learned with guidance and assistance from adults or skilled peers. All about scaffolding ( a technique of changing the learning criteria depending on the learners progress).
My own opinion I believe in a little bit of both. In some situations your put into to your going to have to have a mixture of both ideas. With assisting say a 10 year old we can investigate the label that Piaget would have placed on this kid and then further assist them with scaffolding and Zygotsky's theories.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Longggggg Overdue!!
WoW!!! this so late on coming!
As I sat in class last week we discussed ?
Why
We Want ?
To Be ? A Teacher
?
? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
? ? ?
I thought all day about it... pondered it...consumed it. and really gave it ALLOT of thought.
Why Do I....What is it that drives me to continue my program.. Why Why Why Why Why Why.....????
(Those were all the thoughts going through my head)
Well Firstly I absolutely LOVE kids.I love all ages from new born's to young adolescence's. Growing up I knew this was the perfect profession for me. I want to be able to make a change in someone's life, even if it is just just being that 6 hours of positive reinforcement that a child/student lacks in their home life. Coming from a family that has a teaching in it I was surrounded at a young age of what teaching deals with and the extra work that comes with it. I want to be able to have the chance to mould a students mind and be able to curve their cognitive behaviour. I love the idea of having my work environment involving positive attitudes and little smiles all around. I'm excited for setting up my classroom to have the students in a place where they want to be. I want to be a teacher for all the right reasons of making a connection in someone's life for the better. Also when the time comes in my life to have the chance to have my OWN children, this job is the very best for managing your motherly duties as well as fulfilling your position at the school ; And perhaps one day I will have the decision of placing my own kids in the school i teach in. In fact being a teacher is some what like being a mother to many different kinds of individuals. Like I mentioned in my last entry of qualities of an effective teacher I feel being a motherly motivation is a another trait one should have. I am so excited to start my career as a teacher that I really hope when the time comes I find a job either in Alberta or BC (where I grew up, and hopefully can live there). I feel the teachers that just love kids all in all are the most effective teachers. The ones who put there heart in teaching and not just those teachers who are only in it for the wrong reasons. Ones who are only in it for weekends off(although most weekends are bringing your work home with you and are consumed with marking and lesson planning for the following week) and summers off and winter holidays and abuse the privilege of having a substitute teacher come in when they want a long weekend for themselves. Now please don't get me wrong having the summers off and winter holidays are definitely a nice add in (especially when you have your own kids to care for) but getting into the field of teaching for primarily those reasons I feel are disappointing.
So why you ask me do I want to be a teacher.... hmm well that's something that involves more than one answer. So in short, I answer with two words.... Just because :)
As I sat in class last week we discussed ?
WhyWe Want ?
To Be ? A Teacher
?
? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
? ? ?
I thought all day about it... pondered it...consumed it. and really gave it ALLOT of thought.
Why Do I....What is it that drives me to continue my program.. Why Why Why Why Why Why.....????
(Those were all the thoughts going through my head)
Well Firstly I absolutely LOVE kids.I love all ages from new born's to young adolescence's. Growing up I knew this was the perfect profession for me. I want to be able to make a change in someone's life, even if it is just just being that 6 hours of positive reinforcement that a child/student lacks in their home life. Coming from a family that has a teaching in it I was surrounded at a young age of what teaching deals with and the extra work that comes with it. I want to be able to have the chance to mould a students mind and be able to curve their cognitive behaviour. I love the idea of having my work environment involving positive attitudes and little smiles all around. I'm excited for setting up my classroom to have the students in a place where they want to be. I want to be a teacher for all the right reasons of making a connection in someone's life for the better. Also when the time comes in my life to have the chance to have my OWN children, this job is the very best for managing your motherly duties as well as fulfilling your position at the school ; And perhaps one day I will have the decision of placing my own kids in the school i teach in. In fact being a teacher is some what like being a mother to many different kinds of individuals. Like I mentioned in my last entry of qualities of an effective teacher I feel being a motherly motivation is a another trait one should have. I am so excited to start my career as a teacher that I really hope when the time comes I find a job either in Alberta or BC (where I grew up, and hopefully can live there). I feel the teachers that just love kids all in all are the most effective teachers. The ones who put there heart in teaching and not just those teachers who are only in it for the wrong reasons. Ones who are only in it for weekends off(although most weekends are bringing your work home with you and are consumed with marking and lesson planning for the following week) and summers off and winter holidays and abuse the privilege of having a substitute teacher come in when they want a long weekend for themselves. Now please don't get me wrong having the summers off and winter holidays are definitely a nice add in (especially when you have your own kids to care for) but getting into the field of teaching for primarily those reasons I feel are disappointing.
So why you ask me do I want to be a teacher.... hmm well that's something that involves more than one answer. So in short, I answer with two words.... Just because :)
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
"Effective Teaching"
WeLcoME ...
AS I attend class yesterday I ponder as to what my "Ed. Psych Assignment" ,no scratch that, I mean my "Blog World" will consist of.
Well thats easy...
What makes Effective teaching? (In my eyes)...
hmm well lets see there is all the 6 points we went over in class from... ughhh.. what were they again.... OH YA...
Social & Ethical Matters
Subject matter competence
Involving multicultural students
Professional Growth (including...positive self identity, life long learning, seeking advice,resources
& support)
Professional Skills (Instructional strategies, Goal setting, Motivational skills, Communication Skills,
classroom management, technology skills (duhhh), and working well with
students from ethnic backgrounds)
and last and I believe the very most important factor we learned about effective teaching...
Commitment!!!!
Commitment in planning fun and rewarding..
as well as in
and
As I sit here and reflect my own personal favourite teachers growing up from my Gr.2 teacher Mrs.Stewart, to my gr.5/6/7 teacher Mrs.Spaeti, and to even a woman who was never my own teacher ,but one to my older brother, and a fan favourite amongst the school, grade 3 taught by Mrs.Reid aka my grandmother! All of these wonderful women have qualities and traits that I to wish to capture when I'm a teacher. I remember starting in grade 2, while having the same teacher as the previous year, Mrs.Stewart and I had quite a bond. She was always full of fun and games and made learning our ABC's a "cinch".
She always had a positive attitude towards us grade 2's, and spent allot of her extra personal time helping with extra curricular activities with the school, when I left her class that year she personally gave me a present I still cherish to this day. A ceramic elephant. "Elephants never forget"
Mrs.Spaeti, Mrs.Spaeti, Mrs.Spaeti....
where to begin.. her crazy name, first stood out to me while fresh out on the scene of grade.5
If all you readers can imagine a 5 foot 2 stout woman with deeply tanned skin and crazzzzzyyyy curly short "spaghetti" hair. WILD. Beyond her image was the most passionate teacher for learning. Not only did she reward us kids with candy and a points system (The Point System is when we answered a question correctly she would either give us 2-5 points sometimes 10!!. We would all have a "Spaeti bank account" , once a month there would be an auction of prizes where we could use our points for the goods!! From chocolate bars, to sparkly notepads ,Mrs.Spaeti's auction was "the bomb"), She also from time to time had the mother load of all prizes...The one where any of us kids would give up anything for it....what is it you may ask....
Free Mcdonalds happy meal! that's right you read that correctly. She would have the student who either improved the most during the month or helped with the school somehow, and that student would be treated to lunch of his/her choice. When the lunch bell rung she would hop in her white truck and bring us back the greasiest (but at that time to us was delicious) lunch ever. I had her for 3 years until I ventured off into high school.
She had the best sense of humour, explained things clearly, treated us like adults, and always considerate of our feelings. I never realized it till after I left Philip Sheffield Elementry of how much of an impact she made on me. She will forever have a special place in my heart.
the last lady that made a dent in my career path is none other than my grandma... Mrs.Lorna Reid.
The one who inspired me to teach, and the one to whom I most look up to. She is now retired after 30 some years of teaching, and dedicating her life to children across BC. I remember playing at grandma's house with a chalkboard and pretending to my stuffed animals and perhaps even my brother at times were my students and that I was in charge! With the great ability to teach any child she may encounter, She is definitely someone I want to take after. The most kind-hearted,strong, understanding,patient, knowledgeable woman I know to this day. All the qualities listed above of what a effective teacher looks like, is her.
I want to inspire
I want to ignite a passion
I want to become the best of the best
Effective teaching for me is all of those and much more than we can fathom. It takes time and a whole lotta heart :)
e.lizalou
AS I attend class yesterday I ponder as to what my "
Well thats easy...
hmm well lets see there is all the 6 points we went over in class from... ughhh.. what were they again.... OH YA...
Social & Ethical Matters
Subject matter competence
Involving multicultural students
Professional Growth (including...positive self identity, life long learning, seeking advice,resources
& support)
Professional Skills (Instructional strategies, Goal setting, Motivational skills, Communication Skills,
classroom management, technology skills (duhhh), and working well with
students from ethnic backgrounds)
and last and I believe the very most important factor we learned about effective teaching...
Commitment!!!!
Commitment in planning fun and rewarding..
as well as in
and
As I sit here and reflect my own personal favourite teachers growing up from my Gr.2 teacher Mrs.Stewart, to my gr.5/6/7 teacher Mrs.Spaeti, and to even a woman who was never my own teacher ,but one to my older brother, and a fan favourite amongst the school, grade 3 taught by Mrs.Reid aka my grandmother! All of these wonderful women have qualities and traits that I to wish to capture when I'm a teacher. I remember starting in grade 2, while having the same teacher as the previous year, Mrs.Stewart and I had quite a bond. She was always full of fun and games and made learning our ABC's a "cinch".
She always had a positive attitude towards us grade 2's, and spent allot of her extra personal time helping with extra curricular activities with the school, when I left her class that year she personally gave me a present I still cherish to this day. A ceramic elephant. "Elephants never forget"
Mrs.Spaeti, Mrs.Spaeti, Mrs.Spaeti....
where to begin.. her crazy name, first stood out to me while fresh out on the scene of grade.5
If all you readers can imagine a 5 foot 2 stout woman with deeply tanned skin and crazzzzzyyyy curly short "spaghetti" hair. WILD. Beyond her image was the most passionate teacher for learning. Not only did she reward us kids with candy and a points system (The Point System is when we answered a question correctly she would either give us 2-5 points sometimes 10!!. We would all have a "Spaeti bank account" , once a month there would be an auction of prizes where we could use our points for the goods!! From chocolate bars, to sparkly notepads ,Mrs.Spaeti's auction was "the bomb"), She also from time to time had the mother load of all prizes...The one where any of us kids would give up anything for it....what is it you may ask....
Free Mcdonalds happy meal! that's right you read that correctly. She would have the student who either improved the most during the month or helped with the school somehow, and that student would be treated to lunch of his/her choice. When the lunch bell rung she would hop in her white truck and bring us back the greasiest (but at that time to us was delicious) lunch ever. I had her for 3 years until I ventured off into high school.
She had the best sense of humour, explained things clearly, treated us like adults, and always considerate of our feelings. I never realized it till after I left Philip Sheffield Elementry of how much of an impact she made on me. She will forever have a special place in my heart.
the last lady that made a dent in my career path is none other than my grandma... Mrs.Lorna Reid.
The one who inspired me to teach, and the one to whom I most look up to. She is now retired after 30 some years of teaching, and dedicating her life to children across BC. I remember playing at grandma's house with a chalkboard and pretending to my stuffed animals and perhaps even my brother at times were my students and that I was in charge! With the great ability to teach any child she may encounter, She is definitely someone I want to take after. The most kind-hearted,strong, understanding,patient, knowledgeable woman I know to this day. All the qualities listed above of what a effective teacher looks like, is her.
I want to inspire
I want to ignite a passion
I want to become the best of the best
Effective teaching for me is all of those and much more than we can fathom. It takes time and a whole lotta heart :)
e.lizalou
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Welcome to bloggers boulevard!
As I wander into uncharted territory,
I am both anxious and excited.
In this small world I like to call
e.lizalou
I hope you will join me on this journey into
"THE LAND OF BLOG"
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