Sunday, December 6, 2009
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Thoughts from Oct. meeting
Some thoughts from the October induction training;
I appreciated all the movie clips as examples. I am a visual learner and movie lover so that helps me connect to the content. A clip from ET was used to identify inappropriate student behavior and how the teacher dealt with it. It was funny but relevant. It was also a great hook to brainstorming how we as teachers can handle behavior needs in our own classrooms. I took away two things from this part of the training. One was, that I want to be creative and use more "hooks" for learning, especially in the mornings when students are still sleepy. I appreciated the instructor's effort to keep me engaged so late in the day and I know my students will appreciate my effort when they need engagement help as well.
The second was, I want to make sure and not "skip rungs on the ladder" as the presenter shared in the video. He mentioned that as educators we can have a tendency to go from calm to upset and therefore skip steps in the process. This is unfair to the student and create more of an emotional charge in us than need be. If I can communicate clear behavior consequence steps, the student who needs behavior help and I will be more calm.
I appreciated all the movie clips as examples. I am a visual learner and movie lover so that helps me connect to the content. A clip from ET was used to identify inappropriate student behavior and how the teacher dealt with it. It was funny but relevant. It was also a great hook to brainstorming how we as teachers can handle behavior needs in our own classrooms. I took away two things from this part of the training. One was, that I want to be creative and use more "hooks" for learning, especially in the mornings when students are still sleepy. I appreciated the instructor's effort to keep me engaged so late in the day and I know my students will appreciate my effort when they need engagement help as well.
The second was, I want to make sure and not "skip rungs on the ladder" as the presenter shared in the video. He mentioned that as educators we can have a tendency to go from calm to upset and therefore skip steps in the process. This is unfair to the student and create more of an emotional charge in us than need be. If I can communicate clear behavior consequence steps, the student who needs behavior help and I will be more calm.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Did we really have fun reviewing math?
This post is titled, "Did we really have fun reviewing math?" And the answer is, YES! I watched students enjoy themselves. I watched students who struggle in math participate. I had fun too. Some of the factors that contributed to a great session were, using Kagan games to include everyone and being a bit silly. In groups, students came up with ideas for math charts that we could tally and find landmarks, like maximum, median, and mode. We used numbered heads and take your corner to keep practicing. I facilitated one chart on the board. I made mistakes on purpose but congratulated myself until the students figured out I was incorrect. I then got booed...all in good fun of course. They were able to correct my mistakes, even struggling students were able to by the end of class. Will all students get a 100% on Friday's test because of all this? No, but we all had fun in math and learned. Nice way to end the day!
Thursday, October 1, 2009
School Started
So, yes I am blogging a week before my blogging is "due." I think that is progress. (I could have waited until Wed at 3:30) It was in the back of my mind. Every Saturday I had my computer ready to blog but didn't. One reason may be that I was intimidated by it, being a new blogger. A second reason may be that I am learning the art of prioritizing. Some days I fail, while other days, I go home feeling good. I had an emotional moment recently and the more experienced teachers on my staff listened with a great amount of empathy. They understood. They have been there. One teacher said it gets better in November after parent conferences. Another said it slows down in summer. All I know is that I still love teaching and am so grateful for an awesome class. I would have probably run away by now if it were not for the fact that I really enjoy teaching. And so now it's day by day for the rest of the "stuff' that goes along with it.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Reflections from Beaver Creek
The district training was my first experience seeing the Village at Beaver Creek since I moved over a year ago. Here are some reflections. It was exciting to be with all the staff from my school in such a beautiful place. I wish we had more time to sit and "talk shop" on an outdoor patio. The time crunch of knowing we still had to finish setting up our classrooms was pressing on the minds of everyone.
The state commissioner was inspiring! My training teacher was right about Spencer Kaagen. He was great! My students already know Hagoo, Rally Robin, and Celebrity Interview to name a few. In fact, I won't dwell on the one session that was a bummer cause those were so good. I think I appreciated Kaagen the most because I could use what I learned right away. Some other information or ideas were daunting to say the least. I would be happy to go to this training again.
The state commissioner was inspiring! My training teacher was right about Spencer Kaagen. He was great! My students already know Hagoo, Rally Robin, and Celebrity Interview to name a few. In fact, I won't dwell on the one session that was a bummer cause those were so good. I think I appreciated Kaagen the most because I could use what I learned right away. Some other information or ideas were daunting to say the least. I would be happy to go to this training again.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
From Ocean to Snow
I am a native of Southern California and spent summers enjoying the beach. I spent field trips exploring the tide pools. I have lived in Colorado for over 5 years. Now I spend time exploring caves and mountains. I enjoy the river that's colder than the Pacific most times.
After a long break, I am jumping back into the game. The "game" of teaching. I taught third grade for three years before I had my children. I substituted and tutored along the way. But I never imagined jumping back in until now. My youngest is almost five and growing more and more independent. I can juggle the needs of my family and the classroom now....I think. The amazing support staff in my district gives me hope that it is possible.
I am an experienced first year teacher. (oxymoron?) I have the experience of having my own class and time spent trying out the tricks of the trade. But...I also have the enthusiasm of a teacher fresh out of graduate school. I am dreaming again about making a difference in the loves of children, besides my own. It's a good place to be...even if I am far from the waves.
After a long break, I am jumping back into the game. The "game" of teaching. I taught third grade for three years before I had my children. I substituted and tutored along the way. But I never imagined jumping back in until now. My youngest is almost five and growing more and more independent. I can juggle the needs of my family and the classroom now....I think. The amazing support staff in my district gives me hope that it is possible.
I am an experienced first year teacher. (oxymoron?) I have the experience of having my own class and time spent trying out the tricks of the trade. But...I also have the enthusiasm of a teacher fresh out of graduate school. I am dreaming again about making a difference in the loves of children, besides my own. It's a good place to be...even if I am far from the waves.
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