Domain IV Rights and Responsibilities
1:10 p.m.- 1:40 p.m.
Elaboration:
Today I ate lunch with my teacher. She was talking to me about the new bills that congress would like to sign to do merit based pay for teachers. She was telling me that although she can see that many teachers aren’t doing what they are supposed to do, there are many good teachers who could also suffer as a result of this bill. Because it is strongly based on administrators and principals’ evaluations, this could become very biased. Also, she said that even now, if an administrator observes them, they are told exactly when they are coming to observe them.
Analysis:
There are many good and bad teachers in the world. Some teachers do very little to help their students, while other work very hard. It is very difficult to have an accurate picture of what a teacher does by just having one preplanned observation. I believe that it is the teacher’s responsibility to consistently teach developmentally appropriate material to children. I also believe teachers who do this should be protected, regardless of how their students perform on standardized testing. You can choose the most wonderful teacher in the world and you will still see a huge difference between gifted children and those who are at risk when they are tested. It doesn’t seem that this is a fair way to decide which teachers are truly doing their jobs.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Friday, January 21, 2011
Domain 1 Content/Subject Matter Expertise
1:40p.m.- 2:00 p.m.
Elaboration:
Today in the afternoon, as a special treat, I had my class watch a Bill Nye the Science guy video. It was a twenty-minute video about bones and muscles. We just finished the first part of our health unit on bones and muscles. The kids really enjoyed the movie and afterwards they were given an opportunity to share something new that they learned or a question that they had. During the video, many of the kids got excited when he would mention something that we studied and say “hey! we learned that!” After the video many of the kids had questions about things or realized things that they may not have gained from just hearing me talk about it. There are so many small random facts that are incorporated into the videos that the kids just love.
Analysis:
When I allowed the children to ask questions following the video, I was able to answer many of them. While I obviously don’t know why a sparrow has more bones in its neck than a giraffe, there are definitely some things that the kids wanted to know about that I could discuss with them. Learning about bones and how they were made of minerals got them asking questions about nutrition. I’ve learned that it is important to know things about what you’re teaching, but it also important to just allow questions and to be willing to say you don’t know. Perhaps another time we could use a video similar to this to come up with questions for research or an experiment. Allowing children to wonder is one of the most exciting things about science, or in this case health.
1:40p.m.- 2:00 p.m.
Elaboration:
Today in the afternoon, as a special treat, I had my class watch a Bill Nye the Science guy video. It was a twenty-minute video about bones and muscles. We just finished the first part of our health unit on bones and muscles. The kids really enjoyed the movie and afterwards they were given an opportunity to share something new that they learned or a question that they had. During the video, many of the kids got excited when he would mention something that we studied and say “hey! we learned that!” After the video many of the kids had questions about things or realized things that they may not have gained from just hearing me talk about it. There are so many small random facts that are incorporated into the videos that the kids just love.
Analysis:
When I allowed the children to ask questions following the video, I was able to answer many of them. While I obviously don’t know why a sparrow has more bones in its neck than a giraffe, there are definitely some things that the kids wanted to know about that I could discuss with them. Learning about bones and how they were made of minerals got them asking questions about nutrition. I’ve learned that it is important to know things about what you’re teaching, but it also important to just allow questions and to be willing to say you don’t know. Perhaps another time we could use a video similar to this to come up with questions for research or an experiment. Allowing children to wonder is one of the most exciting things about science, or in this case health.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Domain III: Professional Development
3:00 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
Elaboration:
After school my teacher generally leaves before I do. When I work, I often stay in the room, but if I have any questions I usually go to the teacher across the hall. I’ve realized that a huge part of professional development is learning from other teachers. It has been really cool because we are able to share ideas and lessons with each other. Today I was asking Mrs. Meyers for help with a math lesson, and then I shared my health lesson with her from today. She was very excited about it and was very encouraging. There are so many things you can learn from others who are in the same place as you.
Analysis:
Professional development, in my opinion, is all about learning and growing. It is about accepting constructive criticism and using it to improve your teaching and student learning. Through this experience of team teaching, I feel as if I am getting input from not just one teacher, but four. I have already been learning so much from them about how to be realistic yet still be a good teacher. It will never be easy to figure out how to meet all the standards, yet still be a good teacher. However, I feel like most of the teachers I have been working with are wonderful models of this and I so excited too see how much I can learn this semester.
3:00 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
Elaboration:
After school my teacher generally leaves before I do. When I work, I often stay in the room, but if I have any questions I usually go to the teacher across the hall. I’ve realized that a huge part of professional development is learning from other teachers. It has been really cool because we are able to share ideas and lessons with each other. Today I was asking Mrs. Meyers for help with a math lesson, and then I shared my health lesson with her from today. She was very excited about it and was very encouraging. There are so many things you can learn from others who are in the same place as you.
Analysis:
Professional development, in my opinion, is all about learning and growing. It is about accepting constructive criticism and using it to improve your teaching and student learning. Through this experience of team teaching, I feel as if I am getting input from not just one teacher, but four. I have already been learning so much from them about how to be realistic yet still be a good teacher. It will never be easy to figure out how to meet all the standards, yet still be a good teacher. However, I feel like most of the teachers I have been working with are wonderful models of this and I so excited too see how much I can learn this semester.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Domain VIII: Global and Multicultural Perspectives
1:00-1:10 p.m.
Elaboration:
Today I sat down with C for a while at lunch. He said he wanted to tell me some stories, so I listened to him tell me stories for about ten minutes. He told me stories about himself in the third person. In these stories, he was often fighting monsters or devils or something similar. He told me that these stories were real. Later, he told me he’s not sure if they are real or not. Most of the things he was saying did not make much sense. It seemed as if much of it came from television or movies, but there were also some things that came from his imagination.
Analysis:
C has been diagnosed as having a learning disability. However, I have noticed that he seems to be having a very difficult time distinguishing what reality is. Often, he will argue with other children about what is real and what is not. He believes that everything on TV is reality. I am not always sure how I should respond to his stories. I try to explain what reality is and what right and wrong are. Although I know it is not my job to be a parent to the children or to teach them religion, it is a part of my job to help children succeed in the world. There are traits that show good character. These are things that I can teach the children in my class. Sometimes I feel frustrated to not be able to share my beliefs, but by showing good character and expecting the students to act with integrity, honesty, and good values, I am teaching them what Jesus looks like.
Also, on a side note, today was my first two hour delay day. =) It was quite an adventure to try and figure out pacing with my students.
1:00-1:10 p.m.
Elaboration:
Today I sat down with C for a while at lunch. He said he wanted to tell me some stories, so I listened to him tell me stories for about ten minutes. He told me stories about himself in the third person. In these stories, he was often fighting monsters or devils or something similar. He told me that these stories were real. Later, he told me he’s not sure if they are real or not. Most of the things he was saying did not make much sense. It seemed as if much of it came from television or movies, but there were also some things that came from his imagination.
Analysis:
C has been diagnosed as having a learning disability. However, I have noticed that he seems to be having a very difficult time distinguishing what reality is. Often, he will argue with other children about what is real and what is not. He believes that everything on TV is reality. I am not always sure how I should respond to his stories. I try to explain what reality is and what right and wrong are. Although I know it is not my job to be a parent to the children or to teach them religion, it is a part of my job to help children succeed in the world. There are traits that show good character. These are things that I can teach the children in my class. Sometimes I feel frustrated to not be able to share my beliefs, but by showing good character and expecting the students to act with integrity, honesty, and good values, I am teaching them what Jesus looks like.
Also, on a side note, today was my first two hour delay day. =) It was quite an adventure to try and figure out pacing with my students.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Domain VI: Management of Time, Classroom, and Behaviors
Elaboration:
This morning my teacher fell on a freshly mopped floor and injured her shoulder. She ended up having to leave about 5 minutes before school started. She called the principal and asked for a substitute, but I was left in charge of the children. The other third grade teachers said that they would check in on me and that I should get them if I needed anything. Except for one student, all of the students were pretty good and respectful. I felt that their behavior actually became worse once the substitute arrived.
Analysis:
I think that this was a prime example of learning to be flexible as a teacher. Although the substitute was there, I was still the main teacher. I still had a very difficult time keeping control of the class today. I was firm with my expectations with a few students; however, I didn’t clip any strips. I think that I need to work on making sure that my words are equally authoritative as the words of the other teachers. I want to continue to increase the amount of respect that I receive, but in order to do that I must enforce the things I say and at the same time respect my students. How do I continue to increase the respect I receive without becoming authoritarian?
Elaboration:
This morning my teacher fell on a freshly mopped floor and injured her shoulder. She ended up having to leave about 5 minutes before school started. She called the principal and asked for a substitute, but I was left in charge of the children. The other third grade teachers said that they would check in on me and that I should get them if I needed anything. Except for one student, all of the students were pretty good and respectful. I felt that their behavior actually became worse once the substitute arrived.
Analysis:
I think that this was a prime example of learning to be flexible as a teacher. Although the substitute was there, I was still the main teacher. I still had a very difficult time keeping control of the class today. I was firm with my expectations with a few students; however, I didn’t clip any strips. I think that I need to work on making sure that my words are equally authoritative as the words of the other teachers. I want to continue to increase the amount of respect that I receive, but in order to do that I must enforce the things I say and at the same time respect my students. How do I continue to increase the respect I receive without becoming authoritarian?
Friday, January 14, 2011
Domain VII: Communication
1:10-1:40 p.m.
Elaboration:
Today I had to keep several children from recess in order to finish assignments. One of the children did not finish his assignment because he was really struggling with it. So, I told him that next time he needs to at least try, but if he needs help he can ask me. I can even help him right now if he wants. He was very upset about doing homework, so I had to explain to him why he needed to finish homework, even though he didn’t like it. Another child who was missing recess was arguing with me. I had to talk with him several times and explain to him what the procedure was and how he broke it. He still argued with me giving me many excuses.
Analysis:
I have realized that especially when children are punished, it is essential that a teacher clearly communicate why. Many times, it seems as if the children do not really understand why they are doing something specific. My communication changes from child to child, depending upon their understanding things. One of the children who simply wasn’t doing things because he didn’t like them, is very seldom made to do anything that he doesn’t like. Although I am not his parent, I took this opportunity to communicate to him that sometimes we have to do things we don’t like. I told him that I don’t like to have to keep children out of recess. I like to have fun too. However, sometimes we have to choose our attitude even when things are not what we want. While I’m not sure that he got this, I realized that I have a great opportunity to teach children about values and character when I am in this role. He told me at that moment, “Ok, I will choose to be happy even though I don’t like it and try my best. “ Then a few seconds later he said, “But Miss Yoder, why do I still feel so sad?” While his next words were a bit humorous, I still hope he caught at least a little of the lesson.
1:10-1:40 p.m.
Elaboration:
Today I had to keep several children from recess in order to finish assignments. One of the children did not finish his assignment because he was really struggling with it. So, I told him that next time he needs to at least try, but if he needs help he can ask me. I can even help him right now if he wants. He was very upset about doing homework, so I had to explain to him why he needed to finish homework, even though he didn’t like it. Another child who was missing recess was arguing with me. I had to talk with him several times and explain to him what the procedure was and how he broke it. He still argued with me giving me many excuses.
Analysis:
I have realized that especially when children are punished, it is essential that a teacher clearly communicate why. Many times, it seems as if the children do not really understand why they are doing something specific. My communication changes from child to child, depending upon their understanding things. One of the children who simply wasn’t doing things because he didn’t like them, is very seldom made to do anything that he doesn’t like. Although I am not his parent, I took this opportunity to communicate to him that sometimes we have to do things we don’t like. I told him that I don’t like to have to keep children out of recess. I like to have fun too. However, sometimes we have to choose our attitude even when things are not what we want. While I’m not sure that he got this, I realized that I have a great opportunity to teach children about values and character when I am in this role. He told me at that moment, “Ok, I will choose to be happy even though I don’t like it and try my best. “ Then a few seconds later he said, “But Miss Yoder, why do I still feel so sad?” While his next words were a bit humorous, I still hope he caught at least a little of the lesson.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Domain 2: Personal Development (Morals and Ethics)
9:40-10:30 a.m.
Elaboration:
Today I taught the same health lesson as yesterday to Mrs. Heurmann’s class. I have not had the opportunity to work with her class nearly as much, but the lesson still went fairly well. The children really seemed to like the lesson and enjoyed playing a game to name the different bones. I did ask one child to clip a strip after he was disruptive several times. After going over their homework, a majority of the children seemed to understand what we went over.
Analysis:
One of the things that is essential to me in combining my faith in teaching is making sure that I care about and have a strong relationship with my students. While many of the relationships I have formed with the children in my class have happened because I am in the room with them more often, I still believe that in general I have a stronger relationship with my class. In comparing the two lessons, I found that although my class is generally a bigger behavior problem than Mrs. Heurmann’s, they seemed to be more engaged and more obedient. I believe this is due to the relationship between my class and me. This is the first time that I have really seen a difference in something like that since I’ve been teaching. While I’m sure there will be days when my class will be less than attentive or obedient, I am a firm believer that caring about my students will encourage them to be better students.
9:40-10:30 a.m.
Elaboration:
Today I taught the same health lesson as yesterday to Mrs. Heurmann’s class. I have not had the opportunity to work with her class nearly as much, but the lesson still went fairly well. The children really seemed to like the lesson and enjoyed playing a game to name the different bones. I did ask one child to clip a strip after he was disruptive several times. After going over their homework, a majority of the children seemed to understand what we went over.
Analysis:
One of the things that is essential to me in combining my faith in teaching is making sure that I care about and have a strong relationship with my students. While many of the relationships I have formed with the children in my class have happened because I am in the room with them more often, I still believe that in general I have a stronger relationship with my class. In comparing the two lessons, I found that although my class is generally a bigger behavior problem than Mrs. Heurmann’s, they seemed to be more engaged and more obedient. I believe this is due to the relationship between my class and me. This is the first time that I have really seen a difference in something like that since I’ve been teaching. While I’m sure there will be days when my class will be less than attentive or obedient, I am a firm believer that caring about my students will encourage them to be better students.
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