Most of my students at William Elementary School do not have a problem with a language barrier. But I have noticed when I have gone to other classrooms when my class is at gym there is a slight problem. I once thought that if a child had to learn to write, read, and speak english after growing up with a different primary language. The lesson plans that teachers do must be able to relate to all of the bilingual children and the directions hopefully just as simplistic. I can tell that everything in my first grade class is very basic.
To my surprise when we had read during our FNED 346 the article of Teaching English Language Learner that it really is not that hard for a student to learn to read in English if they are taught to read in their own language first, Goldenberg. I was in awe. Most of my students are just starting to read however and some are struggling but like I mentioned previously a lot are behind. I did get to observe two of the students start talking away in Spanish and know one seemed to even realize it. I however just did what I love to do and people watched at how they interacted. It was much easier for the children to help each other and the Ms. S did not seem to care.
Johnson says that it is good for students backgrounds to be brought into the classroom and Ms. S has in her room many things the students bring in to her room every where. They all point and say what the object or picture they drew of their families mean to them. The students all seem to be proud of their heritages and that is exactly what a classroom should do. Embrass instead of neglect.
One of my visits when I was going to help two students start reading. They just stared at me nervous and probably thinking who is this woman, why is she here. I realized my approach was probably very foward. So, when I was able to sit with them again I said a little about my self. I then asked the children to write something about themselves down and draw a picture. They immdedicately started to scribble. It was a tad hard to read but I was glad they became more comftorable and this has helped us create a strong bond. Johnson explain the crucial importance of making sure their is no prejudice of the differences in the classroom and not let the majority take over.
I have started noticing a lot of the students have gotten books from their school libraries with a cd in them. This cd translates the book into different languages which is very cool. The students seem to enjoy engaging in a book more often. I always start to chuckle when they are proud that they have finally finished reading it on their own and they can tell me or their teacher all about it.
This realization of the major differences in any classroom could prompt as a problem but if we work it out in a way that we can be able to share our differences then we as a classroom will be stronger, that is what I truly believe.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Monday, December 7, 2009
Sociocultural Differences
Entering the classroom twice a week to me has shown me how much diversity there really is in our society today which is amazing. I walk in and see all of these students talking with their friends and notice most of the students are of a Hispanic background and are the minority are of a White background. This is an entirely different world from what I grew up with because I went to a catholic school where now if I think about it 99% of the time the classroom was mainly white. This always seemed so normal to me and it was what i was use to until I entered high school and realized how many diverse people there were.
My first grade classroom always has something to teach me. I go there to help them and they always end up teaching me something knew. They are always full of interesting to say the least stories about their families and home enviornment. I realize that each student has their own reason for doing things partially because of their background and this can either help them affectively or maybe not so much. We must realize as teachers that going in to a classroom we must be open minded and accept every child in their own unique way and try and make them stronger in what they struggle with. We need to be able to respond and enable them to have a smotther transition into a positive action pedagogy. We can prepare ourselve but as much as we try to be ahead of the game there will always be this one student who just makes us seem like did we even prepare ourselves well enough. Delpit also explains how students are different and it is important that we can recognize the students differences in order for them to understand what we are teaching.
A student who is a definite example of how to make our job more "interesting" or maybe more of an effort is Bobby. When I walked into this classroom Bobby really gave me a run for my money. He was off the walls and the teacher said just to kind of over look him. Not ignore him but maybe ignore his hyperness. I thought that may be difficult seeing as every where I went.. BAM.. there he was but I did my best to help everyone. He did not make my job easy to help him; he would really just want to get his work done so he would skip over everything and put his work away. Lisa Delpit mentioned that sometimes white teachers do not seem to be more authorative but I feel that I gave clear instructions but of course because he would not even listen to the instructions so he did not know what to do with his paper. Finally, I tried to relate to this over active child and sat him down and told him stories about me even if there were not entirely true it made him feel like I was on his level. I felt that i stayed in charge but I think if we have a common ground we could get a lot farther. I tried to break down barriers in a safe way and I am sure that is what made him willing to participate. (Carlson) I think this helped because every time I know I come in he is like a totally different kid. Maybe not as melow as the teacher would like, but he completes his work and if he has a question he is not affraid to ask.
Shor states, "people are naturally curious," he is very right. He is now willing to critical think and speak instead of feeling marginalized if he has the wrong answer. Bobby was so interested once he understood what was going on. Like Kozol would mention, is we must try and make a relationship of trust with the children and then they will be willing to accept us. Bobby was stereotyped as over active and hyper. He beat what Shor talks about as status quo and changes himself. He shows he can be cooperative and engaged in what ever activity is set before him. He unfortunately was a disruption and disturbance to Ms. S's classroom but now is a delight.
I feel as being a teacher we need to be able and try to relate to children. No matter who they are where they come from. They are all important and all have different needs. The kids have things to share with us and with that I know they will have something to teach us, which is equally as important.
My first grade classroom always has something to teach me. I go there to help them and they always end up teaching me something knew. They are always full of interesting to say the least stories about their families and home enviornment. I realize that each student has their own reason for doing things partially because of their background and this can either help them affectively or maybe not so much. We must realize as teachers that going in to a classroom we must be open minded and accept every child in their own unique way and try and make them stronger in what they struggle with. We need to be able to respond and enable them to have a smotther transition into a positive action pedagogy. We can prepare ourselve but as much as we try to be ahead of the game there will always be this one student who just makes us seem like did we even prepare ourselves well enough. Delpit also explains how students are different and it is important that we can recognize the students differences in order for them to understand what we are teaching.
A student who is a definite example of how to make our job more "interesting" or maybe more of an effort is Bobby. When I walked into this classroom Bobby really gave me a run for my money. He was off the walls and the teacher said just to kind of over look him. Not ignore him but maybe ignore his hyperness. I thought that may be difficult seeing as every where I went.. BAM.. there he was but I did my best to help everyone. He did not make my job easy to help him; he would really just want to get his work done so he would skip over everything and put his work away. Lisa Delpit mentioned that sometimes white teachers do not seem to be more authorative but I feel that I gave clear instructions but of course because he would not even listen to the instructions so he did not know what to do with his paper. Finally, I tried to relate to this over active child and sat him down and told him stories about me even if there were not entirely true it made him feel like I was on his level. I felt that i stayed in charge but I think if we have a common ground we could get a lot farther. I tried to break down barriers in a safe way and I am sure that is what made him willing to participate. (Carlson) I think this helped because every time I know I come in he is like a totally different kid. Maybe not as melow as the teacher would like, but he completes his work and if he has a question he is not affraid to ask.
Shor states, "people are naturally curious," he is very right. He is now willing to critical think and speak instead of feeling marginalized if he has the wrong answer. Bobby was so interested once he understood what was going on. Like Kozol would mention, is we must try and make a relationship of trust with the children and then they will be willing to accept us. Bobby was stereotyped as over active and hyper. He beat what Shor talks about as status quo and changes himself. He shows he can be cooperative and engaged in what ever activity is set before him. He unfortunately was a disruption and disturbance to Ms. S's classroom but now is a delight.
I feel as being a teacher we need to be able and try to relate to children. No matter who they are where they come from. They are all important and all have different needs. The kids have things to share with us and with that I know they will have something to teach us, which is equally as important.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
A Struggle in the Classroom
A lot of the students in my classroom are at different reading levels. Which in my case is sort of nerve racking when they should be at letter G instead of at letter A. I believe it is very important when a child is younger that they should be read to and that they should have educational toys that could help improve them in their future. I am not saying students should not have fun toys but sometimes the fun toys are the ones that help with shapes, colors, numbers, and even music. I understand also, that parents are busy but if they could set a side an hour or so to play or read to their child even if it is before bedtime that could help a child improve so much more.
Many of the students in my classroom you would never be able to tell until they tried to read something at how far behind they are. All of the students are very smart vocally but when I tried having them read a problem they struggled. In writing in their journals they would ask me how to spell a word. Keep in mind the word would be on the board as well. Each time I go i try and encourage them and hope the participate as Shor discuss. I hope that all the students feel comftorable and try and strive to learn in the classroom. I try to encourage and empower them in the classroom while being explicit because I feel that some children feel that they should not read if they are not as good as everyone else. Delpit says that we should be explicit and accepting of how there are all different types of ethnicity. We need to accept these children and encourage them and show them it is okay that they are not at all the same because that is what makes them special.
I think it is important to have some sort of specialist to set aside some time in the classroom as well so the child can improve at their reading levels. Maybe instead of going to library they could practice on sounding out words so that they are able to read the books instead of just looking at the pictures. I can see some of the students struggle when they are trying to show me their books and say, "Ms. Amanda what does this say..." I ask them to tell me and along with them sound it out. I understand it takes funds for special reading teachers but sometimes it seems that it is assumed that all of the students are at the same reading level when clearly they are not. But this does not all have to happen at school. It is very important for their parents to be more involoved with improving their child's education. If in my classroom this ever occurs hopefully i will attain the support of the parents and be able to set up a time to help the students who are struggling more then the others.
I have I think around 6 students above our reading curriculum. More then half are below and the rest are average. If more then half is below then something needs to be done because how are the students suppose to go on to other grades. Reading is a big part in every grade and is a key factor in whether a child will do well on test, because if they understand what they read they have a better chance at answering the question correctly. If they do not understand then they will probably guess and most likely be wrong.
I understand parents are busy but hopefully if they could provide some educational activities at home the students will exceed in the classroom. Kahne and Westheimer talk and explain the importance of educational experiences within the home and the positive outcomes there are. When more families get involved then more children prevail. We want our children to prevail so they can have a successful future!
Many of the students in my classroom you would never be able to tell until they tried to read something at how far behind they are. All of the students are very smart vocally but when I tried having them read a problem they struggled. In writing in their journals they would ask me how to spell a word. Keep in mind the word would be on the board as well. Each time I go i try and encourage them and hope the participate as Shor discuss. I hope that all the students feel comftorable and try and strive to learn in the classroom. I try to encourage and empower them in the classroom while being explicit because I feel that some children feel that they should not read if they are not as good as everyone else. Delpit says that we should be explicit and accepting of how there are all different types of ethnicity. We need to accept these children and encourage them and show them it is okay that they are not at all the same because that is what makes them special.
I think it is important to have some sort of specialist to set aside some time in the classroom as well so the child can improve at their reading levels. Maybe instead of going to library they could practice on sounding out words so that they are able to read the books instead of just looking at the pictures. I can see some of the students struggle when they are trying to show me their books and say, "Ms. Amanda what does this say..." I ask them to tell me and along with them sound it out. I understand it takes funds for special reading teachers but sometimes it seems that it is assumed that all of the students are at the same reading level when clearly they are not. But this does not all have to happen at school. It is very important for their parents to be more involoved with improving their child's education. If in my classroom this ever occurs hopefully i will attain the support of the parents and be able to set up a time to help the students who are struggling more then the others.
I have I think around 6 students above our reading curriculum. More then half are below and the rest are average. If more then half is below then something needs to be done because how are the students suppose to go on to other grades. Reading is a big part in every grade and is a key factor in whether a child will do well on test, because if they understand what they read they have a better chance at answering the question correctly. If they do not understand then they will probably guess and most likely be wrong.
I understand parents are busy but hopefully if they could provide some educational activities at home the students will exceed in the classroom. Kahne and Westheimer talk and explain the importance of educational experiences within the home and the positive outcomes there are. When more families get involved then more children prevail. We want our children to prevail so they can have a successful future!
My Teacher Identity
I never realized how much I could learn about myself going in to William Elementary School. When I am in the classroom i realize that I can adapt to any sort of situation presented to me. I realize the students think of me as more then just a person coming to teach them but some one that will listen and help them. I have two brothers, one who is older and one who is my twin. I learned from my mother the trude definition of patience. So, I am hoping that will have been something that I adapted over the years.
When I was younger I always pretended to be a teacher. I thought I could teach ABC's and 123 and that is what it was all about. These children showed me that they may not get it the first time and that it might take them multiple times to understand something. When I walked into my first grade classroom I did the lesson with them and sort of just tried to fly through it. The teacher must have over heard me and quickly said you need to make sure they understand it. I am not sure if some of them just memorized it but there were two who just could not grasp what i was tellng them. I had a little frustration but took them aside and remembered that they are children so this is all new to them. I know that a lot of the students just want attention or just need help, and I am willing to help. My older cousin inspired me to try and help others because she was always willing and is still willing to help me learn and understand things today.
Jonathan Kozol talked about the NCLB and the standards that are there. He mentioned that we can not treat and teach students the same. They are not the same and I am definitely aware of that walking into this classroom every Monday and Wednesday. I see first hand that children need to be taught in different ways and when i did that with my two students on their math problems the teacher said well they need to do it this way. I did not know why until she told me this is what she is being told by her administration.
An example of the addition problems would be 2+5=7. The teacher wants the students to have the number 2 in their head and then count on 5. Some of the kids get it but some just do not know how to do that without using their fingers or blocks. A trick question for them would be 0+9=9. The students do not realize you do not have to add anything. I was shocked. But I sat down with my students and we slowly tried to accomplish and finish the worksheet together. It was almost time to go and my little girl Sarah said to me I want to finish, so i said go ahead but she was getting so frustrated. I told her we could do it together again but she was determined to get it just like everyone else. I can see the pressure the children feel and I just tried to calm her down and with that we finished.
I realize that I have the patience that a lot of the teacher maybe they do not have or maybe they do but obviously cannot focus on just one student alone because the other students do see that it is not fair. For example, this little girl Alicia even though she did not need the help wanted me to work with her but I had to tell her maybe next time because she understood the math but she wanted the attention. But, I do make time to go to each table just to see how they are all doing and let them tell me something they did over the weekend or how their day was going.
I enjoy going to the school and going to the classroom. The students all welcome me with welcomed arms. They have nothing but nice things to say and I can see in their eyes that they just want someone to be there for them. I will keep going their until I cannot anymore because all of the students are special to me. They definitely have become important people in my life and I they are making my experience here worth more than I could ever imagine. My identity as a teacher has evolved over this experience and I can tell it is for the better of my self and the children.
When I was younger I always pretended to be a teacher. I thought I could teach ABC's and 123 and that is what it was all about. These children showed me that they may not get it the first time and that it might take them multiple times to understand something. When I walked into my first grade classroom I did the lesson with them and sort of just tried to fly through it. The teacher must have over heard me and quickly said you need to make sure they understand it. I am not sure if some of them just memorized it but there were two who just could not grasp what i was tellng them. I had a little frustration but took them aside and remembered that they are children so this is all new to them. I know that a lot of the students just want attention or just need help, and I am willing to help. My older cousin inspired me to try and help others because she was always willing and is still willing to help me learn and understand things today.
Jonathan Kozol talked about the NCLB and the standards that are there. He mentioned that we can not treat and teach students the same. They are not the same and I am definitely aware of that walking into this classroom every Monday and Wednesday. I see first hand that children need to be taught in different ways and when i did that with my two students on their math problems the teacher said well they need to do it this way. I did not know why until she told me this is what she is being told by her administration.
An example of the addition problems would be 2+5=7. The teacher wants the students to have the number 2 in their head and then count on 5. Some of the kids get it but some just do not know how to do that without using their fingers or blocks. A trick question for them would be 0+9=9. The students do not realize you do not have to add anything. I was shocked. But I sat down with my students and we slowly tried to accomplish and finish the worksheet together. It was almost time to go and my little girl Sarah said to me I want to finish, so i said go ahead but she was getting so frustrated. I told her we could do it together again but she was determined to get it just like everyone else. I can see the pressure the children feel and I just tried to calm her down and with that we finished.
I realize that I have the patience that a lot of the teacher maybe they do not have or maybe they do but obviously cannot focus on just one student alone because the other students do see that it is not fair. For example, this little girl Alicia even though she did not need the help wanted me to work with her but I had to tell her maybe next time because she understood the math but she wanted the attention. But, I do make time to go to each table just to see how they are all doing and let them tell me something they did over the weekend or how their day was going.
I enjoy going to the school and going to the classroom. The students all welcome me with welcomed arms. They have nothing but nice things to say and I can see in their eyes that they just want someone to be there for them. I will keep going their until I cannot anymore because all of the students are special to me. They definitely have become important people in my life and I they are making my experience here worth more than I could ever imagine. My identity as a teacher has evolved over this experience and I can tell it is for the better of my self and the children.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
A very Interesting Start
Where my elementary school is located is at a very steep hill. The location is not very uneasy and seems very comfortable for young children. I was not nervous going here because it is not far from where my aunt and uncle live so it was a familiar area. However, the school looked as if it needed a makeover. Coming from a very different type of elementary school, a catholic one, it was clear this school was going to be nothing like the green grassy play ground, the fun kickball court, and the large area to run and play. While walking up the many stairs I was just so nervous about what type of environment was I really going to be walking into. Were the children going to like me, and if I was going to be able to relate to them or if they would see, "wow fresh meat, let’s get her!" Of course that was just my nerves talking.
I walked through the doors and the inside was just as airy as the outside. The ceilings had pipes running through them and the paint was chipped everywhere. However, the two young girls walking by me seemed so happy and did not care about the appearance, so why should I? If the school was good enough for them it was definitely going to be good enough for me. I walked to the office where the secretary greeted me and was very friendly. She directed me towards Ms. Apples room, which was a small room right down the hall. Ms. Apple explained what I would be doing and what activities there would be. So when I came back the next time I was prepared for what I would do with each group. Unfortunately, between the two grades I had and the three groups of children and their schedules, it was not a good start. I was very discouraged that this was not going to be what I expected. When I talked to Ms. Apple she said that when I returned to the school there would be a permanent place for me.
Once again, I walked up those same stairs, entered the building, signed in, and met Ms. Apple. She assigned me to a first grade class where I was going to help the teacher and the time that I come would be their math time. I was then more positive about this experience and no longer nervous because i was just so anxious to meet the children and help out wherever I could. I walked in to Ms. S's first grade room and all these little eyes just looked at me with excitement and all kept whispering to each other, "who's she? What is she here for? She seems nice!" The teacher introduced me and the lesson begun. All at once children were raising their hands or screaming "Ms. Amanda! Ms. Amanda, I need help!" The teacher told me most of them could understand it they probably just wanted to see what I was like. So, I went where I was called too and helped each table.
I am looking forward to each time I go there now because all of the children seemed very interested in trying to understand the lesson they are given. This school was definitely not what I pictured but it is so much more. I'll admit I stereotyped how I thought the children were going to act, out of hand, very out of control, and way to much for me to handle. There were a few who definitely had a little behavioral problem but I understand now, know classroom is perfect but it is the teachers job to make it a safe place for the child to go and learn.
This was perhaps one of the best days I could ask for. The children are definitely impressive, intelligent, and clever. I look forward to going back and seeing how the articles we read in class will relate to my experiences.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
About Me
Hi Everyone! My name is Amanda, and it is my second year at RIC. I plan on majoring in Early Education with a concentration in Special Education. This semester is definitly going to be my favorite out of the three I have had so far because the first year to be honest was not my best that I know I am capable of doing. However, the past is behind me and I always like to live in the now and not worry about any mistakes I make because I am sure i made many.
When I am not in class I am working and where else would I work other then Stop and Shop in Lincoln. I am a CSDH which basically means i supervise the front end or how I view it as a babysitting job that pays well. I have worked there for four and a half years, going to be five in April. However, it is a job and with this economy I am lucky to have one! I also love just driving around going no where in particular because what is more fun then that? When you can just think, see, and do! I also stare at people, well not so much stare as observe because i find people interesting. Finally, as i hope i am not boring any of you readers out there, I love to DANCE! However, I do not get to do it as much. ):
But thanks for reading all about me I think this class will be the first of many that I cannot wait to take part in!!
When I am not in class I am working and where else would I work other then Stop and Shop in Lincoln. I am a CSDH which basically means i supervise the front end or how I view it as a babysitting job that pays well. I have worked there for four and a half years, going to be five in April. However, it is a job and with this economy I am lucky to have one! I also love just driving around going no where in particular because what is more fun then that? When you can just think, see, and do! I also stare at people, well not so much stare as observe because i find people interesting. Finally, as i hope i am not boring any of you readers out there, I love to DANCE! However, I do not get to do it as much. ):
But thanks for reading all about me I think this class will be the first of many that I cannot wait to take part in!!
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