Blog #8

There were so many great blogs from our class. I am so lucky to be surrounded by such wonderful people all the time. The one blog that really stood out was Jana's. Jana is someone I have looked up to ever since I met her. I think that she is such a wonderful lady and a great example to all of us. Her blog that talks about the chapter 7 reading was great. She saw such goodness in that chapter that I completely missed. Her favorite quote from that chapter stated:

"The more willing we are to take the risks, the better the lives of our students are likely to become, and the greater the fulfillment we are likely to feel at the end of the day."

I love that too! It is always scary to take risks, but when thinking about how they can benefit others so much it isn't as daunting. Jana has really opened my eyes through reading her blog and from her awesome comments in class!

The other blog that I spent most of my time looking at was Berklees. She seems so insightful and good at what she does and what she wants to do. I really liked her blog about Morning Meetings. Morning Meetings create a sense of belonging. She also said that if a student is invited to learn, the student is going to feel accepted and safe. Learning how to effectively invite students to learn is the key.

Blog #7

1. I thought that there were so many great ideas shared in class last time. But the one that really stands out to me is the cubing.

2. I think that I can picture myself using cubing in my classroom because it is so simple and versatile. I really like the idea of being able to have pockets on each side so that different topics can easily be switched out. They can easily be used with many different topics. With math you can put different problems on each side, or even reading. You can have different instructions on where the student is to read in the room, or matching pictures to words, or even sorting spelling words.

Blog #6

Differentiating for readiness and interest is something that is going to have to happen daily. Each student will each come to the class with different struggles, and strengths. I believe that the best way to help these students a teacher needs to really know the students. Doing so will really help when knowing what is best for them. We need to know what our student's interests are and include them in our planning so that we can differentiate for their interests. I think that you should always differentiate for readiness, you should always be assessing and seeing how your students are doing to know what changes you need to make in order for your students to have the most success in the classroom.

Blog #5

"Classroom Routines"

• Create end of day routines. Teach students how to put materials away, to straighten furniture and sit quietly until they are dismissed. This creates order at the end of the day.

• Help your students help themselves, rather than doing it for them.

• Create charts with room arrangements for the students to learn and know in any given time. About four room arrangements are ideal- seminar format, discussion format, small-group format, and team format are examples.

• Create a signal so the students know when the class is beginning and give them a routine for what they are supposed to do when they hear that signal.

• Make "stop and go" cards. This helps the teacher give support when she leaves working with a small group and begins to circulate the classroom.

• Use Visual cues. Post signs around the classroom to help direct students.

• Have a morning routine. This reinforces a sense of community and individual responsibility.

• Create a "Red Cross Emergency" system. This helps the teacher become quickly aware of students who are feeling really stuck, despite other options for assistance.
  

• Use goal cards. Have the students write goals or steps they will follow on an index card. Students can check of the goal or step as they achieve them. This helps the teacher monitor the students.

• Recap what students have learned, analyze their working progress, and raise interesting questions that lead to the next days discussion.

Blog #4

A-2) Do you think you can do the same kinds of things Sylvia did in her morning meetings, and get the same types of results and satisfaction from them? What do you think the drawbacks will be, if you try these ideas?
I would absolutely love to be able to do the same things that Sylvia did in her morning meetings. I think that morning meetings are so beneficial to the students as well as to the teacher. I think that morning meetings really can bring a class closer and students will feel more welcomed and comfortable at school.

B-1) In chapter 3, Tomlinson discusses five specific ways in which a teacher can respond to students' needs for affirmation, contribution, power, purpose, and challenge. What are those five ways (list them briefly, from pages 27-35)? Explain what really speaks to you about Tomlinson's discussion of these specific responses.

The five specific ways in which a teacher can respond to students' need for affirmation, contribution, power, purpose and challenge are: Invitation, Opportunity, Investment, Persistence and Reflection. I really like the idea of persistence and that there is no finish line in learning. We need to teach and show are students that we (including the teacher) are "all on a journey" and "none of us is ever through striving."

Blog #3

Writing process evaluation: I think that this is great for students to have to refer to when they are writing to help them remember the steps in the writing process. I would definitely use this when we are first learning about the writing process and have them fill in the blanks. They could keep this and refer to it when they are doing future writing assignments.

Student profile survey: I love this! It is such a great way to get to know your students. I like how you used this on our first blog and changed the questions up. I would love to use this with my students, maybe change up the questions for the grade that I teach.

Check list: I really liked this idea because this is how I like to do things. I am a checklist person. Giving the students a checklist is a great way to outline what you expect of the students. It is also great for the teacher to quickly look and see how far the student is and what they might need help with.

Blog #1

1. What are your favorite things to do when you aren't in school or doing homework?

I love to spend any free time with my new husband Rob. We love to do anything outside, especially snow skiing in the winter and spending time on the water in the summer.

2. When have you been really proud of yourself? Please explain why you felt that way.

I felt so proud of the way I have lived my life 3 weeks ago when I walked out of the Salt Lake Temple as a married woman. Marrying in the temple has always been a huge goal of mine and finally seeing that happen. It was the perfect day and everything I had ever dreamed of.

3. What are you really good at in school? How do you know?

I have never excelled in 1 subject, but I do really enjoy reading. I love to read!

4. What background, talent, skill and interest do you have in each of these:

a) music- I play the piano. I started playing when I was in 1st grade

b) visual arts-

c) dance- I started taking dancing lesson's when I was 2 years old. I loved tap dance!

d) theater- I have never acted in any sort of play, but I enjoy going to shows and living vicariously through the actors.

5. What is hard for you? What makes it hard?

I have a hard time opening up to people and letting people really get to know me. I am not sure why this is so hard, but it is how I have been my entire life.

6. What is your favorite children's book, and why is it your favorite?

My favorite children's book is When the Relatives Came. This is my favorite book because I have some cousins who live in Wyoming. We love these cousins. They are a pretty big family so when they come to stay it is just like the book. People are sleeping everywhere and there are always hugs going around. The house always seems empty and quiet when they leave.

7. What is your favorite TV show, when you can spare the time to watch?

The Amazing Race! I love this show, it is my dream to be on it some day.

8. What movie could you watch again and again?

Remember the Titans. I love this movie, it has great music and such a good story line.

9. What are some things you really care about?

My family. I am really close with my family and I would do anything for them.

10. What will set you apart as a teacher?

I feel like I have always been able to connect with children. It has always been my dream to become a teacher and help those students who are less fortunate.

11. What else should I know about you as a person and a student that could help me be a better teacher? What would you like me to know about you that I haven't asked about?