BAD TEACHERS!
We all remember them. We all do not want to be them. Then how do they exist? I probably have had fewer great teachers over the years that I've had bad teachers and I think that's pretty crappy. Why is this? Seriously? I guess when I think back on the teachers I've disliked the most over the years, the ones that really stand out were the ones that made me feel personally bad... like I had done something wrong... or that I could not actually confide in them or approach them.
Is it a sort of timidness by the teacher that makes this conflict arise? I remember resenting many teachers while I had class with them. It was like they had to go about their lives without being interrupted and if you interrupted them or messed with their way of doing things than you'd pay the price. By "you" I mean "I." Anyway. I feel like I have had some pretty dumb teachers over the years but those were not bad in the same way. These other teachers just seemed to hate all people. I don't know where I'm going with this because I love this class. I guess it's just something on my mind that I never want to do. I honestly can say that I feel that none of us in our class has the potential of being this type of teacher. Hopefully they're done and gone. I'm just tired and hot and cranky and I still have tons of homework to do so I'll end this rant right now and save us all some time. See you all tomorrow.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Last but not least!
I've always struggled with subjects outside of my comfort zone, in my undergrad I often took the easier road, and gained very little from my experience there. Sara and Zalika's classes challenged me with the reading, writing, and daily discussions about everything from social justice to the social history of our public schools. These are generally topics that intimidated me in the past, and strange enough I know I will miss them, and not just because of the ingenious idea of having snacks. What's really scary in a good way is that I enjoyed every minute of it. I don't know about the rest of you, but its obvious Tuesdays and Thursdays were our more challenging days this term, and throughout this term, I've looked forward to these challenging days. I enjoyed the discussions, and getting to know everyone on a much more personal level. It's comforting that so many of us see eye to eye in a lot of these issues. As I'm sure the first term is just a taste for whats to come, I feel much more confident that we can handle what we're in store for in the upcoming terms. I don't know if its just the heat getting to me in my small 90 some odd degree apartment, but as time goes on, and we develop, I suddenly don't feel so scared about taking on a class full of 12 year olds. Or maybe its just feeling that I'm actually gaining from all of this. Its tough to say, regardless I think its a good state of mind to be in.
By the way everyone, great job on the puppet shows today! I had to say goodbye to Baron Von Noxious, it was sad, but I know that Jan will give him a much better home than I could, besides he was far to scary to bring into a classroom, I don't want the children to have nightmares about noxious weeds like I do. See you guys in the morning!
By the way everyone, great job on the puppet shows today! I had to say goodbye to Baron Von Noxious, it was sad, but I know that Jan will give him a much better home than I could, besides he was far to scary to bring into a classroom, I don't want the children to have nightmares about noxious weeds like I do. See you guys in the morning!
My Own Love of Reading
I was an early reader. No, no, it's true. And I give all the props to my awesomely, awesome Mom, who was really my grandmother, but she was Mom to me. Some of my earliest memories came from those special moments when I sat on my Mom's lap and we read books. My favorite was Katy No-Pocket by Emmy Payne and H. A. Rey. Katy was a kangaroo without a pocket, but then someone gave her an apron full of pockets and she was happy because she finally felt normal. Then I had another favorite about a snowplow who saved the day named Katy and the Big Snow by Virginia Lee Burton. I think I just liked snowplows back then. Next, there was Frederick by Leo Lionni, which featured a small mouse that seemed lazy during the busy harvest season, but in the dead of winter, the other mice realized that he was a wonderful storyteller that got them through the long, cold nights. I really could keep going on, but I want to have one blog post that isn't overly Rachael.
The point I am trying to make is that stories can be magical. In high school, I used to go over to my former elementary school to read stories to little kids. It was one of those things that I couldn't remember why I agreed to do it. I was busy with high school stuff, but I begrudgingly keep my word to show up. And I kept going back. You really couldn't have asked me to stop. I love reading to children. I tend to get into it, and I was so happy to listen to Zalika tell us stories because I saw that she gets into them, too.
So when you do read, read with heart. The children pick up on that. If you are excited, they feed off that. I saw it with a little girl this last year with a book called Skippy Jon Jones. The girl showed little to no interest in "word" books until Skippy Jon Jones came along. I like to think that it was my delivery, complete with accent and song, that may have shown her that reading can be fun and joyful. She may not have a mom at home reading to her or with her, and there are many more children out there like her, but we as teachers can still give the gift of magic. Have fun with reading and I hope that your students will, too.
The point I am trying to make is that stories can be magical. In high school, I used to go over to my former elementary school to read stories to little kids. It was one of those things that I couldn't remember why I agreed to do it. I was busy with high school stuff, but I begrudgingly keep my word to show up. And I kept going back. You really couldn't have asked me to stop. I love reading to children. I tend to get into it, and I was so happy to listen to Zalika tell us stories because I saw that she gets into them, too.
So when you do read, read with heart. The children pick up on that. If you are excited, they feed off that. I saw it with a little girl this last year with a book called Skippy Jon Jones. The girl showed little to no interest in "word" books until Skippy Jon Jones came along. I like to think that it was my delivery, complete with accent and song, that may have shown her that reading can be fun and joyful. She may not have a mom at home reading to her or with her, and there are many more children out there like her, but we as teachers can still give the gift of magic. Have fun with reading and I hope that your students will, too.
Last Blog :(
As I started to sit down for the first time in what seems like 57 days to catch up on the comedic stylings of my hero Chelsea Handler, I thought to myself, “There is one thing I know I am forgetting to do before I laugh my head off. Oh yes! I need to write my blog!” Or should I say, I get to. To be honest, at the beginning of this class I thought of these blog exercises as just another thing to add to our piles and piles of homework to do each day before and after class. To my surprise, the blogging has become one of my favorite pieces of homework in and out of Zalika’s class. I look forward to reading what other people have to say and wonder how everyone is doing. Sometimes we don’t get the opportunity to stop and think about what we are going through and rather just try to get things done. Blogging has given me the time to just sit down and really dig into my brain. I really hope that our cohort continues to blog and keep each other updated throughout the year and after our short time here at Lewis and Clark.
I have truly enjoyed this class. It has given me the opportunity to mesh different ideas together and start to make my own idea of what kind of a teacher I want to be. One of my favorite activities in this class was when we did the “I am From” poems. Listening to the poems read by my cohort is an experience that I will never forget. That, along with a lot of other experiences that we have been through together as a cohort will be little treasures that I will keep near and dear to my heart.
I also want to say that I am so appreciative. Before art today, a few of us were at Tryone Creek drinking a few ice colds and talking about how glad we are that we chose this program. We talked about the competing programs and why we didn’t choose them, why this one stood out to us, etc. Everyday, I am reminded to be so thankful that I am with such an incredible group of people. I couldn’t have picked a better group to surround myself with everyday then all of you. I am so glad that I chose this program and can’t wait to see what the rest of this year has in store for us!
Last Blog by HD
This final blog is hard for me to write. It’s hard to say goodbye to these classes and professors. I love these subjects. Social justice is part of why I got into teaching. I wanted to change how other people think, and I wanted to change how I think. I’m worried that going forward these topics won’t be as thoroughly addressed because we’ll be focused on curriculum subjects. I’m afraid to say goodbye to these classes because I’m afraid that I’ll stop growing. I know that half of the battle is becoming aware of the system in which we’re in. But I want to do more. There are readings that I will have to go back to again and again because they are so evocative and eye opening. I feel like I can never stop changing and growing, especially in my perception of equity issues, diverse cultures, and justice. There is always more to know and more depth of understanding to reach. I wish that we could meet and talk about these issues as a cohort, as a nation.
One of the most memorable parts of the course was watching the film “Boys of Baraka.” We’ve been discussing theory all along, and this film gave me a face and environment to analyze through the lenses of those theories. The emotion was so raw in that film, and the issues so current. To think that people are going through these struggles right at this moment is hard to take. It hurt from my insides, but it inspired me. The boys, families, and some of the counselors were truly amazing people. I felt such powerful, raw emotions. Love, fear, disappointment, hope. When the film ended I wanted more. Where are those boys now? What are they doing, and what are they thinking about? What do think about themselves? How are the families doing? What became of the Baraka School?
This is my last blog for a class assignment. I’ve loved this class. Thank you Zalika for all your ideas, comments, suggestions, and questions. I hate goodbyes. I’m such as sap! See you all tomorrow in class. Take care.
One of the most memorable parts of the course was watching the film “Boys of Baraka.” We’ve been discussing theory all along, and this film gave me a face and environment to analyze through the lenses of those theories. The emotion was so raw in that film, and the issues so current. To think that people are going through these struggles right at this moment is hard to take. It hurt from my insides, but it inspired me. The boys, families, and some of the counselors were truly amazing people. I felt such powerful, raw emotions. Love, fear, disappointment, hope. When the film ended I wanted more. Where are those boys now? What are they doing, and what are they thinking about? What do think about themselves? How are the families doing? What became of the Baraka School?
This is my last blog for a class assignment. I’ve loved this class. Thank you Zalika for all your ideas, comments, suggestions, and questions. I hate goodbyes. I’m such as sap! See you all tomorrow in class. Take care.
Twas the night...
'Twas the night before the last day of Zalika's class, when all through the house
Not a creature felt sweat-free, except for a mouse.
The fans were placed by the windows care,
In hopes that some coolness soon would be there.
My roommates nestled among other house's beds,
While visions of ice cubes danced in their heads.
And my cat Pepper sprawled on the carpet, not in my lap,
We had just settled our brains for a hot summer night's nap.
When out in the yard there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the couch to see what was the matter.
Barefoot and belligerent, I flew like a flash,
Threw open the door and got ready to dash.
The moon on the breast of the grass I need to mow,
Gave the lustre of some familiar people below.
When, what to my sleepy eyes should appear,
But all of Cohort 1, those people I hold so dear.
With Beth as the driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be a trick.
More rapid than passing essays in Sara's class, her coursers they came,
And she whistled, and shouted, and called some by name!
"Now Leah! now, Heather! now, Avni and Adrienne!
On, Rachael! On, Kyle! On , Catie and Dylan!
To the top of the campus! to the top of Rogers Hall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"
As good times that before the wild graduation fly,
When they meet with beer, not a person gets shy.
So up to Lewis & Clark the coursers they flew,
With a carpool full of reflective narratives, and puppets too.
And then, in a moment of silence, I heard on the roof,
The laughing and mingling of each Cohort 1 goof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney Jean Piaget came with a bound.
He looked really super smart, from his head to his foot,
And his books were all tarnished with ashes and soot.
A bundle of theories, he had flung on his back,
He informed me that of big questions I'll never lack.
(that's all for now)
Not a creature felt sweat-free, except for a mouse.
The fans were placed by the windows care,
In hopes that some coolness soon would be there.
My roommates nestled among other house's beds,
While visions of ice cubes danced in their heads.
And my cat Pepper sprawled on the carpet, not in my lap,
We had just settled our brains for a hot summer night's nap.
When out in the yard there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the couch to see what was the matter.
Barefoot and belligerent, I flew like a flash,
Threw open the door and got ready to dash.
The moon on the breast of the grass I need to mow,
Gave the lustre of some familiar people below.
When, what to my sleepy eyes should appear,
But all of Cohort 1, those people I hold so dear.
With Beth as the driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be a trick.
More rapid than passing essays in Sara's class, her coursers they came,
And she whistled, and shouted, and called some by name!
"Now Leah! now, Heather! now, Avni and Adrienne!
On, Rachael! On, Kyle! On , Catie and Dylan!
To the top of the campus! to the top of Rogers Hall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"
As good times that before the wild graduation fly,
When they meet with beer, not a person gets shy.
So up to Lewis & Clark the coursers they flew,
With a carpool full of reflective narratives, and puppets too.
And then, in a moment of silence, I heard on the roof,
The laughing and mingling of each Cohort 1 goof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney Jean Piaget came with a bound.
He looked really super smart, from his head to his foot,
And his books were all tarnished with ashes and soot.
A bundle of theories, he had flung on his back,
He informed me that of big questions I'll never lack.
(that's all for now)
ABC versus 123
As I was running errands yesterday, I noticed a group of mothers with their children. the kids were between the ages of 2 and 3 years of age. One mother was telling the others that her child "new how to read." The other mother's seriously gasped in shock and said, "Really?" The original mother proceeded to point to letters on the window of the building as they passed by, and her son called out the letters...correctly I might add. I found it interesting that the mother did not care whether or not her son new numbers, but rather placed more emphasis and importance on him learning letters. I am not sure I would have even had this thought if not for our recent class discussions. As a culture, this situation shows how much more we value literacy than math. I couldn't think of a single parent I know that taught their children to recognize numbers at the same time as letters. Why are letters always first? Why are numbers put off until later? Why are ABCs taught with more emphasis from parents than counting? I don't have any answers here, just observations and more questions!
I guess that is what I have learned most from this and our other classes...to take a step back and observe what is going on, and ask questions about it. Looking closely at an idea or concept is just as important as looking at the bigger picture; in some cases it is more important, as with education. It is more important for us to observe closely what is happening with our students as they experience the learning process first hand, and to address specific situations. Yes, small changes will aid their learning in the big picture, but we can't clearly see the big picture, as we don't have the big picture in front of us, we only have the child (a small piece of the big picture of their educational experience as a whole).
I have always loved child development, but my experience has lent itself to preschoolers. It is fantastic to see into the lives and minds of elementary students from a developmental perspective. As a parent, I am more aware of what is to come, and as a teacher, I am more aware of who is to come (into my class). Your thoughts, experiences, and questions have been so insightful, and I thank you collectively as a group for being so wise! I chose Lewis & Clark because I wanted to surround myself with a high quality of knowledge from both the staff and my peers. I can say, proudly, that I see greatness every day that I am with you all and our professors! You all encourage me to do my best, be my best, and bring my best to class, and for that I thank you!!! Thank you Zalika for inspiring us to do great things, and for sharing so much of who you are as a person, and as a teacher, with us!!! I agree with Lindsey, I only wish we had more time together with you!
I guess that is what I have learned most from this and our other classes...to take a step back and observe what is going on, and ask questions about it. Looking closely at an idea or concept is just as important as looking at the bigger picture; in some cases it is more important, as with education. It is more important for us to observe closely what is happening with our students as they experience the learning process first hand, and to address specific situations. Yes, small changes will aid their learning in the big picture, but we can't clearly see the big picture, as we don't have the big picture in front of us, we only have the child (a small piece of the big picture of their educational experience as a whole).
I have always loved child development, but my experience has lent itself to preschoolers. It is fantastic to see into the lives and minds of elementary students from a developmental perspective. As a parent, I am more aware of what is to come, and as a teacher, I am more aware of who is to come (into my class). Your thoughts, experiences, and questions have been so insightful, and I thank you collectively as a group for being so wise! I chose Lewis & Clark because I wanted to surround myself with a high quality of knowledge from both the staff and my peers. I can say, proudly, that I see greatness every day that I am with you all and our professors! You all encourage me to do my best, be my best, and bring my best to class, and for that I thank you!!! Thank you Zalika for inspiring us to do great things, and for sharing so much of who you are as a person, and as a teacher, with us!!! I agree with Lindsey, I only wish we had more time together with you!
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