Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Session Two- Week Two

Numbered List:
-treat everyone with respect (this covers almost everything: I would elaborate upon introducing the rule)
-think before you act
(will revise after I see Brian's, either his isn't done like mine or for some reason I can't see his post, I can only see Nov. 5)

3-2-1 Activity
3.) -showing an organized classroom shows students a good model for following rules and expectations
-classroom management is crucial because if it isn't an issue then the students have more time to learn
-as a teacher you can't assume that because a rule or expectation is inherent to you that doesn't mean the students have the same understanding
2.) -within the first two weeks of school you should make sure that students understand what you expect so that you can maximize learning time the rest of the year
-involving students in their own education is a good way to maintain classroom management because the students then care more for their own education
1.) -writing daily expectations on the board before each class
-after establishing expectations for the year it is important for students to see what they need to accomplish each class
-this also allows them to get a sense o accomplishment at the end of the day

Reading 5:  Hearts and Minds
This article is about classroom relationships and how important they are to learning and effective teaching.  Some teachers feel that they must develop a good relationship before they can teach, however the article says that "their relationships are their teaching."  Classroom management is not an issue in a democratic classroom.  A good way to solve the management issue to have a good curriculum around which the students can relate.  Another way is to create a classroom community through discussion, class murals, and role playing.  It is very important to get to know the students as individuals.  The curriculum is a very crucial part to the classroom.  It must be relevant to the students lives, culturally and worldly.  Lastly is to have the students see as a person, not just a teacher.  Let them see you laugh and that you have ambitions so that understand you better.

Reading 7:  Stubbornness and the Kindness of Strangers
What happens in your first year of teaching is very crucial.  A real teacher is defined by the fact that they try to make a difference every day against surmountable odds.  It is also very important for veteran teachers to take you under their wing and to encourage you.  It is very hard as a teacher to join the teaching community unless you have your own class under control.  With time comes experience.  Even though it may not look like you have made a difference look back at the beginning of the year/career and you will see what you have done.

Reading 9:  Start the Day with Community
This teacher at the beginning of his/her day has the class come together for what they call community meeting.  They begin with greeting then group activity and lastly news and announcements.  This is a good way for students build their circle of friends and work on their social skills.  These activities are meant to bring the class in as a community.  Also how a teacher begins the day sets the tone, so by doing this it is starting class on a good note.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

- I would agree with you that your first rule covers most of the criteria for rules. It is reasonable, applicable, enforceable, general, and positive. But, I think that it can be stated more clearly. Maybe it should explain what being respectful is.

- Again, your second rule also fits many of the criteria for rules. It is clearly stated, reasonable, applicable, general, enforceable, and positive. But you may want to think of what ways you would be able to enforce this...

Overall, these two rules are structured well and would be effective in your classroom, in my opinion. Good luck with them!