Last Thursday, I presented with my group to the class about the book Nonfiction Matters . This was a fun project,  I really loved reading this book, and finding out ways I can help future students. My favorite thing I learned was what we presented to the class- the KWL chart. I think this can be a very effective tool. Our presentation went well, I felt good about how our group presented and how the work was divided. I especially loved how when we did the in class example of our KWL chart it was about sharks, some people seemed genuinely interested in the project. I also thought our prezi was amazing. I liked the fun shark facts.I had a great diagram that I wanted to share with the class about the different parts of a shark, but no one was looking up questions for anatomy of a shark so I did not share it, but looking back now, I wish I did. It makes me excited to be a teacher and see kids get excited about learning, the way I feel I am excited about teaching.We also had another group present the same day. I thought their presentation was nice, and I thought the speakers did well and had good information to contribute. Their activity was good and I hope to read their book. it seemed interesting from the presentation they gave.

words that i can write about:
inquiry, paper, creativity, document, thesis,  literacy, phonics, point, paragraph, persuasive, language, tone, theme, voice, thinking, effective, quote, inform, structure, grammar

presentations day 2

Sadly I could not to class on the second day of presentations because of a previous commitment. I was disappointed  that I could not see the presentations, however I am sure they were an awesome experience for the class.

In class we had two groups present on Tuesday. We had a group talk about poetry, and a group talk about "Don't Forget To Write". It was fun being a student getting lessons like this again, I like feeling like a kid again. The prezi they used was confusing to me. It didn't follow the ignite standard, so it was hard for me to follow.  The poetry lesson was fun because I love poetry. The way the group explained it, on how to help the kids write it as well, was great. The only thing I wish that there had been more of from the group, was how to expand poetry into other areas and subjects. In class we talked about it a little bit, as a whole, but I wish the group had talked more about it.

The second group presented about don't forget to write. This groups power point was really good. It was almost perfectly timed. Their lesson was extremely fun. It was nice to work with other people in the classroom. It liked stretching my creative muscle, its been rusty. I think their lesson is a great way to get kids involved, especially as an icebreaker.

Overall it was a great day, and fun to see people share. I look forward to more people sharing.

entry 7

For a meaningful experience to be made in reference to reading and writing, a teacher must help her students enjoy english. one of the most difficult times for me in english was when we had to work out of  a workbook individually. I love english, and the fact that I felt bored was upsetting. The problem was not the material, the stories we read were actually interesting, the problem was how it was being taught. reading and writing are about expression, getting your point across, sharing a view. If a teacher can spark a student to do this, the student will more likely than not enjoy english more than out of a work book.

I grew up with the formulatic writing that was taught by Shaffer. Many teacher at my school liked teaching english that was, the formula made it simple. However, I enjoyed writing. The constrictions of the writing style forced me to cater to my teachers needs, instead of my own needs as a writer. This is something that Wiley warns us against; not letting students exercise their abstract thinking. This, to Wiley is important, because writers need to know that this is why we write. So that we can express ourselves in the best way possible. The formula style writing is not a flexible writing style, and does not work for all types of writing pieces.

The benefit of this writing style is for those who do not thrive in english classes. I saw classmates who did struggle with this all throughout high school. When they did use formula writing however, it helped them a great deal. It gave them the start they needed to continue writing their papers until eventually, they could finish it. It was the gentle shove when you ride a bike without training wheels for the first time; eventually you will just have to pedal and go. This writing style gave them confidence as writers, and this confidence gave them the courage to take risks as writers and get out of their comfort zone to become more abstract.

The formula style can be argued to be constricting, or a necessary building block. Either way it is a style many teachers use, because of its overall benefits for the majority.

entry 6

 

The first success of the classroom literacy in Maier's classroom is how much  time she let her students read on their own. Letting students read on their own allows them to read what they want, the freedom to their own imagination , and letting them read what will draw them into the book. When I was a child, reading  on my own as exciting for me because I was a good reader, and I could read some of the books other kids weren't ready for. This allowed me to push myself further. 

 

Another success is how much Maier read to the kids. It said in the article she reads to kids at the rate of 120 books read out loud per week. THAT is a lot of reading to kids. The exposure of all those books, and learning new words from those books, and hearing proper grammar over and over again must encourage the students to improve their reading and writing subconsciously. The exposure to this kind of literacy is helps the students, because the literacy is all around them.

 

Another reason why Maier's students do so well is because of the bond with the teacher. They know about her life, and she lets them ask questions about her. This bond is important because it establishes trust, as well as many other things. Students must be able to trust their teachers, if the teachers want to students to do well. It lets the children know they are in a safe place, and that the teachers is looking out for their best interest. By having this bond, students don't follow teachers, but students and teachers work together to see what is best for both.

 

Individual writing time is another important factor. To let kids freely express how they are feeling with words is an important skill, and to let children do this is empowering to the students. At the school I went to as a child, we had free writing time, during which many of the boys in my class wrote about guns and war and death. Many parents in society today would probably feel uncomfortable with how often the boys did this in class. However, my teacher let us write about what ever we wanted, and if we felt the need to write about people dying, she let us. Kids need to feel That its ok to express themselves, in whatever way they like. They need to know they wont be judged for what they write. Their imagination is their best tool as a child, and its important they learn how to use it, without restriction.

 

Lastly, sharing their stories make them successful. Being able to read a story that you've writing to an audience of people is scary and exciting. It makes the kids proud, knowing they have accomplished something. It celebrates how far the children have come as writers. It gives them a spark of learning to share what they are proud  of, which runs out for many people as life goes on.

 

 

 

entry 5

Teachers in my life have helped me so much over the years. During high school I was in a low place. My teachers helped me so much during this time in my life. they were guides, support and always had an open ear for me to talk to.  There was a time when I was in class, upset and trying to hide my feelings, just wanting to leave class. As soon as the bell rang I packed my things, hoping to leave quickly. Instead I was called on by the teacher to hold back, so he could talk to me. I waited, since I had lunch my next period and I could afford to skip that. The teacher expressed genuine concern for me, and asked what he could do to help me. I told him about what was going on in my life, how it was affecting my schoolwork and focus in class. He worked with me to help me, and was really flexible. I still appreciate this teacher for how he helped me, especially during a time when I needed help, but couldn’t bring myself to ask for it.

This role for teachers is one that must be actively played throughout their teaching career I believe. I appreciate the teachers who do live their life this way. To notice when students are struggling, and to be able to reach out to them, is such a great quality for a teacher to have. I say this because I was that student, and I know how it feels to be on the receiving side of this. It made me feel like I was important, for someone to notice me struggling when I tried to hide it so hard. It made me want to fight to do well not only for me, but now for my teacher, who was willing to accommodate my circumstances.

This teaching style has no pitfalls. The students lose nothing from this type of teacher. They can only gain. They gain someone to talk to, someone who cares, someone who supports them, someone who wants what is best for the student. This is so important especially during middle school and high school ages. It requires a lot of effort from the teacher, but in the end, it makes all the difference. It made a huge difference for me, and I know from other who have experienced this as well, it makes all the difference for them.

entry 4: book club

I plan on reading Don't Forget to Write For the Elementary  Grades: 50 Enthralling and Effective Writing Lessons. I'm choosing this book because I don't know how to teach writing. I've never been in a situation where I have had to teach English writing to a student, this book will give me the insight I need to do just that. I plan on being a kindergarten teacher, so I will be teaching the fundamentals on how students need to write. The lessons in this book will be able to show me the best way to reach every students needs so that they can all become effective writers.   This will be valuable information, That I will be able to use for many years.

One of my favorite teachers in high school was an advanced English teacher. She had been teacher for many years and knew exactly what to say to make her students understand. Everyone loved her, and knew of her as a great teacher. She retired  the year I graduated, which makes me sad, because I know my younger siblings will never be able to get an amazing English experience like the one I had with her.

If I can get to the point where people look to me and think, Wow, she knows how to teach English. Look at how her students look up to her, then I have done my job. Even If I do end up teacher higher grades in the elementary system, this is how I want to be viewed. As the teacher who knows how to connect with her students, and make them want  to learn English.

The thing is, English is part of your everyday life. You can't escape it. Its such a huge part of living in society. so often people are bored by English classes, giving the minimum effort to pass the class. but English you need for your whole life. you need it for jobs, to write official letters, to give feedback. This is a skill, that many people say will always be valuable.

To be able to make someone fall in love with English, to want to write, to want to read, to want to become the best that they can be, is what I strive for. As a child, I loved reading and writing. And I still do today, and I thank my past teachers for keeping that spark alive in me. I know it has burnt out for many people by now. English is beautiful. I want to  help others see that as well.