C4T #4

My last two comments have been on Jennifer Brokosfky's blog. Her blog is called A Work in Progress. She has not made any recent posts, so I looked in her archives and found some interesting posts.

C4T #4 Post 1: For this post, I chose a post entitled Driving to Mathematical Success-Gradual Release of Responsibilty. In this post, Ms. Brokosfky compares teaching mathematics to teaching someone to drive. I like her analogy because it really gets her point across. She states that the teacher "takes the wheel" for a while and demonstrates how to do the math work. She then says that often teachers "get out of the car and ask the students to keep driving". Ms. Brokosfky says this is too much independence for the students too soon. She states that the teachers should "sit in the passenger seat" for a little while before releasing the students completely. This analogy ties into the Gradual Release of Responsibility Model, which was first created in 1993 by Pearson and Gallagher. This model outlines the process of teaching necessary to promote independent application of skills and understanding. In this model, teachers gradually decrease their level of support as students demonstrate understanding, but increases their level pf support if students are struggling. 

In my comment, I said that I agree with this model, especially when it comes to teaching mathematics. Math can  often be the most difficult subject for a student, therefore, the level of support a teacher gives needs to be based on each individual student. I also said that I like her driving analogy because it really does go hand in hand with the Gradual Release of Responsibility Model.  

C4T #4 Post 2: For this post, I commented on a post entitled Creating a Math Rich Classroom. In this post, Ms. Brokosfky gives her ideas for different math stations that can be placed in the classroom to get the students more engaged in mathematics. She suggested a math corner. This can include baskets with manipulatives and graphic organizers the students might need to complete activities (such as blank Venn Diagrams). She also suggests having a book shelf with books that have a mathematical slant or theme to them.

In my comment, I said that I think it is extremely important to have activities in the classroom that will get the students more engaged in math. I also said that math is a difficult subject for students, but it is one of the most important subjects we learn in elementary school. Therefore, it is nice to read about some great ideas to get the students interested in learning mathematics. 

Final Summary of my PLN

I created a PLN on symbaloo a couple of months ago. At first, I did not use it very often but then I decided to set it as my homepage. Once I set it as my homepage, I realized how convenient having a PLN really is. My favorite part is being able to click on the icon and it takes you directly to that website. It is so much more convenient than typing in the web address. Some of the resources I have on my PLN are teacher tube, school tube, you tube, facebook, twitter, amazon, blogger, apple, and ebay.com. I really have enjoyed using my personal learning network and I look forward to continuing to use it through out my career.

Blog Assignment #13- E-Media Fast

When I first read this assignment I knew it would be a challenge for me. However, I did not anticipate how difficult this challenge would be. The assignment was to go 24 hours without using any device powered by electricity or batteries. The banned items include cellphones, computers, televisions, and mp3 players. The challenge also stated that if we fail the challenge within the 24 hours, we are supposed to start over. Three times is the maximum amount of times we can start over.
I knew it would be difficult for me to complete this challenge, but I honestly did not expect to have to start over. I had to start over the maximum three times and I could not go the full 24 hours without using the banned items. Television was the easiest item to give up, there is never anything good on anyways. The most difficult item to give up was my cellphone. We do not have a land line at my house, so cellphones are what we use to keep in contact with one another. I told my family and friends about the challenge and told them not to text or call me for 24 hours. Most of my friends stuck to their word, but my mom and my husband still called and messaged me.
Another difficult item to give up was my computer. All of my classes this semester require the use of the internet. Therefore, 80% of my homework has to be completed online. Although I have to complete my homework online, I have to admit I mostly use the internet for personal use. Not getting on Facebook and Twitter for 24 hours was quite a challenge! I stuck to not getting on Twitter for 24 hours, but I gave in on the Facebook challenge.
This challenge has opened my eyes to how much I rely on technology. I rely on it not only in my personal life, but also in my academic life as well. Although I do know that at some point in my life I was not so reliant on technology, I cannot remember what that was like. I can only imagine what my students will be like when I begin teaching. When I was in elementary school, there was no need for rules about cellphones or text messaging. Nowadays, there has to be rules about cellphones because the majority of children have cell phones. On one hand, it is a good thing that children are getting used to technology because they will definitely need it throughout their schooling and when they start their careers. However, on the other hand, too much technology does not allow children the full experience of being children. For example, kids play video games rather than going outside to play; kids as young as five years old are getting cellphones. My parents did not allow me to get a cell phone until I was 16 when I began driving and at that point, a cell phone was necessary. I am in favor of children having access to technology; however, I am not in favor of  children being completely engulfed by technology (such as cellphones and mp3 players).

In closing, I think that technology is a wonderful tool for children that can be used in classrooms and at home. I also think that kids' use of technology should be monitored and controlled so they do not become completely reliant on technology.

Project 15

Kristen Cobbs and LaWana Threatt:

Creativity and Curiosity:My Thoughts-Special Post #12A

Creativity and curiosity go hand in hand and are very important for young children to have. Unfortunately, creativity takes a back seat in schools. Elementary teachers have to plan for every subject, every day. The main focus is to make sure the children are learning the curriculum and often the children's creativity gets forgotten. I am not saying that teachers ignore creativity altogether, but I do not believe it gets as much attention as it should. A child's creativity can be brought out in any subject.
I do not think that schools intentionally kill children's creativity and curiosity. However, as I mentioned above, I do believe that schools and teachers are so focused on making sure the children are learning what they are supposed to that creativity and curiosity often get left behind. I also think that overtime children become more aware of what is around them and what the other students may or may not think about them. When a child is in kindergarten, he or she does not even know what the word shy means. However, as they get older, some children become more inhibited and do not like speak aloud in class. I also believe that the grading system in schools can kill a child's creativity. Tests can be so stressful for some children, therefore, they might not do well on the test. If they receive a bad grade on the test, children can easily get discouraged and think they are doing something wrong. However, most teachers do not rely solely on tests to assess the students. Teachers often use various projects to assess the students. I think using projects for assessment is a great thing because projects allow children to express themselves.

I feel that schools do contribute to children loosing their curiosity. If a teacher is standing in front of a classroom and feeding the students all of the information that will be on the test, why would they need to learn anything else? Unfortunately, that is the viewpoint of the majority of students. They are taught to only worry about what will be on the test, therefore, there is no motivation to be curious and look up things on their own. I think this can be changed if teachers motivate students to look up things on their own and find more information on the given topic. A curriculum that would motivate the student's curiosity is possible. Instead of deciding what to teach based on the test, teachers should derive the tests from what they teach. Also, teachers could allow more class discussions. Also, if a student asks a question about a topic, the teacher could tell him or her to look it up and tell the class the answer the next day in class.
A curriculum to increase student's creativity could be created. The curriculum could include activities which require the students to draw or paint. Also, the new curriculum could include thinking activities. These activities could be writing activities. For example, if the children were learning about the Native Americans in history, the assignment could be "imagine you are a Native American chief, describe what a day in your life would be like". An assignment such as this could spark students' creativity and really make them think about what they are learning.
A teacher is the glue that holds the classroom together. The actions of the teacher can encourage or sometimes severely discourage a student. I believe that a teacher can contribute to the students' creativity and curiosity. Teachers can contribute to the students' creativity by encouraging them to think outside of the box and always reassuring them. As I mentioned above, a teacher can contribute to the students' curiosity by having them look up the answers to their questions instead of just answering if for them.
Now that I am an adult, my creativity has been stilted since I was a kid. Part of that comes from my fear of what others will think. Another part of it comes from the fear of whether or not my creativity is what my teachers are looking for. More often than not, I would rather stick to what is safe rather than think outside of the box and receive a poor grade on an assignment. A downfall to this perspective is when I am told to be creative on an assignment, I have to think long and hard about what to do. I would like to be more creative, but honestly, I am not sure what can make me be more creative. I do feel that the assignments I have had in this class have contributed tremendously to my creativity. I think if all of my classes had more open-ended assignments like this class, I would feel more comfortable with being creative.

My curiosity level is not as low as some. When there is something being discussed in class that interests me, I will go home and look it up and try to learn more about it. However, if the topic does not interest me, I am not curious about it at all; I just want to learn what I have to about it so I will pass the test. Honestly, I am not sure how I can be broken of this habit. I believe it is a result of being in school for so long and always being taught to just worry about what will be on the test. Now that I am in college and taking classes that are relevant to my career, I am more curious about the topics.
When I become a teacher, I hope I can break the cycle of killing students' creativity and curiosity. I will always do my best to encourage my students and let them know that is okay to not always be perfect or just like everyone else.

Who is Elli??
Elspeth Bishop is a writer for GoodMeasures.net. She enjoys sports such as tennis and she also enjoys hiking. She was born and raised in Colorado.

C4K Summary #3:April

C4K #8- I commented on Emma's blog again. Emma is a seventh grader from Canada. This week, I commented on her post entitled "What is Pink Shirt Day?". In her post, Emma explains that Pink Shirt Day is an anti-bullying day when everyone wears a pink shirt. The reason Pink Shirt Day was started is because of a boy who got bullied in Nova Scotia for wearing a pink shirt to school. The boy who was bullied used social media networks to reach out to other students. He asked the other students at his school to wear pink shirts. One day everyone, except the bullies, came to school wearing pink shirts.
In my comment, I said that I like the idea of Pink Shirt Day. I also said that people should be able to be who they are or wear want they want with out being bullied. I also asked her when Pink Shirt Day is so I can participate in it. I have not gotten a response yet.


C4K #9- This week, I posted on Emma's blog again. She had not made a new post, so I commented on one of her older posts. I commented on her post entitled "Welcome to my Blog". In this post, Emma talks about how excited she is to start blogging. She also says that blogging has helped her grammar and spelling. She asked if anyone who has a blog has noticed an improvement in their writing skills.
In my comment, I said that I was excited when I first started blogging as well. I also told her that I am fairly new to blogging and I still had a lot to learn. I said that I have learned how to add pictures and videos to my blog and it makes it more interesting. I also said that blogging has helped with my writing skills. In closing, I told her she was doing a great job and I could not wait to read more of her posts.

C4K #10- This week I commented on a video post that was posted on the blog "Little Voices, Little Scholars". The video post was made by an elementary student named Serenity. In her video, Serenity talks about what she did over the weekend. She said the went to the beach and then went to the park.
In my comment, I said that it sounded like she did have a wonderful weekend. I said that I like going to the beach and getting in the water. She also drew a picture of herself at the beach and Ia told her she did a good job drawing the picture. I also told her to keep up the great work.

Progress Report on Final Project

I am in a group with LaWana Threatt. We have been communicating with each other through email. We have also met in person two times to discuss projects 15 and 16. We have decided to do a lesson plan for kindergarten on the four seasons of the year for project 15. We have been discussing different ideas for our final project, but we have not completely decided what we are going to do yet.

Blog Assignment #12

For this post, we were supposed to make up an assignment and then do it. Since I am trying to become an elementary teacher, I made my assignment based on elementary education. The assignment is as follows:
1. Go to www.apples4theteacher.com
2. Explore the website and look at all of the different resources and games on the website
3. After exploring the website, choose three games or resources you would like to use in your future classroom. Discuss why you would like to use these games or resources in your future classroom.

The first game I would use is the animal classification hangman. The game is like regular hangman, except it gives the students clues for which animal they are trying to guess. Instead of the typical hangman, this game shows a picture of fish and a whale coming after them. If you guess the word correctly, the whale does not eat the fish. However, if you do not guess the correct word, the whale eats the fish. I would use this game because I think it is a fun and creative way to get students familiar with different animals and their classifications.

The second game I would use is a math game. Because math can be such a daunting subject for children to learn, a game is a good way to get them interested in learning math. The game I chose is a measurement game. It shows a teddy bear up against a ruler and asks how big the teddy bear is. I like this game because it gives the students the opportunity to learn how to measure different things.

The third game is an American Sign Language translator. Because I would like to teach at a school for deaf children, I believe this is an extremely useful resource for my future classroom. This particular resource allows you to type in a word and then it will translate it into American Sign Language.  I would use this resource in an all deaf classroom and also in a hearing classroom as well. I believe it is important for children to learn at least some sign language and be exposed to something that is different from what they are used to.

I have chosen only 3 resources from this website, but apples4theteacher.com is full of games and resources. I recommend this website to anyone who is going to be or already is an elementary teacher.

Blog Assignment #11

Little Kids...Big Potential:   
I really enjoyed watching the students in Little Kids....Big Potential. It is fascinating to see how far elementary school has come since I was attending it. I think Ms. Cassidy's approach to technology is very commendable. She mentioned that she has been using a class web page for ten years now. This fact really stuck out to me because the internet and technology were not as much of a necessity ten years ago as they are now. It is great that she was teaching her students ten years ago to use the internet because now they are in high school and I am sure they are needing the internet on a daily basis. I also like the fact that she sends an informative letter and waiver home to the parents at the beginning of the year explaining that the children are going to be doing work online through out the school year. This keeps the parents informed and lets them know what their children will be doing. It also allows the parents to be more involved and open about the use of technology.

When I have my own classroom, I would like to use all of the techniques Ms. Cassidy uses. My favorite technique that she uses in her classroom is the class blog. I think it is so important for the children to have access to other students around the world. The class blog gives the children the opportunity to learn about other cultures and rituals. A class blog also helps with spelling and grammar. Although spell check can sometimes be annoying, for a young student it could be very beneficial. Not only does spell check tell you the word is misspelled, it also gives the correct spelling. A class blog can also encourage shy children to open up more about themselves. They probably will tend to be more willing to write about themselves and have it be read by someone across the world (and their fellow classmates) than they would be to stand in front of the class and talk about themselves. The use of the wiki is very beneficial to the students as well. Their different wikis allow them to read about other cultures, rituals, and traditions. Another great tool Ms. Cassidy uses is having the experts talk to her class via Skype. I think this is an amazing idea; imagine learning about something and having an expert on the topic only seconds away!
As I mentioned before, it is fascinating to see how much technology is being used in elementary classrooms as compared to when I was in elementary school (which wasn't THAT long ago). I can only imagine what kind of technology will be being used ten years from now. As a future educator, I am extremely excited about what the future holds. The use of technology in the classroom makes the possibilities for learning literally endless. It also requires teachers to constantly learn new things, which I believe is the key to being an excellent teacher.

Blog Assignment #10

Do you Teach or Educate?
I enjoyed watching the video, Do You Teach or Educate?. The video got the point across clearly and precisely. The video made me think about why I decided to become an education major. I decided to become an education major largely because of helping my stepson. He was 7 when he started living with me and he asked me to help him with his homework every night. I enjoyed helping him with his homework and I loved when he came home and excitedly showed me his good grades. I realized that I enjoy helping kids learn.
I want to strive to be an educator rather than just a teacher. Educators encourage students to be themselves and let them know it is okay to make mistakes. Instead of just standing in front of the class and feeding them information, I would like to involve the students in the teaching process. I would like to hold class discussions and make the students feel comfortable to share their opinions. When I start my career, I will do my best to be an educator and not just a teacher.

Don't Let Them Take the Pencils Home
 While reading Don't Let Them Take The Pencils Home, I felt intrigued by the message of it. I could not agree more with Mr. Johnson more when he brings up standardized testing, or as he calls them,  "drill-and-kill bubble tests". I do not think they measure authentic learning. I also like that Mr. Johnson is focusing on finding a solution for the problem rather than focusing on the problem itself.
Teachers often focus too much on making sure their test scores come out to meet the stat standards. While that is an important factor, what about whether or not the students are actually learning anything? As mentioned before, standardized tests do not properly measure authentic learning. Any child can guess the right answer and the machines who grade them have no inclination of it. In Mr. Johnson's post, he states activities children can do with pencils and truly uses them as a learning tool. He wants to make sure that the students are actually learning, not simply just filling in some bubbles on a test. "Don't Let Them Take the Pencils Home" is an excellent read as is the entire Adventures of Pencil Integration blog. "Don't Let Them..." is truly a must read for any future teacher as well as any current teacher who has not yet read it.

Blog Assignment #9

Mr. McClung's Posts...
I read Mr. McClung's first two posts, What I've Learned This Year (2008-2009) and What I learned This Year (2009-2010). I really enjoyed reading about everything he has learned over the past 2 years. I think that a major misconception that many education students and new teachers have is that once we get our degree, the learning is over. However, this cannot be further from the truth and I believe Mr. McClung's posts prove that to be so. As Mr. McClung's posts imply, being a teacher is all about learning and adapting to a new circumstance. Whether the new circumstance be a new subject, a new school, a new grade, or a new class at the beginning of the year, teachers must always learn to "go with the flow".
One thing that many education students (myself included) and new teachers are guilty of is setting their mind on what grade they want to teach. Just because I want to teach second grade does not mean that I will come right out of school and start teaching second grade. Mr. McClung wrote that he had never taught 8th graders and he was not sure how to go about it. He had to learn how to adapt to the new grade and the new subjects he was teaching.
Another important point that Mr. McClung wrote about was making lessons student-oriented. It is so important to make sure our lessons are geared toward the students and not towards our superiors. Also, Mr. McClung also wrote that we need to realize that the lesson plans that we write and the ones that we teach are going to vary. I believe when I become a teacher that this will be one of my biggest challenges. I am the type of person who wants everything to go according to plan. However, with children, that's often not the case. Mr. McClung wrote that he had to learn not to beat himself up for all of the little things that did not go according to plan. Teachers are going to have lesson plans that did not go well or did not go according to plan.
When I become a teacher, I am going to do my best to remember all of the things Mr. McClung has written about. His blogs are very informative and they will be something that I refer back to when I become a teacher.