Self Reflection 2015-16

  It has been a long stressful year. But as my senior year comes to a end, I realize I have my Education and Training program to fall back on, getting me through my up and downs. I feel like without this class, and the wonderful teacher along with my amazing TAFE family, I don't know where i'd be my senior year. Maybe, I'd be failing classes, or skipping school and etc, because this has been a hard year and this class has yet to let me down. I thank my strict, loving, caring mentor teacher Mrs. Wirth for all she has done for me and taught  this year, and also my past years I had her as a teacher.

  With this being my second year in this Education and Training program, I must say I've learned the most this year from my kindergarten site teacher. If I had to choose between my PreKindergarten class last year, and my Kindergarten class this year. I would have to choose Kinder, although I wish I could have both teachers, because they both are great and ive learned so much from both of them.
As i thought this year, that ill move up just a grade higher (kindergarten), i didn't know how i would adapt, to the kindergarten life, i didn't know if things would be the same or if it would be a whole new route for me. I must say, PreK and Kindergarten are not similar, they may have a few minor things alike.
  With that being said, joining TAFE has really opened me up and pushed me further to be an early childhood educator. TAFE has brought so many good things to me, from learning how to do lesson plans, to competing and winning rewards. With this being my last year in this program, all the hard projects, lesson plans, book extensions. Has kept me motivated to be an early childhood educator, and I cant wait to see where my teaching education takes me.

Chrysanthemum, By Kevin Henkes.

I love all children books. I think books by Dr.seuss, Mo Willems, and Kevin Henkes are good books for all children to read. But my favorite book would have to be Chrysanthemum By Kevin Henkes. Chrysanthemum is about a little girl with the name of a beautiful flower. She grew older to LOVE her name, until she started going to school. Everyone in her class teased her about her name  and how long it was,or that she was named after a flower. After all the teasing, she came to the conclusion, that she didn't like her name anymore. Until one day in music class the teacher told the class she was named after a flower too (Lilly). She mentioned how she loves chrysanthemum's name and even named her baby after chrysanthemum. All the students then loved the name chrysanthemum and wanted to be named after a flower also.
 Chrysanthemum is a good book to read to your class when talking about how to treat one another in the classroom. Chrysanthemum is really a great example of how it feels to be teased and what it looks like, because even if you think your not teasing you most likely are. It also shows how to watch the way treat people because you can easily hurt their feelings, so you should except that person the way they are.

Inclusion in the classroom

  My short definition of special education would be : an instruction designed to meet the unique needs of a student. I've been doing some research over Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), which is a special need. ODD is a psychiatric behavior disorder that can disrupt the learning disability of an person because it has the tendacies of making a person aggressive and purposefully bothersome to other people around them.
  Children with ODD have a hard time learning because they easily annoy and blame others for their mistakes, while they are stubborn and refuse to follow commands and request given by teachers.
This leads me into inclusion in the classroom, or "inclusive education". Inclusive education happens when children with and without disabilities participate and learn together in the same class. Which is great for students with any special need, not just for children with ODD.
  Inclusion in the classroom is a plus for special need, I feel like they need the structure and learning experience just like any other person. But inclusion also may be hard to do because they have to find an lesson plan that'll fit the needs of there special needs students which I get would be a challenge. I think it would be hard to get a student with ODD to sit through a lesson, without getting annoyed and off track. But research shows that when a child with disabilities attends classes with peers who do not have disabilities, good things happen.

creativity

   Creativity is the use of Imagination or original ideas, especially in the production of artistic work which is also done/expressed differently in every person. Creativity is key, it's what students look foward to. Creativity matters in education because it's allowing students to express how they feel and open up in your class. You should want your students to be open in your classroom and not be afraid to speak up and out about how they feel. They should be able to do that without getting judged or laughed at. Being creative is a skill-building task, when thinking creatively it's smart to listen and consider how to tackle challenges and obstacles. It's a way to gain knowledge which provides a way to build new understanding. Students shouldn't be the only one using creativity, it should also be the teachers, so the students won't feel like they are getting taught the same way by every teacher which makes them loose their interest in creativity because they feel like they are doing the same thing in the same way, which is no good! I've never been in a sitiuation where my teacher would not let me be creative, but I am sure there's many teachers who wants their students to do it the way they have it explained or done on the board, and etc. But in my opinion I don't think that's fair, a student should be allowed to do it how ever they want, as long as they're getting their work done and doing what they're are supposed to be doing. It should not matter. Although I did/do have teachers who lets me be as creative as I want. For example there's one teacher, she gives up examples but she doesn't want ours to be nothing similar to the ideas, she wants us to be creative as possible and doing what we think is best for whatever activity we are doing, which I think the way things should be done.
  After watching Ken Robinson video on how to change education, he make me wonder is creativity really going down hill in education today? In my opinion it's getting there's, and it should be like that especially for these upcoming generations. After this video, I've learned that i have to purpose creativity to my future classroom, there's no way to teach them to be creative so I'm just going to let them reach out and grasp it on their own, I'm not going to leave my examples on the board and tell my class it needs to look exactly like mine, or it's not correct. I am going to let my future class grow on their own and learn from their mistakes using creativity.

Essential 55; Rules 34-44

Rules 34-44 seemed to be "field trip" etiquette, if that's even an thing. All ten of those rules are about when you are away from school. Which I think is great. Because when you go somewhere with your school, you are going to represent, you are going fashionably ordered. Your not going to embarrass your school name. Which is what I think Ron Clark is trying to approach in these ten rules.
There's four rules out of these ten rules that strike me the most.
Rule 34- whenever you are offered food, never take more than you fair share.
This reminds me when we went to our state competition this past weekend, they had an buffet, and everyone was waiting in line at the dessert buffet. A couple of friends had been waiting in line for fresh baked cookies, which everyone was waiting for. There was a guy in front of them and when the cookies came out everyone was happy, until they watched the guy in front of them take over a dozen of cookies and than came back for more.
Rule 35- on a field trip, if someone drops something pick it up and hand it back to them. Even if they're closer. This is a good one, its kind to pick something up for someone, although most people wont.
" In the classroom, it used to drive me crazy when a student's pencil would roll off of a desk and no one would pick it up." PG111
Rule 37- if someone bumps into you,even if it was not your fault, say, "excuse me".
I think this rule is just respectful.
Rule 40-during an assembly, do not speak and do not look around..
this last rule is another rule that takes me back to competition. The other schools were so disrespectful, and on their phone, laughing and talking while their sponsor was sitting right there.
The four rules i listed above are really important, respectful rules that most teacher should try using.

Essential 55; 22-32

Rule 22- you may bring a bottle of water and leave it on your desk. Do not ask me if you can get water while i am teaching a lesson.

I think this is a good rule, It frustrates me for someone to have their hand up waiting for the teacher to answer, just to answer can they go get a drink of water! I think its smart to bring your own drink to class.

Rule 23- Quickly learn the names of other teachers...

This rule may be a had one, yet a good one. There's that one student that constantly says "Hey" until you respond or "Ms"

Rule 24- Flush the toilet and wash your hands after using the restroom.

This is the major rule, especially when your working with an younger age group. They continuously forget to flush, or you catch them walking out the bathroom without hearing the water running.

Rule 25- we will often have visitors to our school...

"I will send two students to the front door of the building. you will have a sign welcoming that person" pg85

This rule comes out of respect. Like Ron says, "entering an unknown environment can be intimidating and scary" pg86 and that is very much true.

Rule 26- Do not save seats in the lunchroom... do not try to exclude anyone.

This rule may also be a hard one, most people want to save seats so their best friend can sit by them.

Rule 27- if any other teacher in the school is speaking to or disciplining a student, do not look at that student.

When a student is being disciplined in the hallway, and you walk by and laugh or do some gesture.That student tends to feel embarrassment, although when they were in class they though it was funny to do whatever it is they did you be disciplined.

"you wouldn't want others looking at you if you were in trouble or being reprimanded, so don't look at others in that situation." pg89

Rule 28- if you have a question about your homework, you may call me....

"in today's world, it is crucial that businesses be acceptable to their clients at all times" pg91

Rule 29- ABC'S of etiquette. 

i think all of these rules A-Z, are perfect!

Rule 30- after we eat, we clean up after ourselves.

" As a general rule,kids are messy eaters" pg100

Rule 31- when we stay in a hotel room, it is appropriate to leave a tip on the pillow for the hotel workers who are responsible for cleaning the room after our way.

This is reasonable.You should appreciate what others do for you.

Rule 32- When we ride on a bus, we will always sit facing forward..

This is a hard one, most children want to turn around to chat.

Essential 55: Rules 11-21

Rule 11- surprise others by performing random acts of kindness, go out your way to do something.

Ron says all the kids love this rule, although it may be the hardest one to follow. Like for birthdays or Christmas, people don't seem to go out of there way for other people. But it wouldn't hurt to do so every once in a while. 

Rule 12-when grading someone's papers, if you give them someone an incorrect grade, the actual grade will be deducted from your paper. 

I personally don't like this rule. Only for the simple fact that I don't think it's right to grade anyone else's paper but yours. 

"You must feel secure with your own performance before you can tell others what in right or wrong with how they have performed. "Pg43

Rule 13-when reading together as a class, you must follow along...

This may be hard for most students to do. Because I must admit, when we're reading a book as a class and I'm not reading at the moment. I find myself daydreaming or I could even be looking right at the page and not here a word or know where we are at. 

Rule 14- answer all written questions with a complete sentence. 

Ron says "this rule helps students to develope a command of the written language. It helps them learn to develope and organize their thoughts." Pg51 I can agree with that! 

Rule 15- I will give rewards for good behavior and etc. however if you ask the reward will not be giving.

I think it's rude to ask for an award, that shows your doing it because you want something in return and not because your actually listening or learning something. 

"At work in the real world, rewards aren't always given to people for a job well done." Pg54

Rule 16- homework will be turned in each day for each subject by every student with no exceptions. 

I think this is an hard rule to go by. I can understand getting your homework turned in each day. But by EVERY student, with NO exceptions. Every child has an excuse on why they couldn't do there homework or getting it turned it, 

Rule-17 when we are in transition, the change will be swift, quiet, and orderly. 

Rule 18- you will make every effort to be as organized as possible. 

This is another rule that might be hard to come by. Most children aren't organized of course. Most of them just throw there work in there bags, crumbled or not. They simply do not care. 

Rule 19- when i assign homework, there is to be nk moaning or complaining, or double the homework. 

There will always be that one that smacks lips or moans and complains about getting homework. 

Rule 20-while you are with a sub, obey the same rules that you follow when I am with you. 

"When the cats away, the mice will play" pg69

Rule 21- we will follow certain classroom protocols. We will be organized, efficient, and on tadk. 

Essential 55: Rules 1-10

  "However, the rules are more about getting kids to behave; they're about preparing kids for what awaits them after they leave my class" pgxx

Rule one- when responding, you must answer "yes ma'am" or "no sir"
This is one of the rules that I can for sure agree with 100%. Saying yes ma'am and no sir is a must, totally resonable. If you want children to respect you, you have to let them know it.
Rule two- make eye contact with the person you are speaking to.
This rule may be a little hard. I myself find it very hard to stare someone in this while we are having a conversation, I find it awkward. But keeping eye contact is important when you trying to get your point across.
"Making eye contact is not only a way to show confidence, but it is also an important way to show respect" Pg3
Rule three- if someone in a classroom wins a game, we will congratulate that person.
I like this rule because most of the time, when someone wins a game and it is not you, you most likely don't congratualate them because you're mad you didn't win of course.
"We are going to be a family this year, and families stick up for each other,nether support eachother, and they congratulate eachother successes" pg7
Rule four- respect other student comments, opinions, and ideas. This one maybe a hard one to get by also because people tend to make comments to others comments like "thats stupid" or some sort of that type of negative comment.
Rule five- if you win or do well at something, don't brag about it! If you loose don't show anger. 99.99% of the time, a child is going to brag about winning, of course. Who doesnt wanna brag? But when it comes to loosing there's always that one child that says "oh, I let you win"
Rule six- if you are asked a question in conversation you should ask a question in return. This one seems like a simple rule to go by. Some one ask you "how are you doing" you immediately respond "I'm fine, how about you"?
Rule seven-  cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough, say excuse me.
This rule is completely understandable. One of my BIGGEST pet peeves. When some one sneezes or cough and doesnt cover it, grosses me out.
Like Ron says, "when you sneeze, a evil spirit jumps into your body. If you don't cover your mouth, the spirits will enter....." Pg21
Rule eight- don't smack your lips, tsk, or roll your eyes.
Now I must admit, this is the most difficult rule. I think it just comes naturally to role your eyes or smack your lips. Especially for the young girls.
Rule nine- Always say thank you, I give you some thing, say thank you within three seconds or I will take it back.
There's no excuse for not showing appreciation. I don't have much to say about this rule, just make sure you say thank you.
Rule ten- when you are given something from someone, never insult that person on the gift they have given you.
Here's another thing. Ungrateful people. You get what you get and you don't throw a fit. Appreciate that you even got an gift.

Are schools for learning?

  After I watched Richards TED video, where he talked about the change of education, I am now thinking about what an ideal learning environment look/is like for myself.

  My ideal learning environment involves a great teacher of course, but one who knows his/her lesson plans, who knows exactly how he/she is going to teach it to the class, in order for them to understand their teacher's teaching. Not only is a great teacher needed, but also a great classroom. Like a safe, positive, ready to learn classroom where all the students are involved, a classroom where there is rules, procedures and consequences are posted around the class the remind the students to be aware of  what they are doing. I also agree with some of Ricahrd's ideas such as; passion, real world applied, fun, and sociable.



I feel that all the ideal learning environment ideas I've listed about, have been already published in our schools today. In my opinion it just depends on the class your in, and what kind of teacher you have.
  Classes should adleast be 45min. To an hour long, which is enough time for the teacher to get the point across of whatever it is she is trying to teach you and to make you sure you understand her teaching.

https://rossieronline.usc.edu/blog/an-ideal-learning-environment/