Friday's presentations

It was good to see everyone again. Thank you for the cookies and milk, they were delicious. Prof. Tomich, I will say an extra prayer for you and your mom. My friend is going through a similar situation and it's not easy. I wish you the best and enjoy you music festival.
I wasn't able to work today because I have so much school work to do, so I wanted to take some time and comment about Friday's presentations. I think they were all great. Feel free to agree or disagree with my comments. I hope this one works because I tried to post against Prof. Tomich's post and lost everything! Here goes -
1) Here's an idea for grads if they can't find a job - substitute teach! You can put your name in as many schools as you would like. It is a great way to get your foot in the door of a district. You never know when you might have the opportunity to fill in for a maternity leave or disability. It will also give you an advantage when there is a job opening. It's also a great way to become familiar with the schools curriculum and policies.
2) Class management is so important. I see so many classes that are a disaster. If the classroom is a train wreck, the teacher is a train wreck! I think it is important for the students to know what is expected of them. We commented on how you should list what the entire day will consist of so the students are aware. This will make the students feel more involved in their education. I don't think a teacher can manage a class if she can't manage herself. A teacher needs to be organized and prepared. If and when I have my own class, I plan on making Fridays, after the students have been dismissed, my time to prepare for the following week. Make any and all copies that need to be made, have everything set in folders, have the folders labeled, have all my books marked with the next lesson, and then bring a few books home to look over and prepare some more. I also think teachers should have an area with extra ditto sheets and projects for "just in case if" situations. One time, the class I was in was supposed to have an assembly. At the last minute, it was canceled. The teacher didn't leave me enough work since she was planning on an hour assembly. I was able to find some extra math dittos in her room and used those as well as played a game quizzing the kids on math facts. Like I said in my presentation, the Psychology of Education states that teaching is part Science and part Art. I feel at a K-5 level, it is more an art. You have to listen to your children and have them listen to you. You need to be ready for anything that can happen throughout the day. That's why, if you are prepared, you will have time to build a connection with your class without stress and confusion. I once had a teacher tell me that she teaches by "the seat of her pants". Needless to say, I non requested that teacher for all three of my children.
3) Bullying is a tough one. It's never easy to be picked on. Growing up is so hard as it is, who needs added stress. I think that by talking about in your class and maybe even the school having programs, might help. Talk about things that have hurt a child's feeling and how it could have been prevented. Give an example of how that person would feel if he or she was being made fun of. Sometimes kids aren't trying to be cruel, but the way they say things are inappropriate. Teach them the appropriate way to express their feelings. I like to have a little story ready that I can use as an example. I usually make it about me so that the kids can put a face to the story. Even if I have to make something up, it usually puts the situation into perspective for the class and by putting it on myself, I can make them laugh about it since I'm not hurting anyone's feeling. The only thing to remember about handling these situations is to be careful on how you word things. I know so many crazy parents that would be running to the school to complain if you just made the kid who made another kid feel bad, feel bad. Did you get that??? Remember, there is always that parent out there that says "never my son/daughter" when it usually is her son/daughter.
4) Critical thinking is another tough one. To start with it can be defined in many ways. I like to think of critical thinking as gathering information from all senses, then use logical thinking and reasoning to get my outcome. One way of incorporating critical thinking into a classroom might be by using groups. Working in small groups with students teaching students will create a critical thinking environment. I think a major problem with education today is that teachers tell the students what to think instead of how to think and process the subject matter.and apply the subject matter. Back to teaching as an art, future teachers need to find a way to encourage the spirit of discovery in their students. We need to teach our students how to think and answer questions and solve problems. The only problem with incorporating critical thinking in the classroom is it is time consuming. I think a teacher should have this worked into his/her lesson plans throughout the week. This will also be a reflection of our classroom management. If we as a teacher are organized and in control, we will have the available time to encourage this. There is also a lot of books available to push critical thinking in the class room. One place I found has a lot of great books is Remedia Publications. I'm not sure what the web site is, it's been a while since I've been on the site.
Well ladies, I think I've rambled long enough. Again, feel free to comment.
Have a great week!!