So December is an important time of year. Aside from the Christmas celebrations, this month just about marks the half way point in our school year. This always puts me in a reflective state of mind, the 2 week break allows for time for reflecting but I am ahead of schedule this year.
From August to December has been measurably better than last year in many ways. As last year was my first year in a new school with a new curriculum, things were challenging and even tough at times but they were never BAD! However, this year, I am acclimated to the curriculum, we saved a lot of things from last year and we were significantly better prepared than we were last year.
So with that said, here is what we have been up to:
End of August:
#Welcome to school- The introduction of school: routines, learning areas, new friends and fun materials that we would be using in school.
September:
#Continued Welcome to school-with same idea of introducing routines, learning areas, new friends and different and fun materials while teaching the children how to behave in different school situations.
#Getting to know each other- The introduction of activities to learn about themselves and one another; learning about their families and themselves which includes family tree and parts of the body.
October:
#Fall-Activities that introduce the learning of seasons, the changes that fall brings
#Colors- The learning and exploration of colors: Primary and Secondary
November:
#Continued Fall learning-observing the changes happening outside, continued color exploration with color mixing
#Learning about the first Thanksgiving
December:
#Revisit the subject of seasons- preparing for winter
#Introduce the real story of Christmas and prep Christmas gifts
It's been a busy four months...and though we have gone over many more subjects than I have listed here there shall be many more to come. Because I am ahead of schedule with reflecting, I can spend some of my winter break planning-instead of reflecting then planning.
Work for a teacher is never done and very rarely takes a FULL vacation. I am also reflecting on my teaching skills and abilities. The main area that I want to improve on is planning- in details and executing that plan.
Will keep posting!
(Pics coming soon!)
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Some Parents Just Don't Understand...
The Background: As a reflective piece, my assistant teacher thought it would be great to provide parents with a sort of "Customer Service Survey". I think it would be a great idea. So to get the ball rolling, I asked a parent that I've had in my class for two years "whada ya think" after one of the traditions at our school...
The Situation: As a tradition, my school brings all of the preschool families together to make a Feast for Thanksgiving. The parents provide the food; they set up and join their children for a lunchtime feast. In all honesty, it was chaotic last year. It wasn’t very organized, there wasn’t enough food and it was overwhelming for my children and their parents who are new to the school... So this year, it was organized better, there was enough food and it was cute for our children and their parents. Lots of planning on the teacher’s part made sure that this was enjoyable for everyone.
The Answer: So after this activity, the question was put to this parent "What did you think of the Feast" They were here for both years and I just wanted a simple comparison... Well that is not what I got... He though that there is no reason for us to do this type of activity. As a parent he feels that we "require" them to show up for too many activities and if he didn’t have a flexible schedule he doesn’t know what he would do. He also thought that it was un-necessary for this activity because it went over the children’s head and they have no idea what we were trying to get them to understand.
This is how I think he doesn’t understand:
1. In asking his opinion, we asked a simple and direct question and he never really gave us an answer too it.
2. The reason behind this "type" of activity is to bring the parents and children together for a time of fun, food and "fellowship". Also at three and four years old children learn by doing. They are visual and hands on learners and this activity helped them understand it a little bit more.
3. If you don’t want to come then you don’t have to come. All of our activities are voluntary. I don’t like it when parents come to participate in activities and instead of being there and enjoying the moment they stand back with a grumpy face judging and criticizing and that isn’t fun for anyone (except that parent).
Here is what I learned:
1. You can’t please everyone. No matter what you do there is always the possibility that somebody isn’t going to like it or will be unsatisfied and that’s ok!
2. When you open yourself up to criticism that is exactly what you will get and not necessarily about what you are asking; there could be something that has been on a persons mind for quite a long time and they unleash it on you, the person asking. There is a reason why people don’t offer customer service surveys and that is precisely why. The customers are obviously satisfied enough to continue using the service, so don’t push it!
3. Parents aren’t teachers and if you really want them to understand, you have to teach them too! It’s a lotta work on the teacher, but maybe it will produce great results in the end.
The Situation: As a tradition, my school brings all of the preschool families together to make a Feast for Thanksgiving. The parents provide the food; they set up and join their children for a lunchtime feast. In all honesty, it was chaotic last year. It wasn’t very organized, there wasn’t enough food and it was overwhelming for my children and their parents who are new to the school... So this year, it was organized better, there was enough food and it was cute for our children and their parents. Lots of planning on the teacher’s part made sure that this was enjoyable for everyone.
The Answer: So after this activity, the question was put to this parent "What did you think of the Feast" They were here for both years and I just wanted a simple comparison... Well that is not what I got... He though that there is no reason for us to do this type of activity. As a parent he feels that we "require" them to show up for too many activities and if he didn’t have a flexible schedule he doesn’t know what he would do. He also thought that it was un-necessary for this activity because it went over the children’s head and they have no idea what we were trying to get them to understand.
This is how I think he doesn’t understand:
1. In asking his opinion, we asked a simple and direct question and he never really gave us an answer too it.
2. The reason behind this "type" of activity is to bring the parents and children together for a time of fun, food and "fellowship". Also at three and four years old children learn by doing. They are visual and hands on learners and this activity helped them understand it a little bit more.
3. If you don’t want to come then you don’t have to come. All of our activities are voluntary. I don’t like it when parents come to participate in activities and instead of being there and enjoying the moment they stand back with a grumpy face judging and criticizing and that isn’t fun for anyone (except that parent).
Here is what I learned:
1. You can’t please everyone. No matter what you do there is always the possibility that somebody isn’t going to like it or will be unsatisfied and that’s ok!
2. When you open yourself up to criticism that is exactly what you will get and not necessarily about what you are asking; there could be something that has been on a persons mind for quite a long time and they unleash it on you, the person asking. There is a reason why people don’t offer customer service surveys and that is precisely why. The customers are obviously satisfied enough to continue using the service, so don’t push it!
3. Parents aren’t teachers and if you really want them to understand, you have to teach them too! It’s a lotta work on the teacher, but maybe it will produce great results in the end.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Teacher vs. Pediatrician-who wins?/who's advice do you take?
As a Teacher I know the wealth of knowledge that I have and I trust in the wealth of knowledge that my team has. However being a parent you have no choice but to entrust your child, their care and their learning into what you expect to be and just plain old hope to be "capable hands" on a day to day basis. However, for a doctor/pediatrician you entrust your childs care to them on a appointment basis. And with both you expect that they will give you and your child exactly what he/she needs or what you think they need. There are so many differences and yet very little (but one or two) similarities. So with two capable people giving you two different opinions on the same subject matter, who do you listen to?
Feeling that your child may be different in any way is difficult to process and to handle. However, if you feel that your child is different in any way seek help immediately! Please don't wait. There can only be two senarios. 1. You were worried about nothing because there were test and nothing came of it. OR 2. Your worries were correct, something was found and now your child is on the road to receiving help to correct or to recover what went wrong.
BUT IF YOU WAIT only one thing can come of that: the child misses the opportunity to correct it, you continue to wonder and now someone else has to point it it because it is interfering with learning.
This blog post is in honor of a family that trusted a pediatrician that encouraged mom to wait. The child is in my care so naturally I had to bring it up and try to deprogram the parents about getting their child help. This child had never been in school so mom only had the pediatrician to listen too. I am sorry that this happened. The parents now have the info to get some help and prayfully soon mom will contact them and they will be on the road to getting the help that this child needs.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Check In Time...
As the year progresses, seemingly way too fast, it is time to check in! As a teacher I am happy to chat with parents, I enjoy corresponding with them (unlike some teachers). I think I provide way too much information but because the parents are away from their children for so long, they like way too much information!
But this time of checking in is a time to discuss parental concerns about school, home life, ask questions etc. But it is also a time for teachers to do the same: discuss concerns, progress thus far and to brainstorm with the parents if needed.
So parents, please do not be alarmed when a teachers requests a "check in" meeting. This is for your benefit alone!.
As a side note, here is this months bulletin board:
Its a combination of teacher work and student work!
But this time of checking in is a time to discuss parental concerns about school, home life, ask questions etc. But it is also a time for teachers to do the same: discuss concerns, progress thus far and to brainstorm with the parents if needed.
So parents, please do not be alarmed when a teachers requests a "check in" meeting. This is for your benefit alone!.
As a side note, here is this months bulletin board:
Its a combination of teacher work and student work!
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Off and Running Really FAST!!!
You are most likely aware that the school year has already begun. For me, the title describes it best, it is off and running really fast! Once the children's feet hit the carpet of their new classroom for the first time, it doesn't slow down until after Christmas...
Growth:
Change and growth as an individual is tremendously important to me. But as a teacher, I feel like it keeps me current, renews my passion and it keeps me going with all of the things that are on my to-do list. So this year, my change or growth is that I am starting community outreach for my preschool classroom. I have been taught that you always give back, so I would like for my classroom and prayerfully the school that I am at to have a presence in the community. Now by the definition of community, we are reaching far beyond that. However, things in our community are not exactly age-appropriate for my class. However, we are still in our state and we are doing wonderful things. We have 3 community outreach projects for this school year; 2 that we rotate by month and one we complete monthly.
Rotating monthly, we will send either cards or banners to John Hopkins Hospital the children's cancer wing or to the Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Our one true "community" outreach project will be monthly and that is making lunches for the Light House Shelter.
For my three year olds, this will build the foundation that they will need to the thoughtful individuals that will grow up to be adults that will seek opportunities to give back to their community.
My hope for the school is that more people will see that although this is a big commitment, it is worth it. There are people who need our help, especially now with the state of the American people help is needed more than ever.
Growth:
Change and growth as an individual is tremendously important to me. But as a teacher, I feel like it keeps me current, renews my passion and it keeps me going with all of the things that are on my to-do list. So this year, my change or growth is that I am starting community outreach for my preschool classroom. I have been taught that you always give back, so I would like for my classroom and prayerfully the school that I am at to have a presence in the community. Now by the definition of community, we are reaching far beyond that. However, things in our community are not exactly age-appropriate for my class. However, we are still in our state and we are doing wonderful things. We have 3 community outreach projects for this school year; 2 that we rotate by month and one we complete monthly.
Rotating monthly, we will send either cards or banners to John Hopkins Hospital the children's cancer wing or to the Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Our one true "community" outreach project will be monthly and that is making lunches for the Light House Shelter.
For my three year olds, this will build the foundation that they will need to the thoughtful individuals that will grow up to be adults that will seek opportunities to give back to their community.
My hope for the school is that more people will see that although this is a big commitment, it is worth it. There are people who need our help, especially now with the state of the American people help is needed more than ever.
Monday, July 26, 2010
4 Weeks and Counting...
Excitement. Nervousness. Jittery. Ready to get started!
These are all of the emotions that I am feeling with four weeks left of summer vacation. As a Teacher I get this way. But even as an Assistant Teacher I was the same way. I don't like this haze period of waiting to get into the classroom and get things moving.
Again this year I am moving into a new classroom.(this is not my classroom)
So I have to get in that classroom and move things around 1700 times before they are in a semi-permanent position. However, that never lasts long because I am always self evaluating and reflecting which is portrayed in my classroom and hopefully in my children. I am constantly asking the WHY? questions that teachers have been urged and educated not too.
However, I think the reflection piece is so important for young people. The ability to think within yourself, to recognize mistakes, to question yourself of "why did I do that?" or "Why did that happen?" AND more importantly "How can I fix it?" or "How can I overcome this?" is an important life lesson that should be taught and learned.
Unfortunately, the alternative is generations of little people, growing up to be big people without the ability to:
1. Look within themselves to evaluate their other possibilities
2. To learn from what went well and to produce more of it
3. To peel away the layers of actions that didn't go so well and to believe in yourself enough to try out similar situations to gain different outcomes.
BUT I DIGRESS!
Getting back to the subject at hand...
Praise God, this year I will have the only 3 year old classroom and the classroom is already FULL! That is such a blessing. It is so hard to establish routines in the classroom only to have 2 or 3 more children to come in and need those routines established. But thank God the classroom is full, I have Mrs. Linda as my Assistant and I believe all will be well.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Hard Truths...
Tough love is about to commence in 3..2..1..
Unfortunately developmental, physical and emotional delays are apart of the global misfortunes that people become victims of. I, in no way, shape or form would ever wish any of these ailments on anyone.
However, God has placed capable people in your path to provide parents and other family members guidance and insight on things that seem off, awry, or things in need of fine tuning with your children.
In English: Teachers are trained and equipped to recognize areas of concern withing your children. They are with your children -in most cases- for more hours than the parents are during the week, definately during the day. They have built relationships with your family (or they should be or should have)and are well-educated with the age and developmental stages of the age groups that they are teaching.
The Bottom Line:
Teachers are parents' first line of defense. They are on the front lines in each families war on the best education for their children. So seek the information that they have for you. Pick their brains, discuss anything that you may find questionable and be proactive about the situation; prayfully before there is a situation.
Please, if you feel the need, seek the professional expertise of a second opinion however, please do not disregard the professional opinion of the teacher that has worked seemingly tirelessly with your child as well as your family for some one who evaluated your child through either a series of one on one test or though five minutes of adult interaction. Dig deeper and resolve the deeper issues not just dissolving the debris on the surface.
**My sincere prayer is that this ranting really helps a parent, another family member or even a friend of the family find the answers or even some resources to put them on the path to the answers that they need.**
**Continuing that same prayer, I pray that this ranting renews the passion within that weary teacher that is short on patients and big on issues, that is questioning the zest that he/she has for the job that they do so well** Keep on keeping on!!!
Unfortunately developmental, physical and emotional delays are apart of the global misfortunes that people become victims of. I, in no way, shape or form would ever wish any of these ailments on anyone.
However, God has placed capable people in your path to provide parents and other family members guidance and insight on things that seem off, awry, or things in need of fine tuning with your children.
In English: Teachers are trained and equipped to recognize areas of concern withing your children. They are with your children -in most cases- for more hours than the parents are during the week, definately during the day. They have built relationships with your family (or they should be or should have)and are well-educated with the age and developmental stages of the age groups that they are teaching.
The Bottom Line:
Teachers are parents' first line of defense. They are on the front lines in each families war on the best education for their children. So seek the information that they have for you. Pick their brains, discuss anything that you may find questionable and be proactive about the situation; prayfully before there is a situation.
Please, if you feel the need, seek the professional expertise of a second opinion however, please do not disregard the professional opinion of the teacher that has worked seemingly tirelessly with your child as well as your family for some one who evaluated your child through either a series of one on one test or though five minutes of adult interaction. Dig deeper and resolve the deeper issues not just dissolving the debris on the surface.
**My sincere prayer is that this ranting really helps a parent, another family member or even a friend of the family find the answers or even some resources to put them on the path to the answers that they need.**
**Continuing that same prayer, I pray that this ranting renews the passion within that weary teacher that is short on patients and big on issues, that is questioning the zest that he/she has for the job that they do so well** Keep on keeping on!!!
Monday, June 21, 2010
What do Teachers do in the summer?
Teaching three year old children you learn not to be surprised by the questions that you are asked as this age group is naturally inquisitive.
As a circle time conversation, I asked the children "What will you do during your Summer break?" After they supplied their fun answers a child turned to me and said "Ms. Tomika what will you do in the summer?" -I had to construct a fun answer (which I will include at the end) but this is what a Teacher does during the summer.
Hopefully most Teachers are enjoying lots of down time. Fun at the beach, fun with the family etc. However, in my experience, it is not always fun and games for teacher. Here are a few things that I will be working on during my summer break.
1. Organization:
During the school year I try to stay organized but the days fly by really fast. So during the summer when you have some down time or for me, before my true vacation time starts, I organize.
2. Clean
Organizing and cleaning are similar but very different. In a classroom, cleaning means sanitizing, removing unwanted items, recycling other teachers unwanted items into my classroom.
3. Planning, Planning, Planning...
I am a planner. So I am always thinking what to do ahead of time. Getting a head start on my planning will help me once the school year creeps closer and closer. I try to plan The First 6 weeks of school which will allow me plenty of time once school starts to plan ahead.
4. Execution
Weeks before children arrive, Teachers are arranging the classroom and rearranging to make the space perfect for the children and their families that will be arriving soon.
Now as you know I didn't tell the child who asked me about my summer break plans all of this so I stuck to the fun plans of hanging by the beach, in the pool and with my family- which are all in the plans but the not so fun stuff is the more pressing info for me.
As a teacher or educator, how do you handle all of your teacher responsibilities and summer time fun during the summer?
As a circle time conversation, I asked the children "What will you do during your Summer break?" After they supplied their fun answers a child turned to me and said "Ms. Tomika what will you do in the summer?" -I had to construct a fun answer (which I will include at the end) but this is what a Teacher does during the summer.
Hopefully most Teachers are enjoying lots of down time. Fun at the beach, fun with the family etc. However, in my experience, it is not always fun and games for teacher. Here are a few things that I will be working on during my summer break.
1. Organization:
During the school year I try to stay organized but the days fly by really fast. So during the summer when you have some down time or for me, before my true vacation time starts, I organize.
2. Clean
Organizing and cleaning are similar but very different. In a classroom, cleaning means sanitizing, removing unwanted items, recycling other teachers unwanted items into my classroom.
3. Planning, Planning, Planning...
I am a planner. So I am always thinking what to do ahead of time. Getting a head start on my planning will help me once the school year creeps closer and closer. I try to plan The First 6 weeks of school which will allow me plenty of time once school starts to plan ahead.
4. Execution
Weeks before children arrive, Teachers are arranging the classroom and rearranging to make the space perfect for the children and their families that will be arriving soon.
Now as you know I didn't tell the child who asked me about my summer break plans all of this so I stuck to the fun plans of hanging by the beach, in the pool and with my family- which are all in the plans but the not so fun stuff is the more pressing info for me.
As a teacher or educator, how do you handle all of your teacher responsibilities and summer time fun during the summer?
Friday, June 18, 2010
Summer Fun
Parents across our nation have been thinking about this for months. Some have acted on it but others, procrastonators haven't and are looking for some professional input. Well, here is some information for the parents who are clueless to what to do with their children during the summer.
To start, Parents please remember that children are people too. They have hectic schedules (for thier little bodies) and they need some down time too. From cheerleading practice to soccer practice from visiting Grandparents to play dates with neighbors, our children need their rest but they also need their fun and down/relaxing time. In looking for a summer camp or summer activities, try to remember when you were a child and what was fun for you.
1. Look for places that offer a balance.
If acedemics are important to you and you believe that there should be a continuation of acedemics over the summer, please be sure that there is a balance. I personally believe that there should be acedemics throughout the summer. So find a way to balance it and you will have a happy camper.
2. The Full fledged summer
Allow the children to enjoy thier summer; I mean really enjoy the summer. No homework, different experiences throughout the summer with family and friends.
3.Acedemic Camps
Camps that specialize in acedemics but offer something fun such as robotics (math) or geology (social studies) technology etc. Along with acedemics, these camps usually offer swimming or something else fun. (back to the balance)
These choices are very good for children but also quite expensive for the parents. There are fun, low cost even free activities that children can enjoy.
Girl scouts and boy scouts offer wonderful summer activities, there are volunteer opportunities and every child enjoys swimming or a picnic in the park.
I hope this helps, please leave a comment to let me know as well as for any questions you may have.
To start, Parents please remember that children are people too. They have hectic schedules (for thier little bodies) and they need some down time too. From cheerleading practice to soccer practice from visiting Grandparents to play dates with neighbors, our children need their rest but they also need their fun and down/relaxing time. In looking for a summer camp or summer activities, try to remember when you were a child and what was fun for you.
1. Look for places that offer a balance.
If acedemics are important to you and you believe that there should be a continuation of acedemics over the summer, please be sure that there is a balance. I personally believe that there should be acedemics throughout the summer. So find a way to balance it and you will have a happy camper.
2. The Full fledged summer
Allow the children to enjoy thier summer; I mean really enjoy the summer. No homework, different experiences throughout the summer with family and friends.
3.Acedemic Camps
Camps that specialize in acedemics but offer something fun such as robotics (math) or geology (social studies) technology etc. Along with acedemics, these camps usually offer swimming or something else fun. (back to the balance)
These choices are very good for children but also quite expensive for the parents. There are fun, low cost even free activities that children can enjoy.
Girl scouts and boy scouts offer wonderful summer activities, there are volunteer opportunities and every child enjoys swimming or a picnic in the park.
I hope this helps, please leave a comment to let me know as well as for any questions you may have.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
A Spring Cleaning
As you have already noticed, I have changed the look and dispersed of the clutter on my blog...My Spring cleaning...I appologize for leaving my followers high and dry without a entry since January. But its a new day and there is more to come!
Happy Spring Almost Summer!
Happy Spring Almost Summer!
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Word Walls Made Easy...
Reading, writing and words in general intrest children around the age of 2-2 1/2 years old. It is important to flood childrens worlds with ample amounts of literature. The movie "The Color Purple" had a simular idea in the scene when Nettie was teaching Celie to read she labeled things throughout the house and used those things tho teache Celie to read. This idea stems from the fact-the researched fact that children learn best about things in thier "world". Labeling a door or a chair would be more effective than writing the word and teaching them to say it.
The Word Wall or ABC Wall idea is almost the same. The difference is that you categorize the words learned by the begining letter rather than labeling items.
The Word Wall or ABC Wall idea is almost the same. The difference is that you categorize the words learned by the begining letter rather than labeling items.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
The Home School Connection
In my three year old classroom we learn about a variety of subjects and we do many fun and fulfilling activities that assist us in moving the children to the finish line...being ready for Pre-K. Many times parents ask "Is there anything we can do at home to help with this process?" and sometimes teachers are reluctant to give a honest answer.
This is my general answer to this question without getting child or behavior specific...
1. Constantly read to your children.
In the morning, before bed, in the car... everything has words and young children are so curious about everything around them they would welcome this. Create a reading area equipped with books and magazines geared towards the interest of children. Offer them time to read with you as well as by themselves. This provides personal time to explore the books, and gain interest in figuring out the words for themselves.
2. Consider providing a writing/art area or center in your child's room or play area and give them a specific time to enjoy this area. (one area can be used for both subjects)
This will give them a specific "down" time while still offering that creative process. Every moment of a child's day does not have to include running around or being out of control. It will be very important for this area to be well stocked with the usual crayons, markers, paper etc. You could also offer specialty items like glitter pens, glue sticks, scissors etc.
3. Include a word wall or a ABC wall in a common area. This will build on their prior interest in reading and writing while letting them be in control of it. Of course they will need some assistance but what parent wouldn't help a new reader or writer.
4. Incorporate music into your child's life. Music can be soothing but it can also be fun for the entire family. Dancing around the house or playing while music is playing offers a great sound for the children and they wont feel the need to fill the room with their sounds by being so loud.
I hope that these suggestions are helpful. Please leave a comment and let me know if you are interested in specific subjects or if you have any questions about anything that I have written.
This is my general answer to this question without getting child or behavior specific...
1. Constantly read to your children.
In the morning, before bed, in the car... everything has words and young children are so curious about everything around them they would welcome this. Create a reading area equipped with books and magazines geared towards the interest of children. Offer them time to read with you as well as by themselves. This provides personal time to explore the books, and gain interest in figuring out the words for themselves.
2. Consider providing a writing/art area or center in your child's room or play area and give them a specific time to enjoy this area. (one area can be used for both subjects)
This will give them a specific "down" time while still offering that creative process. Every moment of a child's day does not have to include running around or being out of control. It will be very important for this area to be well stocked with the usual crayons, markers, paper etc. You could also offer specialty items like glitter pens, glue sticks, scissors etc.
3. Include a word wall or a ABC wall in a common area. This will build on their prior interest in reading and writing while letting them be in control of it. Of course they will need some assistance but what parent wouldn't help a new reader or writer.
4. Incorporate music into your child's life. Music can be soothing but it can also be fun for the entire family. Dancing around the house or playing while music is playing offers a great sound for the children and they wont feel the need to fill the room with their sounds by being so loud.
I hope that these suggestions are helpful. Please leave a comment and let me know if you are interested in specific subjects or if you have any questions about anything that I have written.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Schools and their Curriculum
Curriculum is an important factor when parents are searching for the right school for their children. It is also important to schools when they first open for business as well as with attracting new business. Teachers also pay close attention to a schools curriculum prior to entering that school. Typically curriculum's are labeled as age appropriate or not. This simply means that the curriculum is appropriate for the age and stages of the class that it is written for.
At times you will find a curriculum that is not only age appropriate but that is really child centered. Most modern schools are now choosing bits and pieces of other curriculum's to accompany their own. This helps a school to stick with their curriculum tradition while modernizing it with snippets of other proven and more popular curriculum's which tend to be helpful selling points especially in this time of economic instability. However, as a parent seeking a new school for your children or an aspiring teacher seeking a new place of employment, curriculum becomes the main focus. Here are some quick tips to assist both groups on your respective sides of the spectrum come to the best decision for you and your family.
Parents:
This is or should be the most important aspect of the school selection process. This tells what your child will learn, will experience and will be exposed too. This should line up with your families belief of education and children or should be explained enough to persuade you to think otherwise. Some people feel that children at two years old should be exposed to writing while others feel that a two year old child should be enjoying life through play. This is the GREAT DEBATE in the education realm and his is why there is such a diverse range of written curriculum's.
In my opinion, the classroom should reflect the curriculum and the curriculum should be child friendly. Meaning that There should be less work that is teacher created or directed as possible, in fact zero. Children should be free to explore their world and create their own way. This makes children feel very capable, and encourages Independence. Although some parents would like to keep their babies a baby forever, that is not reality and that Independence goes a long way socially, emotionally and cognitively.
Teachers:
Entering into a new school setting is already a unsettling challenge but working for a organization that you do not believe in is more of a challenge. Of course there are ways to get around it but it helps not to have to worry about it. Some teachers use the curriculum provided and apply it to their teaching style which usually works out and it helps the teacher see the benefits of both sides to the educational story...
My bottom line is, both parents and aspiring teachers should investigate the environment prior to entering into it. Doing your homework on a place will go a mighty long way!
At times you will find a curriculum that is not only age appropriate but that is really child centered. Most modern schools are now choosing bits and pieces of other curriculum's to accompany their own. This helps a school to stick with their curriculum tradition while modernizing it with snippets of other proven and more popular curriculum's which tend to be helpful selling points especially in this time of economic instability. However, as a parent seeking a new school for your children or an aspiring teacher seeking a new place of employment, curriculum becomes the main focus. Here are some quick tips to assist both groups on your respective sides of the spectrum come to the best decision for you and your family.
Parents:
This is or should be the most important aspect of the school selection process. This tells what your child will learn, will experience and will be exposed too. This should line up with your families belief of education and children or should be explained enough to persuade you to think otherwise. Some people feel that children at two years old should be exposed to writing while others feel that a two year old child should be enjoying life through play. This is the GREAT DEBATE in the education realm and his is why there is such a diverse range of written curriculum's.
In my opinion, the classroom should reflect the curriculum and the curriculum should be child friendly. Meaning that There should be less work that is teacher created or directed as possible, in fact zero. Children should be free to explore their world and create their own way. This makes children feel very capable, and encourages Independence. Although some parents would like to keep their babies a baby forever, that is not reality and that Independence goes a long way socially, emotionally and cognitively.
Teachers:
Entering into a new school setting is already a unsettling challenge but working for a organization that you do not believe in is more of a challenge. Of course there are ways to get around it but it helps not to have to worry about it. Some teachers use the curriculum provided and apply it to their teaching style which usually works out and it helps the teacher see the benefits of both sides to the educational story...
My bottom line is, both parents and aspiring teachers should investigate the environment prior to entering into it. Doing your homework on a place will go a mighty long way!
Monday, January 18, 2010
2010...
2010 came in with quiet fireworks for me. Spending time with family and resting up for the second half of the school year was what it was all about.
School news:
My classes have been increasingly challenging. However, I have been doing the best that I can. I have a new counselor which she seems to be on top of her job and me. She called and lit a fire under me; holding me accountable for the work that I have and have not done. For me, this is good, it is encouraging and maybe it is just what I need to keep me going. Everyone knows that going to school, working, starting a family, running a house hold and having some sort of social life outside of all of that can be a lot to deal with and try to handle. However, there is light at the end of the tunnel. I have seen it, I am dutifully aiming for it on this journey. I was able to get my computer fixed FINALLY so I can work at home. This week showed how important it is to have a computer at home. I was able to turn in my assignments this week ON TIME! WhooHOO! So there shouldnt be any excuses.
Work News:
I had my first official observation and evaluation of my Teaching Career. I was soooo nervous about it. I called my good friend Nahema for back up. She came over to give me some help but she was excited when she heard my plan that she only gave suggestions to build on my plan. Of course I checked and double checked and triple checked the plan before it was time to implement it.
On the day of, I was super prepared. I was ready for the show to begin. Down side: the majority of my class was away on vacation so I had to work a little harder than I usually do. The plan was to show them exactly what I do well within my written plan. The observation went well, the kids were into it, the boss who observed loved it and I was happy. AND I wasnt nervous AT ALL!
The evaluation went well too. The comments that were made:
I have great control over the classroom, the kids seem to have a really good time in the classroom and I seem to be very confortable and confident when teaching.
It is really reassuring to hear great feedback from the bosses and the parents.
School news:
My classes have been increasingly challenging. However, I have been doing the best that I can. I have a new counselor which she seems to be on top of her job and me. She called and lit a fire under me; holding me accountable for the work that I have and have not done. For me, this is good, it is encouraging and maybe it is just what I need to keep me going. Everyone knows that going to school, working, starting a family, running a house hold and having some sort of social life outside of all of that can be a lot to deal with and try to handle. However, there is light at the end of the tunnel. I have seen it, I am dutifully aiming for it on this journey. I was able to get my computer fixed FINALLY so I can work at home. This week showed how important it is to have a computer at home. I was able to turn in my assignments this week ON TIME! WhooHOO! So there shouldnt be any excuses.
Work News:
I had my first official observation and evaluation of my Teaching Career. I was soooo nervous about it. I called my good friend Nahema for back up. She came over to give me some help but she was excited when she heard my plan that she only gave suggestions to build on my plan. Of course I checked and double checked and triple checked the plan before it was time to implement it.
On the day of, I was super prepared. I was ready for the show to begin. Down side: the majority of my class was away on vacation so I had to work a little harder than I usually do. The plan was to show them exactly what I do well within my written plan. The observation went well, the kids were into it, the boss who observed loved it and I was happy. AND I wasnt nervous AT ALL!
The evaluation went well too. The comments that were made:
I have great control over the classroom, the kids seem to have a really good time in the classroom and I seem to be very confortable and confident when teaching.
It is really reassuring to hear great feedback from the bosses and the parents.
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