Differentiation Reading 9-30-08

Teachers are taught to see possibilities over impossibilities. There are things we cannot change, but focus on what we can change. For example, I think that teachers are underpaid. I cannot change that. There are things that I can change that are rewarding in different ways other than a paycheck. I can change the learning environment in my classroom.

The five elements or ways for teachers to respond to students needs in a classroom make up affective teaching. They are invitation, opportunity, investment, persistence, and reflection. It is important for students to feel welcome and needed in a classroom just like it is for anyone else to feel welcome. I remember a time I was uncomfortable and unwelcome at a previous place of employment, and I could not wait to get out of there every day. A student will feel that same way in a classroom. After students feel welcomed to the classroom, they need the opportunity to learn that will help them achieve higher levels, and be all they can be. Teachers and students need to invest in learning. Frustration can be difficult for children when things do not go smoothly. I always felt good about myself and wanted to achieve higher levels when I was able to work through things and see my self excel. Teachers must always support children thought struggles and let them know that there are endless ways to learn. Last, we would be cheating our students and ourselves if we did not take the time to reflect upon what we have accomplished. This is where we can see what strengths we have and what we need to still work on. I like that they are displayed on a wheel in our text. They all turn and are in place at different sides of the wheel, but yet always there. Each one is important, and the wheel would not be complete with one missing. That is how learning is. You cannot achieve your best if the teacher does not provide the ways for you to do so.

I always remember admiring the displays my teachers would put up in my classrooms. They were friendly and inviting and made me want to be there. As a class, we contributed to them with the work we completed. This was the setting to a working and comfortable environment for me and my classmates. This added an affective climate to the students. Set an appropriate environment for your students and work towards getting to know them. Everyone will be able to become part of the community.

Differentiation reading for 9-23-08

Blackboard
The linguistic intelligence survey is a very non-intimidating way to gain information on how a child feels about different subject areas. Many students will feel stronger and more comfortable in different areas. Thus, they enjoy certain subjects more than they enjoy other subjects. This inventory is a good way for a teacher to gain the knowledge of how students feel in all the content areas. This also helps a teacher to know how he/she should plan lessons to meet the intelligences and interests that are best for the students. I like that they are simple questions that children can understand and relate to from things they have already experienced. (i.e. how they feel about singing happy birthday or playing outside.)

Fulfilling the Promise
I am intimidated by getting into a classroom and being responsible for 25+ children all day. I want them to feel comfortable and have fun learning in my class. So how do I get to know these kids so that I can teach for them? There are many ways to teach for students. For starters, you need to learn about them and find out what they like and what helps them learn. This About You Survey is a good starting place to learn about students’ backgrounds and interests so that a teacher can plan the lessons for the children specifically. I also think that since the curriculum is the same, but the students are not, that you could re-use lessons and revamp them each year according to your students. These surveys and other activities can let the children talk about themselves, and you get to know them. I would have the students present to the class what they have on their surveys.

For me
I hope that I have the chance to use these in my student teaching classroom so that I can get to know the students. I will be going into the class in the middle of the year and these children are already going to know each other. Using these inventories, I can see what the interests of the students are and make accommodations on my lessons for these children. They cover all areas of learning and interests in learning, and I am looking forward to using them for my benefit.

Differentiation Reading for 9-16-08

Chapters 1 & 2 Fulfilling the Promise

I think that the four student traits are very important areas for a teacher to focus on. (Readiness, interest, learning profile, and affect.) I like that readiness varies for each student. It puts their learning and the preparation on more of a personal level for the student. It also focuses more on topics and does not interfere with students’ readiness. Students can work on different levels, and learning will still take place.
Many teachers will teach according to student interests. That's a good way to engage students. The text points out that we should teach in the undiscovered interests of our students. Taking the time to help students learn and discover new interests is a great way to get to know them, and modify teaching for them.

Students are in a classroom for a long time. They have needs that need to be addressed in not only their learning, but also their self-esteem and self-efficacy, and personal well-being. Students need to know that they are safe, loved, that they make a difference, and are a part of the classroom. I know that I appreciate it when others around me know when I am gone, or that I know I am a part of the classroom discussions. Children are much the same. They need to be recognized for who they are. Something as simple as “we missed you yesterday” or a good job on something they have achieved in your classroom will help them to know that they are valued to you and valued in this classroom.

Differentiation reading for 9-9-08

I like Mrs. Johnson’s class of third graders. They are all so different in many ways from hobbies, language, background, and looks. The teacher is still able to follow the curriculum and meet the needs of all the students in her class. She finds time to incorporate her students’ interest into her curriculum. I like differentiated instruction for a class like Mrs. Johnson’s. Each child will have an opportunity to learn in a style that is good for them.The baseball camp is much like a classroom because you have different ranges in age, interests, talent, etc. Much like a classroom, they are responsible for there work and their “equipment”. We can’t control what strengths and weaknesses the children are going to bring with them, but we can empower them to make the best of what they have.In a classroom, your students need to develop cooperation, self control, and responsibility. A morning meeting group will help them to develop and master these skills. The group time allows for them to talk about exciting events, share something they are proud of, and sets a stimulating learning and listening environment for the rest of the day. Students are able to prepare their brains and bodies for the day, and transition into the days lessons. Most importantly, students have fun during a morning meeting.