Quick Write

In our Language Arts Methods class we have been learning about a lot of different ways to teach students how to write.  We learned Sitton Spelling, Interactive Writing, the Writer’s Workshop and Four Square.   I like the idea of Writer’s Workshop.  This was also what I did my presentation on.  It is also the one that I am the most familiar with, so that might have something to do with my partiality toward it.  I think if my elementary teachers had used this strategy, I would have been even more excited about writing when I was younger and may have felt more confident in my ability to write.

                The packet my group was assigned to read was the first chapter of a book that explains how to teach students to write.  It basically includes every element of any other writing program I’ve ever heard of and puts it all out in detail.  It talks about parts that tend to be neglected and has a lot of different tables to refer to.  The only thing that would make it better is if it gave specific examples of activities  to teach the different concepts, but it’s still a pretty good read.

Indian Culture

What I Learned This Week

  What I learned this week in was a combination of things ranging from specific concepts to more abstract ones.  For example, I learned that I do not know the names of the states as well as I'd like to.  I also learned the value of getting a good night's sleep before a long day of classes and how much it can help with focusing and following along in class in the earlier classes of the morning.  Not getting as much sleep never used to bother me so much, but the older I get, the more I value it.

  In going through the experience of block, I think I'm going to be strengthening time management skills because I am already finding myself trying to do that.  I am learning the lesson that technology is wonderful, but it's always a good idea to have a back-up plan in case things don't go quite the way they're expected to.  That way, you're never caught without something to do when you're scheduled to fill a time slot with something meaningful, or you're not caught without an assignment that you're supposed to hand in.  It's always better to be prepared ahead of time if possible.

  Another thing I learned is that having a group of people you can ask questions and go over things with can be very beneficial when it comes to stress management.  It's also nice to have people that are going through the same thing you.  It makes it feel less intimidating.  Our classes are full of friendly people and professors who want us all to succeed.  The supportive environment is helping me feel less overwhelmed.  I knew before that a supportive environment was beneficial, but I'm starting to learn it to a greater degree this semester.  So thanks to everyone who is there for me to ask questions.  I hope to be able to answer a few for you as well.

Classroom of the 21st Century

                In a classroom of the twenty-first century, I would expect to see certain elements that represent acceptance of the growing field of technology and its integration with education.  I would also expect that the classroom not forget about older forms of technology and be aware of their place.  A good classroom will value different types of technology and use them when they are appropriate.  Sometimes using a textbook to go over something may be the most effective way for students to learn it.  Sometimes it might make more sense to have children use a computer program that has an educational game to help teach a concept.  Each person is an individual within the classroom and it must be able to meet the needs of each student.  In this respect, the classroom must be flexible as well as open to meet the rising demand for new and improved methods of teaching its students.