Quotes from Tomlinson that spoke to me:
1. “…we rarely succeed in teaching subjects unless we teach human beings as well,” (pg. 57). I agree with this statement because this quote hits home to me. It reminds me of all that I have learned in the elementary education program about teaching to the needs of the students. The students won’t learn anything if they aren’t interested in it or they don’t have a connection to the information. This quotation, to me, brings up the point that as teachers we can’t expect to have cookie cutter lessons or the “one size fits all” lessons. Teaching is about adapting to students’ needs.
2. “Take time to be human with your students and give them time to do likewise,” (pg. 73). I agree with this statement because I believe it is important that students know you are human and allow them to be themselves. Students need that opportunity to learn about you and connect in some way. I find that I am a better listener to people who I can relate to. If somehow I can find a connection with them then that relationship is well on its way to becoming great. Students need to feel welcome and at home in a classroom. I also think it’s important to allow students to find out and shape themselves.
3. “If we allow ourselves to fall in love with what we do, we will be reborn countless times, almost always in a form stronger and more fully human than the one that preceded it…Second, we need to remove our protective armor and allow our students to shape us, reflecting on and learning from what we see,” (pg. 92). I love this quote from Tomlinson because the last part of it states that we, as teachers, should be open to learning from our students. I am so excited to learn from students. Teachers put expectations on students and students put expectations on teachers. I agree with this statement because, as we have talked in class with morning meetings, the teacher shouldn’t be the only one right all of the time.
An analogy that Tomlinson used from Michael London, that I LOVED, was that of bread. All students are going to be different in various amounts of ways. Each batch of bread, or loaf, is unique to itself and that the recipe can grow and adapt throughout time. I also thought of something that could go along with the bread analogy. I thought that once you put the ingredients in then it’s up to the ingredients to work together to make something worthwhile. If you are able to build a foundation in students, about learning, then they will be able to learn independently as the bread gets put into the oven, or as they go through school and other experiences.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Monday, May 17, 2010
Response #2 Chapters 1-4
1a. On page 10 of this reading assignment, Tomlinson states that“teachers who are willing to establish ties with students discover new depths of truth each day...” What does this mean to you?
To me this statement means that when a student is comfortable in a classroom then they will be more likely to take a risk and when they take risks that is when the real learning comes into play. Another point that I think this statement is trying to get across is that teachers need to be confident and comfortable in their classroom as well. When the teacher is stressed the students can feel the tension in the room.
1c. On page 12 of this reading assignment, Tomlinson says, “… the most effective teaching does not seek transmission of knowledge isolated from human need, but rather attempts to help young learners discover the power of knowledge to reveal, amplify, and develop the best that is in them.” What does this mean to you?
To me this statement means that students aren’t going to learn anything by just having them open their minds and place the knowledge in. The students have to be the ones that are figuring, exploring and explaining why and what things are, this would be the optimal educational experience. The students have to find a connection to the information in some way or another because they won’t learn or remember it otherwise.
2b. Consider the things Mrs. Sylvia Allan, principal of Vineyard Elementary School, said to us in Friday’s class, where do you find her, as a teacher, having addressed her students’ needs for affirmation, contribution, power, and challenge as they are defined and discussed on pages 17-19?
I think that she has done a wonderful job in teaching each of her students that they can be actively engaged in their own lives. They don’t have to run to someone every time there is a problem, they should stop and work through it themselves. She teaches students that working hard to becoming someone whose voice is heard is important. As I observed Sylvia Allan and as the book stated about challenge, a classroom is full challenges. Each student, of any classroom, is unique to themselves. I feel that Sylvia has found a balance between addressing individual needs and allowing students the opportunity to find their own needs and correct those things that they can.
2c. On page 22, Tomlinson says, “Teaching asks us to do the impossible. It asks us to establish ties with each child – not to establish ties with all the children as though they were one student. They are not.” How does this resonate with you? Explain.
I agree with this statement. If I would have been asked this question before my education, which I have obtained from the elementary education program, I probably would have said that you could teach the classroom as a whole. Now I understand and am able to see that each student is individual in needs, interests and abilities. Differentiation within the classroom is so important to the students. Allowing each individual student to learn to their optimal level is necessary to the BEST educational experience.
3a. On page 26 Tomlinson discusses a response from Principal Deborah Meier where Meier says that her school staff are remarkable “because they live what they believe.” What do you think this has to do with teaching? With YOU as a teacher?
To me teaching means that you are more experienced in a topic than someone else and you want them to be experienced in the topic as well. When you teach them you are providing them with the opportunity to learn that particular material. In turn, if you understand and ‘live what you believe,’ than teaching is going to come more naturally to you. I think the students, their parents, other staff members and the principle are all counting upon the teachers to have a passion for teaching. Passion only comes from loving what you are doing by consistently ‘living what you teach.’
3b. Comment on Tomlinson’s use of the word “enlivening” on page 30.
I have been taught that as a teacher, “ you should teach as you would want to be taught.” I never knew that there was a word associated with that but now I know it’s the word “enlivening.” I think that it’s interesting to think about this topic and how you would structure your educational experience for yourself, while you were going through the early years of education. As I look back I think that if I were to have had a teacher teach me the way that she would have wanted to be taught, or as Carol Tomlinson states ‘opportunity’, I assume that I would be more excited about learning than I already am. I’m not saying that I’m not excited to learn, but there is something magical about the teacher having passion about a topic and being able to pass it on to her students.
Discuss in one short paragraph one strategy or classroom routine that appeals to you from chapter 4.
One class routine that stuck out to me is “Teach for Smooth Transitions.” While I was in the past field experience I was with a teacher who had this down pat! The students always knew where they were supposed to be, what they should be doing, and how they should act. At the end of each school day the students would do their jobs from their assigned chart. The students were the ones who picked their jobs so they were excited to complete their tasks. Every day the students checked and cleaned out their desks and other parts of the classroom. It allowed the students to take responsibility as well as keep the classroom clean and organized. That is only one of the transitions that I would use. I think it’s important for the students to have smooth transitions so that their attention stays focused on what it’s supposed to.
To me this statement means that when a student is comfortable in a classroom then they will be more likely to take a risk and when they take risks that is when the real learning comes into play. Another point that I think this statement is trying to get across is that teachers need to be confident and comfortable in their classroom as well. When the teacher is stressed the students can feel the tension in the room.
1c. On page 12 of this reading assignment, Tomlinson says, “… the most effective teaching does not seek transmission of knowledge isolated from human need, but rather attempts to help young learners discover the power of knowledge to reveal, amplify, and develop the best that is in them.” What does this mean to you?
To me this statement means that students aren’t going to learn anything by just having them open their minds and place the knowledge in. The students have to be the ones that are figuring, exploring and explaining why and what things are, this would be the optimal educational experience. The students have to find a connection to the information in some way or another because they won’t learn or remember it otherwise.
2b. Consider the things Mrs. Sylvia Allan, principal of Vineyard Elementary School, said to us in Friday’s class, where do you find her, as a teacher, having addressed her students’ needs for affirmation, contribution, power, and challenge as they are defined and discussed on pages 17-19?
I think that she has done a wonderful job in teaching each of her students that they can be actively engaged in their own lives. They don’t have to run to someone every time there is a problem, they should stop and work through it themselves. She teaches students that working hard to becoming someone whose voice is heard is important. As I observed Sylvia Allan and as the book stated about challenge, a classroom is full challenges. Each student, of any classroom, is unique to themselves. I feel that Sylvia has found a balance between addressing individual needs and allowing students the opportunity to find their own needs and correct those things that they can.
2c. On page 22, Tomlinson says, “Teaching asks us to do the impossible. It asks us to establish ties with each child – not to establish ties with all the children as though they were one student. They are not.” How does this resonate with you? Explain.
I agree with this statement. If I would have been asked this question before my education, which I have obtained from the elementary education program, I probably would have said that you could teach the classroom as a whole. Now I understand and am able to see that each student is individual in needs, interests and abilities. Differentiation within the classroom is so important to the students. Allowing each individual student to learn to their optimal level is necessary to the BEST educational experience.
3a. On page 26 Tomlinson discusses a response from Principal Deborah Meier where Meier says that her school staff are remarkable “because they live what they believe.” What do you think this has to do with teaching? With YOU as a teacher?
To me teaching means that you are more experienced in a topic than someone else and you want them to be experienced in the topic as well. When you teach them you are providing them with the opportunity to learn that particular material. In turn, if you understand and ‘live what you believe,’ than teaching is going to come more naturally to you. I think the students, their parents, other staff members and the principle are all counting upon the teachers to have a passion for teaching. Passion only comes from loving what you are doing by consistently ‘living what you teach.’
3b. Comment on Tomlinson’s use of the word “enlivening” on page 30.
I have been taught that as a teacher, “ you should teach as you would want to be taught.” I never knew that there was a word associated with that but now I know it’s the word “enlivening.” I think that it’s interesting to think about this topic and how you would structure your educational experience for yourself, while you were going through the early years of education. As I look back I think that if I were to have had a teacher teach me the way that she would have wanted to be taught, or as Carol Tomlinson states ‘opportunity’, I assume that I would be more excited about learning than I already am. I’m not saying that I’m not excited to learn, but there is something magical about the teacher having passion about a topic and being able to pass it on to her students.
Discuss in one short paragraph one strategy or classroom routine that appeals to you from chapter 4.
One class routine that stuck out to me is “Teach for Smooth Transitions.” While I was in the past field experience I was with a teacher who had this down pat! The students always knew where they were supposed to be, what they should be doing, and how they should act. At the end of each school day the students would do their jobs from their assigned chart. The students were the ones who picked their jobs so they were excited to complete their tasks. Every day the students checked and cleaned out their desks and other parts of the classroom. It allowed the students to take responsibility as well as keep the classroom clean and organized. That is only one of the transitions that I would use. I think it’s important for the students to have smooth transitions so that their attention stays focused on what it’s supposed to.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Response #1
"Finally, the best teachers also help students develop new interest and passions-breathing life and joy into otherwise "flat" curriculum," pg. 10. I really like this statement because it incorporates the whole essence of being a teacher. It pinpoints an effective teacher to the 'T'. Effective teachers not only teach students the material but they also encourage students to become more that they possible could have ever dreamed of. Effective teachers are able to get students excited about learning. Through enriching their lives, a teacher is able to open up a new world of learning by creating independence within the student about learning.
Get to know ME :D
1. What is your favorite book for kids… something you would like to use in your future classroom? Why do you like it?
My favorite book for kids is "Stand Tall Molly Lou Melon". I love this book because the students can relate to how Molly feels and teaches them that everyone is different, so we should accept our differences and love it!
2. Name your three favorite T.V. shows, even if you don’t have time to watch them! What can you (or what are you willing to) tell me about your T.V. viewing habits? I’ll tell you mine if you’ll tell me yours!
My favorite TV shows are:
Full House
Americas Funniest Home Videos
Ace of Cakes (I think that's what it's called)or Cake Boss
When I do get the time to watch these shows I love it! I don't watch TV very often. When I am at home I watch it more frequently than when I am at my apartment. I try to finish my homework before I watch anything on TV.
3. Do you collect anything? Tell about your collections:
I collect porcelain dolls, fabric, pictures and journals. When I was little I used to collect porcelain dolls and I still have them! I LOVE to sew, so I like finding new material for new projects. I think that it is fun to look back with pictures and journals to see what I have done in my lifetime.
4. Do you keep any kind of a journal (or blog?) besides this one? Tell me about it, and what you like to write about:
I do! I have a couple of different journals that I write in. My personal journal, my scripture study journal and my writer's notebook. I have another blog besides this one that I like to write anything. I like it because I can just write all of my thoughts down, I don't have to worry about anyone else reading it.
5. If you had to be the sponsor of an after-school group, select your 1st, 2nd & 3rd choices:__ contemporary moral issues __peer relationships__national security __world peace__career opportunities & choices __art or music appreciation__gender issues __ethnicity issues__death & dying __sports__book club __writers group__ecology __tutoring
1st: Peer Relationships
2nd: Book Club
3rd: Writers Group
6. Have you ever taken art lessons or attended art classes outside of school? Tell about your artistic talent and/or interests:
I did take a pottery class like 5 years ago, I loved it! I have also taken a sewing class. The other experiences that I have had with art would be from school. I love to create and make new things! I used to think that when you created something it had to be 'perfect' to be good, but now I understand that anything you create is unique to you. It's an expression of who you are.
7. Have you ever taken music lessons or belonged to musical groups outside of school? Tell about your musical talent and/or interests:
I have previously taken violin lessons. I have played the violin for about 10 years. I enjoy fiddling and playing upbeat pieces. Also, my favorite type of music to listen to is country.
8. Have you ever taken dance lessons or belonged to dance groups? Tell about your dance talent and/or interests:
I took dance lessons growing up. I have taken social dance classes as well. I enjoy western swing dancing:)
9. Have you ever taken drama classes or performed in a theater production? Tell about your theater talents and/or interests:
I haven't taken any drama classes, besides creative arts, but I was in a play in middle school. I was in the play "The Music Man." I thought it was pretty fun but I didn't want a big part in the play because I don't like being the center of attention.
10. What have I not asked you, that you would like me to know about you?
I am SOOO excited to TEACH!!! I think that I have gotten so much out of the Education Program that I wasn't expecting. I have learned so much about myself and how I learn best because of the various ways that I have been taught to teach. My whole life I was taught that there was only one real answer, but in the program it has taught me to look at everything from many angles.
My favorite book for kids is "Stand Tall Molly Lou Melon". I love this book because the students can relate to how Molly feels and teaches them that everyone is different, so we should accept our differences and love it!
2. Name your three favorite T.V. shows, even if you don’t have time to watch them! What can you (or what are you willing to) tell me about your T.V. viewing habits? I’ll tell you mine if you’ll tell me yours!
My favorite TV shows are:
Full House
Americas Funniest Home Videos
Ace of Cakes (I think that's what it's called)or Cake Boss
When I do get the time to watch these shows I love it! I don't watch TV very often. When I am at home I watch it more frequently than when I am at my apartment. I try to finish my homework before I watch anything on TV.
3. Do you collect anything? Tell about your collections:
I collect porcelain dolls, fabric, pictures and journals. When I was little I used to collect porcelain dolls and I still have them! I LOVE to sew, so I like finding new material for new projects. I think that it is fun to look back with pictures and journals to see what I have done in my lifetime.
4. Do you keep any kind of a journal (or blog?) besides this one? Tell me about it, and what you like to write about:
I do! I have a couple of different journals that I write in. My personal journal, my scripture study journal and my writer's notebook. I have another blog besides this one that I like to write anything. I like it because I can just write all of my thoughts down, I don't have to worry about anyone else reading it.
5. If you had to be the sponsor of an after-school group, select your 1st, 2nd & 3rd choices:__ contemporary moral issues __peer relationships__national security __world peace__career opportunities & choices __art or music appreciation__gender issues __ethnicity issues__death & dying __sports__book club __writers group__ecology __tutoring
1st: Peer Relationships
2nd: Book Club
3rd: Writers Group
6. Have you ever taken art lessons or attended art classes outside of school? Tell about your artistic talent and/or interests:
I did take a pottery class like 5 years ago, I loved it! I have also taken a sewing class. The other experiences that I have had with art would be from school. I love to create and make new things! I used to think that when you created something it had to be 'perfect' to be good, but now I understand that anything you create is unique to you. It's an expression of who you are.
7. Have you ever taken music lessons or belonged to musical groups outside of school? Tell about your musical talent and/or interests:
I have previously taken violin lessons. I have played the violin for about 10 years. I enjoy fiddling and playing upbeat pieces. Also, my favorite type of music to listen to is country.
8. Have you ever taken dance lessons or belonged to dance groups? Tell about your dance talent and/or interests:
I took dance lessons growing up. I have taken social dance classes as well. I enjoy western swing dancing:)
9. Have you ever taken drama classes or performed in a theater production? Tell about your theater talents and/or interests:
I haven't taken any drama classes, besides creative arts, but I was in a play in middle school. I was in the play "The Music Man." I thought it was pretty fun but I didn't want a big part in the play because I don't like being the center of attention.
10. What have I not asked you, that you would like me to know about you?
I am SOOO excited to TEACH!!! I think that I have gotten so much out of the Education Program that I wasn't expecting. I have learned so much about myself and how I learn best because of the various ways that I have been taught to teach. My whole life I was taught that there was only one real answer, but in the program it has taught me to look at everything from many angles.
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