When I was teacher-assisting this past winter, I was able to see how my CT used a blog. She had the link to her blog saved at the computers when we went to computers and the students first went to the blog. From there were links for XtraMath and a typing game so the students could practice math facts and typing. Additionally she gave the parents the blog link and she updated it once in a while.
While I like the idea of what my CT used her blog for I would like to do more with one. I can see there being step by step videos of how do solve a problem (kind of like a flipped classroom). I would also like to add student achievements on the blog. This way the students can see what good traits I see in them and show it to their family and friends. Basically I see it as a way to develop a positive classroom environment.
Students
The most important thing about teaching has to be the students in which we serve. Each student in the classroom has her own set of important information that the teacher must investigate throughout the school year. Let me paint a picture for you of the students in which I foresee myself working with in the near future.
Meet Jasmine. She is a first grader this year. Jasmine's parents are originally from Spain and Jasmine is a first generation English speaker. Her parents enrolled Jasmine in an English immersion program while in Spain and has recently transferred for better job opportunities. Learning English is of top priority for Jasmine and her parents.
 |
| source |
Jasmine's interests include dance, music and art. Because Jasmine is a English Language Learner (ELL) she prefers to express herself through art rather than academia. Jasmine is an apprehensive reader because of her moderate use of English. Spanish-text books have proven to be less challenging for Jasmine but are still difficult. Her desire to read is encouraging and is telling of the success I see for Jasmine's future.
Demographics
Like Jasmine, many of the students at Ace Elementary School are English Language Learners (EEL). The school has few resources for ELL in their language program. However, the program is slowly developing into a strong tool that has had success with many ELLs.
With that being said, there is also a large population of students who have English as their first language. Approximately 70% of the students speak English as their first language. Another 20% are adequate in English and their first language, and the remaining 10% are ELLs.
The staff is greatly lacking in bilingual teachers. Among us we have merely 6/35 teachers, staff and faculty that speak a second language.
The teachers and students use what resources they have to develop the most engaging learning environment they can. The students possess a diverse range of abilities and interests. Many of the students read in their first language proficiently, however, a large number of first generation students are lacking in letter sound recognition because of their lack of English development. Many of the students are gifted in the arts, especially music. Ace Elementary has a state wide known music program where students have been able to perform at sporting events and in critically acclaimed halls.
Math skills are typically at grade level, and standardized test scores have generally improved every year. Many teachers attribute their success in math to the music program and music teacher Mr. Note.
With that being said, there is also a large population of students who have English as their first language. Approximately 70% of the students speak English as their first language. Another 20% are adequate in English and their first language, and the remaining 10% are ELLs.
The staff is greatly lacking in bilingual teachers. Among us we have merely 6/35 teachers, staff and faculty that speak a second language.
The teachers and students use what resources they have to develop the most engaging learning environment they can. The students possess a diverse range of abilities and interests. Many of the students read in their first language proficiently, however, a large number of first generation students are lacking in letter sound recognition because of their lack of English development. Many of the students are gifted in the arts, especially music. Ace Elementary has a state wide known music program where students have been able to perform at sporting events and in critically acclaimed halls.
 |
| source |
Math skills are typically at grade level, and standardized test scores have generally improved every year. Many teachers attribute their success in math to the music program and music teacher Mr. Note.
The Building
 |
| source |
Our first grade classroom is situated on the second floor overlooking the playground (which can tempt students into daydreaming during silent reading). The students are motivated by hands-on learning experiences. Our building has five "extra" rooms in which teachers can book a room for a special hands-on activity. Teachers try to fit one in each week, but space is limited. Research has supported hands-on activities for students in order to cultivate intrinsic motivation for their education.
Grades range from K-5th which allows for 2-3 classrooms per grade. The specials include: physical education, art, music, library, health and technology once a week. The students are also offered after-school programs in said subjects.
Learning Styles
The students at Ace Elementary are encouraged to be hands-on learners. We see an increasingly need to teach in an engaging, interactive way. This stems from students' interest in technology and the importance technology plays in the lives of our youth these days. In some ways we teachers see the need to be entertainers to the students in order to hold their attention for more than 10 minutes! The students are motivated by using technology in order to learn.
I also see a reliance on rewards by our students. A number of the students expect to receive something when they are following the rules, or get their homework done, or are staying on task. This creates an extrinsic motivation by students in which ultimately devalues their education. We teachers at Ace have been moving away from extrinsic rewards in our classrooms. Rewards impede honest learning from our students and replace curiosity with passive learning.
Although there are some students who are merely motivated by rewards, many are truly motivated by their love for learning. These students are able to work on one subject for an extended period of time. They are offered advance classes in which the learning is student centered and at the student's own pace. The program resembles a Montessori approach in which students are mixed in grade level and specialized activities are available for each student.
At Ace Elementary there is a desire to change and develop our programs in order to meet the needs of all our students. We love to try new programs and modify our strategies when need be.
I also see a reliance on rewards by our students. A number of the students expect to receive something when they are following the rules, or get their homework done, or are staying on task. This creates an extrinsic motivation by students in which ultimately devalues their education. We teachers at Ace have been moving away from extrinsic rewards in our classrooms. Rewards impede honest learning from our students and replace curiosity with passive learning.
Although there are some students who are merely motivated by rewards, many are truly motivated by their love for learning. These students are able to work on one subject for an extended period of time. They are offered advance classes in which the learning is student centered and at the student's own pace. The program resembles a Montessori approach in which students are mixed in grade level and specialized activities are available for each student.
At Ace Elementary there is a desire to change and develop our programs in order to meet the needs of all our students. We love to try new programs and modify our strategies when need be.
Technology Competency
Ace Elementary was lucky enough to receive a grant which allowed us to upgrade our computer lab in 2012.
Each grade has a set time for computers, with a technology specialist who plans lessons appropriate for all abilities. The students begin their tech education in kindergarten and learn how to safely handle the equipment. Each grade after kindergarten is taught how to avoid dangerous situations on the computer, this includes: cyber bullying, chat-room avoidance, protecting personal information etc. Some of the programs that students use are Microsoft Word for publishing work, MathWorks for math practice and the internet with safe sites available. Now that we have iMacs the students are learning Apple software.
Many of our students are exposed to technology before coming to school in kindergarten. They have been using tablets starting at age three sometimes. The students who have been using tablets demonstrate an understanding of letter-sound correspondence. There are apps available for this practice.
 |
| source |
Each grade has a set time for computers, with a technology specialist who plans lessons appropriate for all abilities. The students begin their tech education in kindergarten and learn how to safely handle the equipment. Each grade after kindergarten is taught how to avoid dangerous situations on the computer, this includes: cyber bullying, chat-room avoidance, protecting personal information etc. Some of the programs that students use are Microsoft Word for publishing work, MathWorks for math practice and the internet with safe sites available. Now that we have iMacs the students are learning Apple software.
Many of our students are exposed to technology before coming to school in kindergarten. They have been using tablets starting at age three sometimes. The students who have been using tablets demonstrate an understanding of letter-sound correspondence. There are apps available for this practice.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)