reading: a vision of k-2 students today

    Today I watched the youtube video " a vision of k-2 students today".  The video showed different aged children sharing their options on learning through technology. Watching the video definitely put some perspective on just how important technology is to children today in schools. I guess before this class and watching the video i never realized that because as a young child technology was not a major part of my education. 
  Throughout the video children displayed different statistic, for example;  67% of teachers do not let them use technology in their classroom. Before taking this class I might not have understood what that number means, however now i am beginning to learn all of the ways that technology can deepen learning. 
    Toward the end of the video, many children were writing about the low graduation rates in school, and how what they are learning now does not equal the jobs that are out there today.
   This video is a great way to show teachers, parents, and those wanting to become teachers, that we need to change for the better of our children. Technology is a major part of their lives outside of school, so why would we not make it a part of their lives in school. 
 

1.2 field experience.

My host teacher, along with all of the other teachers at Chenango Bridge Elementary is using a smart board. One practice that have observed and I may incorporate into my teaching is using the smart board as a journal prompt in ELA. My host teacher either posts a video or picture on the smart board and the class uses that as their topic for the day. For example last week the teacher posted a picture of a dog and the class had to write their journal as if they were the dog for the day. I think this is a great way to get children motivated to write because it gives them a visual prompt, rather than one that is verbal or written.

speak up about what you believe in....

Stand up for what you believe in

               I saw a wonderful quote today while at my practicum   ..... 

"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about the things that matter" 

- Martin Luther King Jr.

Light at the end....

It's a Friday night and instead of going to dinner with my friends I am sitting in my bed, computer on lap with a large Copper Knot Black tea. This week has been insane with papers, and homework assignments and projects adding up. However, I know that there is some light at the end of the tunnel somewhere, even if I don't see it right now.

Last year, someone taught to me to remind myself that it is only 15 weeks out of my life and I can get through it.  Surprisingly that actually helps. I think I have already said that 20 times tonight. Although now we only have about 9 weeks left.

Even though this semester has been a little rough so far, I am enjoying it. I have met a lot of great new people in my block and get to see some people that I became friends with from previous semesters. It's actually nice to be with the same people for all of block 1 because you know that you are all going through the same thing, and if they can do it, you can do it!

I survived the 5th week...

    Last week was the fifth week of classes .. ( my last year at Cortland) . I can't believe how fast the time has gone. I remember having a meltdown a day before classes started. I was preparing for the worst this year, but it hasn't been so bad. I might take that back after midterm week. I am just happy to have survived the first five weeks.

      There seems to be a never ending list of things to do for the next 10 weeks of the semester. But I will just keep thinking about Vacation in January, and something Cali told me yesterday.." the tassel is worth the hassle". - unknown. :)

FALL

      FALL is officially here. The Fall is my favorite season. Yesterday I went to bath and body works and bought a new " creamy pumpkin" candle. My entire house smells like pumpkin.

      I don't even know what my favorite part about the fall is ... But, I love the colors of the leaves when they change.  I could go to Ithaca and walk the gorges all day long. I love the smell of the air on a chilly fall morning . Most of all, I love all of the food!

    The fall also is the start of HALLOWEEN month, and going to the pumpkin farm, and going to the Cider Mill on Saturday Mornings to get donuts and cider. I love the fall, I love October! :) :) :) HAPPY