A: The reason for me that may make it hard to care is when there is a child who destroys the temper of the classroom. I expect all in the class to behave in such a way that will not inhibit their learning or others who are trying to learn. When that happens, it really flusters me. I am going to have to be prepared ahead of time to look at the situation with a positive perspective. The way I handle it will hopefully keep a positive learning tone. Any advice??
B: It’s very hard to say I connect more with one metaphor presented over the other. I really loved the concept that “We learn by beginning.” That follows right along with a poster I will put in my room that says, “The expert in anything was once a beginner.”
Since I have to for this assignment, I will choose London’s “Making Bread” metaphor. I, too feel that teaching is not a job, but it is my calling. It truly has become my inner path. Why else would I choose to overlook my business degree, and return to school for a second degree in elementary education? It’s because I truly feel that a teacher is what I am meant to be. I am very excited to allow myself to be “reshaped by what I do and to become one with it.” I also like that each loaf needs individual attention and you work with it “one loaf at a time.” For me, it will be one experience at a time, and even one student at a time. Each day is closer to the reality of having my own classroom. I can’t wait!
C: Response to Karen Epling (in your 9am cohort) Karen, I truly love how you are so focused on each individual student by creating an environment where they feel safe, valued, and capable of success. You are going to be such a positive, motivating force in every child's life you are a part of! You are already a teacher at heart!
Response to Whitney Buys: I agree with everything you chose to write about for this assignment. Such as: each person's opinion matters, it is okay to make mistakes, we celebrate each success, and the definition that "Fair is ensuring everyone gets what they need." It is inspiring to see your perspective and how much you care about your future students. They will be fortunate to have the opportunity to enjoy you as their teacher! Love ya!
JaNae – I too have the same concerns and reservations about the child who disrupts the learning of the classroom. All I can say is – we need to dig deep and find something to love about that child and latch onto it with all we have. There has never been a child who acted out without some underlying reason why, and it’s our responsibility to show them we care enough to help them through it and that they can trust us unconditionally. I know you will be a fantastic teacher and any child would be lucky to have you guide them. You are always so positive and encouraging to me and I would just love to take this opportunity to say “thank you a thousand times over for your belief in me and for your amazing friendship!” Love ya! Karen Epling
ReplyDeleteJaNae, I substituted for my daughter's class. In the class was a boy who continually had behavior problems. He did not have his homework finished. He went to a glass enclosed room in the back of the room to wait while we corrected the homework. He then stood up on the desk and did blow fishes through the glass. It was pretty much a crazy situation and I had to discipline him. Since that time, any time I have see him at the school or in the neighbor hood, I have tried to give him some positive attention. I saw him lately at the school. He offered me a gummy worm. I was touched by his gesture of kindness. So my advice is never give up on a student. Even if you have to be very firm and create boundries for that distruptive student, you may be the one person who makes the difference in their life. After I have had to be firm with a child, I try to show an increase love afterwards. I believe this will help the child knows that I really do care about him/her.
ReplyDeleteJaNae, you've listened to your teacher-heart all along the way. You're ready. If you build the community you believe in and desire, then when one child ruins the feeling of community, you will understand enough about that child to recognize it comes from unmet needs... and you'll have the rest of the community to help you help that child. It really works. 4 points
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