Sunday, February 12, 2012

Week of Feb. 13 - 15

I really enjoyed reading chapter 1.  Chapter 1 explained different learning strategies that are purposely used for informational text.  Some students are not interested in informational text while other students are very eager to learn about informational text.  I think that teachers do not spend enough time on informational text   and it makes the students less concerned about it.  Teachers should use some of the reading strategies discussed in chapter 1 and allow the students to be engaged.  When students are engaged, it provides them with a hands-on experience and they learn more.  Also, in chapter 1 they discuss ways for teachers to reflect on their own teaching.  I think this is very important because teachers need feedback to improve their teaching.

Chapter 8 is all about all the different strategies to improve writing.  Most students dislike writing because they don't understand the purpose of writing.  As students write they should think about what they are writing about.  Writing to learn activates prior knowledge and allows students to think critically.  As students think critically, they stay focus on the subject and retain the information.  When students began learning as they read, they become more interested in writing and enjoy it.

Last week, I had the privilege to go to the Student Think Center.  I really enjoyed my visit and was amazed  at the setting and environment.  When I see the use of Apple products, I automatically get very excited!  As I listened during my time at the Student Think Center,  I thought about different ways I could use the materials in my classroom one day.  I loved the chairs and the notepad on the desk.  Students love a different environments and it affects their learning.  When students see bright colors and new technology they instantly become focused.  I plan to implement my learning that I received at the Student Think Center  into my classroom someday.

Questions:
How can I get my students involved in reading and writing?
What are some ways to make students think critically?
How do I make writing fun?
What are some ways I can reflect on my teaching.
How will I allow students to provide feedback?

Sunday, February 5, 2012

Blog #3

Betty Ray's Design - Thinking Piece
Before I read this article, I never really thought about the thinking process.  I didn't realize that there was a thinking process.  When I first started reading this article, I asked myself, "What exactly is included in the thinking process and who would ever think of this?"  I stopped reading and my mind was pondering with many thoughts as I tried tot hunk of the thinking process.  I decided to continue reading and just analyse is each step.  The first step, identify the opportunity, made me realize that before we began thinking we have to think about "what exactly are thinking about".  I know that really sounds weird but that is what came to mind.  Step 2, which is the design process, makes me think of analyzing a situation that you were previously involved with.  Sometimes in order to make the right decision, you must consider all the options and consequences.  In step 3,  you must weigh one of options and decide what could possibly be the solution.  Step 4, is the step that we all as individuals should receive which is feedback.  Advice and feedback is always good whether its positive or negative. Once you have received feedback, move to step 5 and analyse it to improve your decision.  Step 6, is the final step and if you have processed each step correctly, then you will be able to present with no problem.  As I read this article, I tried to place myself in the author's shoes and decide how would I would i teach the thinking process.  My overall question is not just how would I teach the process but how will I teach young students how to think.

Content Area Literacy in the Elementary Grades
Literacy is very important among students in elementary.  While students are in elementary, they should learn and know a lot about literacy.  Literacy is a subject that students will need throughout life.  The world is changing so and students must be literate enough to handle all situations.  How do you expect a student to apply for a job one day when he/she is illiterate.  Students should not only be able to read short stories but also be able to read informational text to help them think critically.  The article stated that if students are taught literacy then they should be able to "read the world".  Literacy is very critical because the world is constantly changing.