This week in class we learned a lot about co-teaching and all of the different ways that it can be done. To really ingrain this and the success of co-teaching into our minds we did a teaching activity. We had to choose one of the co-teaching strategies and then teach a group how to do something. Our group chose to parallel teach making paper boxes. Two of us taught the same thing to a smaller group. We split the large group in half. I took one half. The rest of our group members helped those that were struggling. As a teacher I tried to go step by step and make sure that everyone accomplished the step before I moved on. Our group that we taught as a whole had a lot of success. We didn't have anyone that new the skill before so it was fun and interesting for the group. There were some in the group that got very creative with their boxes or some that were perfectionists. It was interesting to see the different types of learners coming out in the people that we were teaching. Since we didn't have anybody that already knew this skill we didn't have to do our other activity for fast learners. I was going to teach the fast learners how to make a paper shirt but we did not get time for that.
My group was taught how to play this very fun bean bag game and we won! I would like to use this game in my own class because it was a lot of fun and could be cross curricular. I really liked that there was different ranges to throw from because it allowed for different levels of difficulty. I also liked how easy their game was to adapt for students with special needs. Also the game involved a lot of cooperation and team work which was a lot of fun. They taught us as a large group with the others observing and helping when needed. I thought that this was a good way to teach a game because then the rules are clear. It was a lot of fun.
At the end of class we were taught the chicken dance by one of the groups. It was so silly and fun. I realized this week how often there are opportunities to teach in the world. I also thought the activity was such a good way to model co-teaching and the importance of it. I have also continued to enjoy the disabilities that we are learning about. The hands on experiences really help me to understand them better and apply them to my life.
Saturday, June 27, 2015
Co-Teaching
My favorite thing that we did this week was was teaching each other in groups. We did his because we were talking about different ways that we can co-teach and what ways are most effective. My group taught the "cup song" and it was interesting to see how fast/slow some people picked up on it. I worked with the slower learners by slowing down the pace and showing it to them in slow motion. After I did this they picked up on it and they we're able to complete the song. Another teacher was working with those who caught on fast and showed them a way to rotate the cup to the person next to you. Even from just this little exercise I learned how important and effective co-teaching can be.
I love how we do so many different group activities in this class. It really helps put things into perspective and allows you to experience it first hand. Co-teaching is a great way to make sure that all students are involved and understanding the material.
I love how we do so many different group activities in this class. It really helps put things into perspective and allows you to experience it first hand. Co-teaching is a great way to make sure that all students are involved and understanding the material.
Friday, June 26, 2015
Differentiation in the Classroom
One of the most memorable things that we did this week was teach each other in groups. My table was taught a bean bag throwing game. We were split into two teams, and each team was trying to score the most points be throwing a bean bag into a basket that was in the middle of the gym. The number of points that we got was in relation to where we were standing in the gym. After the activity, we talked about how we could modify this activity to include more students with different special needs, including blindness and other cognitive disabilities.
My table taught the other group how to make paper boxes. We split them up into two groups and had two different teachers teaching them what to do. We also had two people that were wandering around, helping people that were struggling.
I liked getting to do these activities and getting to experience different styles and different ways to teach. Differentiation is SO important when you are teaching! There are many many strategies that we can use to reach different students in our classrooms, and that is what this activity taught me. I liked hearing about the different groups and how they taught their lessons as well. As a teacher, it is very important to be aware of the students in your classroom. We can have many different techniques to help each of them succeed, as long as we will take the time to learn about them.
I also learned that sometimes, you need to modify your techniques during the lesson. Sometimes, you plan something out, thinking that it will work, and it just doesn't. That is perfectly ok, as long as you don't keep trying to make the same approach work again and again. I have learned that flexibility is very important in teaching. If something is not working, you can adjust your approach during the class, and try it from a different angle. This is why learning about differentiation is important.
My table taught the other group how to make paper boxes. We split them up into two groups and had two different teachers teaching them what to do. We also had two people that were wandering around, helping people that were struggling.
I liked getting to do these activities and getting to experience different styles and different ways to teach. Differentiation is SO important when you are teaching! There are many many strategies that we can use to reach different students in our classrooms, and that is what this activity taught me. I liked hearing about the different groups and how they taught their lessons as well. As a teacher, it is very important to be aware of the students in your classroom. We can have many different techniques to help each of them succeed, as long as we will take the time to learn about them.
I also learned that sometimes, you need to modify your techniques during the lesson. Sometimes, you plan something out, thinking that it will work, and it just doesn't. That is perfectly ok, as long as you don't keep trying to make the same approach work again and again. I have learned that flexibility is very important in teaching. If something is not working, you can adjust your approach during the class, and try it from a different angle. This is why learning about differentiation is important.
Saturday, June 20, 2015
Disabilities and Poverty
As we have begun to go more in depth on the different disabilities I have come to realize how intertwined they are. So many of these disabilities affect many parts of student learning. They truly belong in more than one category and this is why many of them are placed in multiple categories. I have started to try to figure out on my own what I would do with children with these disabilities and how I would include them.
I think a big answer to inclusion is in how you run your classroom. Cliques need to disappear and everyone needs to be treated as equals. It's the teachers job to make this happen. Kids need the direction and need to be taught how to love their peers. I think that it is important to make sure that the kids get put with different students often when you do group work. Love is a big part though. Kids need to know how to love each other.
Another big thing that we talked about this week is poverty and the stresses that it causes. I was very blessed growing up. It was interesting when I got out here to college and had roommates that were struggling to make ends meet. It was in that moment that I realized how big of a difference providing one meal for someone that is struggling can make. This made me think about my classroom. I really do need to look at the needs of my children. I need to know their family lives and how they are struggling. Through this I can decide what is important for the kids in my classroom. Should I put money to new technology or is it more important that I put the money towards the situations that my students are struggling in. I guess it made me realize that if you truly love teaching you become like a third parent to these kids. You make sure their needs are met before the wants of the classroom. Poverty can have a real affect on a child but as a teacher you can make a big difference you just got to take the time to make a difference.
I think a big answer to inclusion is in how you run your classroom. Cliques need to disappear and everyone needs to be treated as equals. It's the teachers job to make this happen. Kids need the direction and need to be taught how to love their peers. I think that it is important to make sure that the kids get put with different students often when you do group work. Love is a big part though. Kids need to know how to love each other.
Another big thing that we talked about this week is poverty and the stresses that it causes. I was very blessed growing up. It was interesting when I got out here to college and had roommates that were struggling to make ends meet. It was in that moment that I realized how big of a difference providing one meal for someone that is struggling can make. This made me think about my classroom. I really do need to look at the needs of my children. I need to know their family lives and how they are struggling. Through this I can decide what is important for the kids in my classroom. Should I put money to new technology or is it more important that I put the money towards the situations that my students are struggling in. I guess it made me realize that if you truly love teaching you become like a third parent to these kids. You make sure their needs are met before the wants of the classroom. Poverty can have a real affect on a child but as a teacher you can make a big difference you just got to take the time to make a difference.
Inspiring Teachers
In SPED this week we have talked a lot about poverty and stress. I have learned a lot of things! For example, each step into poverty for someone increases the likelihood that they will stay in poverty. Poverty and stress have an intense impact on children, and can actually decrease the ability to learn and remember information. Teachers need to be aware of these situations that are taking place in their classrooms, and have a plan to help their students.
We focused a lot on what we as teachers can do to help our students in these circumstances to be successful. Our table came up with a few things:
We focused a lot on what we as teachers can do to help our students in these circumstances to be successful. Our table came up with a few things:
- Help to instill a sense of success
- Make sure that they are eating
- Cards that children can fill out, "What I wish my teacher knew"
There are so many things that we can do to help our students! I found a video about a very giving teacher that I loved. Her ability to love and help her students amazes me.
I do realize that the likelihood of anything like this happening to me is slim to none. Even without huge help like this, teachers can make a huge difference in the lives of their students. The small things truly do go a long way. For a hungry child, I am sure that a simple breakfast can mean the world to them. Just watching these children and seeing how much they love their teacher, even years after she has taught them is so inspiring to me! Children need someone to love them, and having someone who truly loves and cares will change their life.
I Especially love what she said about teachers being the first responders. I feel as a teacher, it is my responsibility to know my students and to love them. Teachers are the ones who can notice when something is not right. Teachers are the ones who can have a lasting influence and good impact on their students. I hope to be this kind of teacher one day.
Children in Poverty
This week we have talked a lot about children who come from families who are living in poverty. This topic was so eye opening and honestly it was sad to learn about. Children who come from homes that are in poverty have an unnecessary amount of added stress. There are little things that we can do as teachers to help them though such as making sure they are eating breakfast and lunch, giving them the support they need, having them write in a journal so they can let their feelings out, etc... I am from San Diego and have seen so many children who are living in poverty and as teachers this is something that I know we will all face.
This weeks reading was all about at risk students and how we can have interventions to help them. Students who are considered at risk are:
*Children in poverty
*Students who are neglected
*Students who are abused
*Students who live with substance abuse
These are all very difficult things that children have to deal with, and we as teachers need to be their "escape" from their home life. We need to help them and give them our support.
This weeks reading was all about at risk students and how we can have interventions to help them. Students who are considered at risk are:
*Children in poverty
*Students who are neglected
*Students who are abused
*Students who live with substance abuse
These are all very difficult things that children have to deal with, and we as teachers need to be their "escape" from their home life. We need to help them and give them our support.
Saturday, June 6, 2015
Planning to meet assessed needs
This week I have come to understand more fully that my classroom needs to be planned around the needs of my students that are a part of it. First, I need to figure out the needs of my students. I can do this through a process of screening which is done through assessments. After I assess a process of diagnosis needs to take place. After that my students can be placed where they need to be. It is my job to always be assessing if the decisions that have been made on their behalf are helping them or not helping them. To evaluate if the decisions are helping them I need to assess how they are doing in their situation. One way of doing this is through curriculum based assessments. These help me to see if they are actually learning what is being presented to them in the situation that they are in.
One way that I can meet the needs of my students is by implementing the include strategy. There are seven steps to the include strategy, one for each letter. They are identify classroom demands, note student learning strengths and needs, check for potential areas of student success, look for potential problem areas, use information to brainstorm ways to differentiate instruction, differentiate instruction, and evaluate student progress. By following these steps I am analyzing my classroom as a whole and by doing this I am making sure that every student in my classroom has their needs met.
Another thing that is important in a classroom that meets need is inclusion. There are a few categories that I as a teacher need to address for my classroom to foster inclusion. These include physical organization, routines for classroom business, classroom climate, behavior management, and use of time. These categories decide how my class will run and how it will effect my students. I need to make sure that I as a teacher am taking the time to actually make good decisions on these categories so that I can meet the needs of my students. There are also so many ways to instruct. I think that it is important to take each situation and make the instruction relevant to that. Differentiating instruction allows more needs to be met because students all learn differently.
As a teacher I have a lot of decisions to make. It is important that I analyze my classroom and decide what's best for my students instead of what's best for me. They need their needs to be met.
One way that I can meet the needs of my students is by implementing the include strategy. There are seven steps to the include strategy, one for each letter. They are identify classroom demands, note student learning strengths and needs, check for potential areas of student success, look for potential problem areas, use information to brainstorm ways to differentiate instruction, differentiate instruction, and evaluate student progress. By following these steps I am analyzing my classroom as a whole and by doing this I am making sure that every student in my classroom has their needs met.
Another thing that is important in a classroom that meets need is inclusion. There are a few categories that I as a teacher need to address for my classroom to foster inclusion. These include physical organization, routines for classroom business, classroom climate, behavior management, and use of time. These categories decide how my class will run and how it will effect my students. I need to make sure that I as a teacher am taking the time to actually make good decisions on these categories so that I can meet the needs of my students. There are also so many ways to instruct. I think that it is important to take each situation and make the instruction relevant to that. Differentiating instruction allows more needs to be met because students all learn differently.
As a teacher I have a lot of decisions to make. It is important that I analyze my classroom and decide what's best for my students instead of what's best for me. They need their needs to be met.
Meeting Student Needs
I loved learning about how to assess and meet the needs of the students in our classrooms. I thought that there were so many important things to remember because there are so many different ways to help students! I love having all of these strategies in my pocket so that I can use them in the future. For this reason, I especially liked reading chapter five and thinking of ways to use that information in an actual classroom setting.
It is important to know where your students are before you can try to get them to where they need to be. This way, you can know what kind of instruction you need to give and you can know which student needs the most help. As you can imagine, this makes having effective assessments incredibly important. There are so many kinds of assessments that can be helpful when you are trying to determine needs. These vary from high stakes and standardized achievement tests, curriculum based assessments, alternate assessments and probes. These assessments can help you to understand various skills that students have or that students need to work on.
You can teach a class in a couple of different settings: Whole group, small group, and one on one. There are definitely advantages and drawbacks to each. Whatever setting you are teaching in, classroom management is incredibly important.
Another thing that stuck out to me was the need for scaffolding. Scaffolding is essentially supporting students as they are working to reach a goal. You start by helping them a lot, but as they learn you are gradually shifting the responsibility to them. I love this! This especially applies to RtI. It is a strategy often used in tier 3, but I think that it can be applied at all stages of learning, wherever students are at.
There are so many ways to meet the needs of students! I am so happy that I am starting to be more and more aware of these different strategies.
It is important to know where your students are before you can try to get them to where they need to be. This way, you can know what kind of instruction you need to give and you can know which student needs the most help. As you can imagine, this makes having effective assessments incredibly important. There are so many kinds of assessments that can be helpful when you are trying to determine needs. These vary from high stakes and standardized achievement tests, curriculum based assessments, alternate assessments and probes. These assessments can help you to understand various skills that students have or that students need to work on.
You can teach a class in a couple of different settings: Whole group, small group, and one on one. There are definitely advantages and drawbacks to each. Whatever setting you are teaching in, classroom management is incredibly important.
Another thing that stuck out to me was the need for scaffolding. Scaffolding is essentially supporting students as they are working to reach a goal. You start by helping them a lot, but as they learn you are gradually shifting the responsibility to them. I love this! This especially applies to RtI. It is a strategy often used in tier 3, but I think that it can be applied at all stages of learning, wherever students are at.
There are so many ways to meet the needs of students! I am so happy that I am starting to be more and more aware of these different strategies.
INCLUDE
This week we talked a lot about assessing the students needs and then how to plan instruction around these specific needs. In class we were assigned a case and each of us was given a subject and we were the teacher of that subject. Once we were assigned a subject our goal was to read their roll and see how you could apply it. I happened to be the science teacher who had a zero tolerance rule. I was a teacher of a 2nd grade class and to have a zero tolerance rule was shocking to me. Second graders are still kids and they will act crazy, we as teacher just need to figure out what works best to calm them down. Anyways, the student was really struggling with mathematics but he was so creative and so good at the arts. As a group of teachers we collaborated together to see how we could improve this students academics. We talked about implementing the arts into math so he could be more interested, having a buddy or a fast finisher help him, or we even talked about having the attitude of the teacher change. This little activity made me realize that there are so many things that we as teachers can do to help a student who struggles succeed. It may not be easy or convenient, but it is definitely doable!
In this weeks reading we talked about the steps of "INCLUDE".
Identify classroom demands
Note students learning strength and needs
Check for potential areas of success
Look for potential problem areas
Use information to brainstorm
Differentiate instruction
Evaluate student progress
In this weeks reading we talked about the steps of "INCLUDE".
Identify classroom demands
Note students learning strength and needs
Check for potential areas of success
Look for potential problem areas
Use information to brainstorm
Differentiate instruction
Evaluate student progress
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)