This semester has been a rough one, but oh boy has it been a fun adventure too. In the class and outside I have learned so much about differentiation. As we are getting ready to go out into field I am excited to try out everything I've learned in a real life setting.
I know that differentiation is something that I will never stop learning about. It will be such a key asset in my future classroom and a corner stone in helping me in continuing to grow into a successful teacher. What a ride it is going to be.
I can't believe I'm a SENIOR in college. As I am winding down on my education, preparing to enter the "real world" I can't help but be grateful for my outstanding teachers that have helped in shaping me and preparing me to do something that I love. My hope is that I will some day be as wonderful as them. I'm ready to start this "new chapter" in my life and for the happiness and bliss that will come along with it.
Click here! Oh please click here!!
Signing out for the last time (at least temporarily, don't freak out too much),
Laurel (like Carl)
2.24.2014
Aiming High
Tomlinson says, "It is likely that we underestimate what any student can accomplish, often establishing as performance ceilings goals that ought to be planks in the floor."
I've said it once and I can say it a bazillion times, but we absolutely want our students to succeed. How is it possible for us to do this when we aren't aiming high?
"Aiming high means that all tasks require serious thought, that they deal with important ideas, and that that they cast students as problem solvers."
In my opinion as future teachers we need to be prepared, we need to expect great things from our students, and we need to give them the possibilities to reach that success. When we start settling for "average" or "just skimming by" that is when we become poor teachers. Our students deserve so much more than that.
We also need to help students realize that success is the result of effort. It is our job to teach them well, but if they aren't in return putting forth effort then it is hard to reach our goals. We are doing so much for our students. Not only are we teaching them curriculum, but we are literally aiding in shaping them into the person they will be as adults.
I've said it once and I can say it a bazillion times, but we absolutely want our students to succeed. How is it possible for us to do this when we aren't aiming high?
"Aiming high means that all tasks require serious thought, that they deal with important ideas, and that that they cast students as problem solvers."
In my opinion as future teachers we need to be prepared, we need to expect great things from our students, and we need to give them the possibilities to reach that success. When we start settling for "average" or "just skimming by" that is when we become poor teachers. Our students deserve so much more than that.
We also need to help students realize that success is the result of effort. It is our job to teach them well, but if they aren't in return putting forth effort then it is hard to reach our goals. We are doing so much for our students. Not only are we teaching them curriculum, but we are literally aiding in shaping them into the person they will be as adults.
We must always aim high and continually strive for the best in ourselves and in our students.
Stay classy,
Laurel (like Carl)
What Makes You, YOU?
Morning Meeting rocked today! It's too bad you weren't actually there to witness it. We talked about what makes us as individuals. Several people were able to share experiences of moments in their life that they thought helped define them an a person. Needless to say a few tears were shed.
I was one of those people that was able to share. I talked about my different health "struggles" throughout my life and how those events helped in giving me the determination to push forward in life regardless of the circumstance or situation. I consider myself a healthy person and it's not something I talk about frequently. I was not expecting the responses that I received. Everyone was awesome and gave me such sweet and sincere compliments. They sure are good at boosting my self-esteem. At the end of the meeting we were all able to write a little note about some of the amazing characteristics that each person in our cohort has. It was such a neat experience.
This just goes to show how far a simple little compliment can go in someones life. It is so important that we are doing this with our future students. It literally has the ability to change someones attitude, view on school and life, and so much more. Kind words have SO much power and they are something that everyone can give away. Sometimes we get nervous to compliment someone for one reason or the other, but when you have the chance to make someones day a little bit brighter....do it. Don't miss those golden opportunities to make someone happy. Our students need that. Here's to changing lives.
This is my awesome (slightly goofy) cohort. They make me happy and they are consistently helping me in becoming the teacher I want to be.
Cheers to being the best you,
Laurel (like Carl)
I was one of those people that was able to share. I talked about my different health "struggles" throughout my life and how those events helped in giving me the determination to push forward in life regardless of the circumstance or situation. I consider myself a healthy person and it's not something I talk about frequently. I was not expecting the responses that I received. Everyone was awesome and gave me such sweet and sincere compliments. They sure are good at boosting my self-esteem. At the end of the meeting we were all able to write a little note about some of the amazing characteristics that each person in our cohort has. It was such a neat experience.
This just goes to show how far a simple little compliment can go in someones life. It is so important that we are doing this with our future students. It literally has the ability to change someones attitude, view on school and life, and so much more. Kind words have SO much power and they are something that everyone can give away. Sometimes we get nervous to compliment someone for one reason or the other, but when you have the chance to make someones day a little bit brighter....do it. Don't miss those golden opportunities to make someone happy. Our students need that. Here's to changing lives.
This is my awesome (slightly goofy) cohort. They make me happy and they are consistently helping me in becoming the teacher I want to be.
Cheers to being the best you,
Laurel (like Carl)
2.18.2014
Tiering Readiness
Today in class we discussed tiering a lesson. We related it to a tiered cake, like the one below (isn't it just adorable?).
Most important to remember. Tiering is only necessary and used for differentiating readiness. The concept of tiering suggests that teachers have layered curriculum. Students learn differently. Fact. You have to adjust accordingly so that everyone is gaining knowledge that is at their "tier" and which they are READY for.
When the teacher plans this right she will make it so everyone is successful without feeling stupid, or like they aren't as smart as some of the more advanced students. This is so necessary because learning isn't a competition. It's about gaining for knowledge and experiences that we can add to our "toolbox" of life. These are the things that will make us go far in life, but we have to remember that it is a latter to climb, not a "jump as high as you possibly can and skip everything in-between" kind of ordeal. Make sure you teach your students this.
I found this website I really liked that talks about how to create a tiered lesson. Click here to see.
Owl see you later,
Laurel (like Carl)
Most important to remember. Tiering is only necessary and used for differentiating readiness. The concept of tiering suggests that teachers have layered curriculum. Students learn differently. Fact. You have to adjust accordingly so that everyone is gaining knowledge that is at their "tier" and which they are READY for.
When the teacher plans this right she will make it so everyone is successful without feeling stupid, or like they aren't as smart as some of the more advanced students. This is so necessary because learning isn't a competition. It's about gaining for knowledge and experiences that we can add to our "toolbox" of life. These are the things that will make us go far in life, but we have to remember that it is a latter to climb, not a "jump as high as you possibly can and skip everything in-between" kind of ordeal. Make sure you teach your students this.
I found this website I really liked that talks about how to create a tiered lesson. Click here to see.
Owl see you later,
Laurel (like Carl)
Curriculum and Instruction as the Vehicle
We all know that curriculum is important. Right? You do actually know this? If not you better get on board.
Instruction is just as important as the curriculum we teach.
This so called "vehicle" consist of 5 key elements. They are:
Many of you might think this seems pretty obvious. How easy it is though to overlook these things though and this is something that you absolutely must not do.
When curriculum and instruction meet these elements students are able to soar. Teaching becomes phenomenal and individual as well as class achievement sky rockets.
It's also important to help your students understand why it is you are teaching specific curriculum. When students understand why you have having them learn about specific concepts they perform better and become more actively engaged. I've seen this from personal experience.
Remember you don't want a vehicle that doesn't run properly. Check it often and adjust where needed and you will be smooth sailing.
Happy Tuesday,
Laurel (like Carl)
Instruction is just as important as the curriculum we teach.
This so called "vehicle" consist of 5 key elements. They are:
- important- What we study is essential to the structure of the discipline.
- focused-Whatever we do is unambiguously aligned with the articulated and essential learning goals.
- engaging-Students most often find meaning in their work.
- demanding-The work is most often a bit beyond the reach of each learner.
- scaffolded- The teacher teaches for success.
Many of you might think this seems pretty obvious. How easy it is though to overlook these things though and this is something that you absolutely must not do.
When curriculum and instruction meet these elements students are able to soar. Teaching becomes phenomenal and individual as well as class achievement sky rockets.
It's also important to help your students understand why it is you are teaching specific curriculum. When students understand why you have having them learn about specific concepts they perform better and become more actively engaged. I've seen this from personal experience.
Remember you don't want a vehicle that doesn't run properly. Check it often and adjust where needed and you will be smooth sailing.
Happy Tuesday,
Laurel (like Carl)
2.10.2014
Communication in the Classroom
We all know how frustrated we get when there is a lack of communication in any situation.
Lucky for us Tomlinson has said, "There is a broad array of specific strategies for ensuring that teachers and students communicate effectively and efficiently, that communication improves learning, and that everyone in the class shares an evolving understanding of why the classroom operates as it does."
Among the roles of communications patterns in the classroom can play are:
Other ways to improve communication in the classroom include:
Without effective and positive communication in the classroom you are setting yourself up for failure. When a student is able to understand what is expected from them, what concepts the teacher is wanting them to learn, and how to let the teacher know when the student's needs aren't being met you are using positive communication and allowing yourself to become successful.
I know I will implement these strategies in my future classroom. It really is so frustrating to have miscommunications with individuals. I want to avoid this and make sure that my students and I are on the same page so that optimal learning can happen.
Hola,
Laurel (like Carl)
Lucky for us Tomlinson has said, "There is a broad array of specific strategies for ensuring that teachers and students communicate effectively and efficiently, that communication improves learning, and that everyone in the class shares an evolving understanding of why the classroom operates as it does."
Among the roles of communications patterns in the classroom can play are:
- building a group identity
- ensuring that the teacher has ways of getting to know students better
- enabling the teacher to share his or her thinking about teaching
- providing a shorthand for quick communication among members of the classroom community
Other ways to improve communication in the classroom include:
- hole goal-setting conferences
- use dialogue journals
- incorporate teacher talk groups in lesson plans
Without effective and positive communication in the classroom you are setting yourself up for failure. When a student is able to understand what is expected from them, what concepts the teacher is wanting them to learn, and how to let the teacher know when the student's needs aren't being met you are using positive communication and allowing yourself to become successful.
I know I will implement these strategies in my future classroom. It really is so frustrating to have miscommunications with individuals. I want to avoid this and make sure that my students and I are on the same page so that optimal learning can happen.
Hola,
Laurel (like Carl)
Positive Environment
Happy, happy, happy!
Wouldn't it be nice to be happy all of the time? As much as I like being happy it sounds a bit exhausting personally. Even if we aren't always bouncing off of the walls with excitement, like a littler ball of energy, it is important that we keep our classroom environment very positive.
Carol Ann Tomlinson related several factors that help in maintaining and creating this positive environment. They inlcude:
How important this is in having an effective classroom. Besides creating a positive environment we learn about our students which enables us in helping them become successful through various avenues. We can offer them the support that some of them so desperately need.
Support systems are key in a successful classroom. Tomlinson states, "The job of the teacher is two-fold. First, the teacher must continually ensure that work undertaken by an individual student is a bit beyond that student's reach. Second, the teacher must ensure the presence of support systems that guide the student to success. Once the student can succeed at a new level of proficiency, the process begins again.
I recently blogged about the importance of support systems. Visit that post here.
When we get down to the basics we all need support. As strong willed as we all like to think we are, without support, we will eventually fail. Lets not let this happen.
See ya later,
Laurel (like Carl)
Wouldn't it be nice to be happy all of the time? As much as I like being happy it sounds a bit exhausting personally. Even if we aren't always bouncing off of the walls with excitement, like a littler ball of energy, it is important that we keep our classroom environment very positive.
Carol Ann Tomlinson related several factors that help in maintaining and creating this positive environment. They inlcude:
- study students' cultures
- convey status
- make room for all kinds of learners
- help students know about one another
- celebrate success
How important this is in having an effective classroom. Besides creating a positive environment we learn about our students which enables us in helping them become successful through various avenues. We can offer them the support that some of them so desperately need.
Support systems are key in a successful classroom. Tomlinson states, "The job of the teacher is two-fold. First, the teacher must continually ensure that work undertaken by an individual student is a bit beyond that student's reach. Second, the teacher must ensure the presence of support systems that guide the student to success. Once the student can succeed at a new level of proficiency, the process begins again.
I recently blogged about the importance of support systems. Visit that post here.
When we get down to the basics we all need support. As strong willed as we all like to think we are, without support, we will eventually fail. Lets not let this happen.
See ya later,
Laurel (like Carl)
Who is Your Superhero?
Morning Meeting today was awesome! We got to play superheros and have a little extra fun. As much fun as it is to be goofballs the best part came at the end of the meeting.
We had a discussion about what is means to be a real hero, and characteristics that are involved with that. It was bone chilling to hear some of the classmates experiences.
I heard this quote once that says, "The strongest people are not those who show strength in front of us, but who win battles we know nothing about."
I love this, and I think it shows us just a little bit of what it means to be a hero. In my opinion a hero is someone who:
I have a lot of heroes in my life. One that has helped inspire me in so many aspects of my life is my high school English teacher, Ben Cox. This man truly is incredible. He has such a genuine concern for his students, he puts so much thought into all of his lessons, and when it comes down to it he will bend over backwards to make sure you are successful. Did I mention he does all of this while helping a beautiful wife raise 2 sets of twins, battles Cystic Fibrosis, plays in a band, and is an active member of his community? Talk about making the most of life. He does this without ever complaining when he has every right to do just that. I could go on for days about what makes him a hero, but all you need to know is that he is; he is and so much more.
I can't wait to inspire my students in the same way. One day I will be a hero too and I cannot wait!
To infinity and beyond,
Laurel (like Carl)
We had a discussion about what is means to be a real hero, and characteristics that are involved with that. It was bone chilling to hear some of the classmates experiences.
I heard this quote once that says, "The strongest people are not those who show strength in front of us, but who win battles we know nothing about."
I love this, and I think it shows us just a little bit of what it means to be a hero. In my opinion a hero is someone who:
- sticks with any given task despite obstacles and tragedys
- is kind
- is always trying to become continually better
- has the best interest of those they associate with
- refrain from becoming boastful
- will do hard things even if they are judged or frowned upon for doing so
I have a lot of heroes in my life. One that has helped inspire me in so many aspects of my life is my high school English teacher, Ben Cox. This man truly is incredible. He has such a genuine concern for his students, he puts so much thought into all of his lessons, and when it comes down to it he will bend over backwards to make sure you are successful. Did I mention he does all of this while helping a beautiful wife raise 2 sets of twins, battles Cystic Fibrosis, plays in a band, and is an active member of his community? Talk about making the most of life. He does this without ever complaining when he has every right to do just that. I could go on for days about what makes him a hero, but all you need to know is that he is; he is and so much more.
I can't wait to inspire my students in the same way. One day I will be a hero too and I cannot wait!
To infinity and beyond,
Laurel (like Carl)
2.06.2014
Maslow Supports Needs
I was recently visiting my friend, Colleen's blog over here, and she was talking about Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs and how important it is to understand our students needs and how to teach the total individual (I couldn't agree more).
First I love Maslow's Hierarchy and second I felt Colleen's post related so well to my posts about student needs and the need for support.
We've all seen Maslow's pyramid, right? If not let me refresh your mind.
Maslow's hierarchy of needs is a theory in psychology often portrayed in the shape of a pyramid with the largest, most fundamental levels of needs at the bottom and the need for self-acutalization at the top. Basically we can't reach self-actualization without meeting the other more "basic" needs first.
This just reinforces how important it is to truly connect with out students, understand what it is they need from us, so that we can then help them succeed and reach that self-actualization that everybody yearns for.
I've said it before and I'll say it a million times again....KNOW YOUR STUDENTS, AND YOU'LL KNOW SUCCESS.
For more on Maslow, click here.
Back to the grind I go,
Laurel (like Carl)
First I love Maslow's Hierarchy and second I felt Colleen's post related so well to my posts about student needs and the need for support.
We've all seen Maslow's pyramid, right? If not let me refresh your mind.
Maslow's hierarchy of needs is a theory in psychology often portrayed in the shape of a pyramid with the largest, most fundamental levels of needs at the bottom and the need for self-acutalization at the top. Basically we can't reach self-actualization without meeting the other more "basic" needs first.
This just reinforces how important it is to truly connect with out students, understand what it is they need from us, so that we can then help them succeed and reach that self-actualization that everybody yearns for.
I've said it before and I'll say it a million times again....KNOW YOUR STUDENTS, AND YOU'LL KNOW SUCCESS.
For more on Maslow, click here.
Back to the grind I go,
Laurel (like Carl)
2.03.2014
Support, Support, Support
So this next post is going to be a little different than the rest. While what I'm about to say has everything to do with becoming a successful teacher, it doesn't exactly come from specific chapters in the book or readings. It does come straight from my heart though....and head.
Support is such a huge aspect in the education system. We need to support our students, we need support as teachers, we need support from the home, and from the community. That is how success is found...through support.
When we support our students as teachers, parents, and community members we are able to reach them in ways not typically known. We connect with them and find out how they learn best. We are all so different and we all deserve that support.
Throughout my life I have had surmountable support from all of the above. One more so than the rest. This would be my family. As cliche as it may sound they mean the world to me. Not only in my education, but in my life they have always been by my side, pushing me through to the bitter end. Without them I would never be at this blessed time of my life. I know not all of our students will have this same support and it breaks my heart. I want to create this support for them the best I can, but help will always be needed.
This post is dedicated to them, my family, my future students with little support, those who have done all they can to help in bringing up the future of our nation. Cheers to you America.
Later days,
Laurel (like Carl)
Support is such a huge aspect in the education system. We need to support our students, we need support as teachers, we need support from the home, and from the community. That is how success is found...through support.
When we support our students as teachers, parents, and community members we are able to reach them in ways not typically known. We connect with them and find out how they learn best. We are all so different and we all deserve that support.
Throughout my life I have had surmountable support from all of the above. One more so than the rest. This would be my family. As cliche as it may sound they mean the world to me. Not only in my education, but in my life they have always been by my side, pushing me through to the bitter end. Without them I would never be at this blessed time of my life. I know not all of our students will have this same support and it breaks my heart. I want to create this support for them the best I can, but help will always be needed.
This post is dedicated to them, my family, my future students with little support, those who have done all they can to help in bringing up the future of our nation. Cheers to you America.
Later days,
Laurel (like Carl)
Teacher Responses to Student Needs
The text tells us that there are at least five ways in which a teacher can respond to the student's needs for
These are at the core of effective teaching. They are not separate from the learner's needs but are outcroppings of those needs. They are also not apart from curriculum and instruction, but they breathe life into it.
As teachers we play such a big role in our student's lives. Not only are we teaching them curriculum but helping shape them into the future of our nation. This is a BIG deal. When we can help make them feel welcome, confident, excited to learn, and helping them realize that they have so much potential then their possibilities become endless. It is so important that we learn how to communicate with them so that we can create the most effective learning environment.
Some might say it's like we are their second parents. They spend a great deal of time with us and we teach them so much about life. Knowing this just gives me even more of a desire to not screw up and give them the best experience of their life.
Hasta luego,
Laurel (like Carl)
- affirmation
- contribution
- power
- purpose
- challenge
(refer back to my post about "student needs").
The invitation to learn is of prime importance.
The five ways in which a teacher can respond include:
The invitation to learn is of prime importance.
The five ways in which a teacher can respond include:
- invitation: I have respect for who you are and who you can become.
- opportunity: I have important things for you to do here today.
- investment: I work hard to make this place work for you.
- persistence: You're growing, but you're not finished growing.
- reflection: I watch you and listen to you carefully and systematically.
These are at the core of effective teaching. They are not separate from the learner's needs but are outcroppings of those needs. They are also not apart from curriculum and instruction, but they breathe life into it.
As teachers we play such a big role in our student's lives. Not only are we teaching them curriculum but helping shape them into the future of our nation. This is a BIG deal. When we can help make them feel welcome, confident, excited to learn, and helping them realize that they have so much potential then their possibilities become endless. It is so important that we learn how to communicate with them so that we can create the most effective learning environment.
Some might say it's like we are their second parents. They spend a great deal of time with us and we teach them so much about life. Knowing this just gives me even more of a desire to not screw up and give them the best experience of their life.
Hasta luego,
Laurel (like Carl)
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