Are You Paying Attention?

Here is a video clip that I would like to share in regards to my future students who will be drowning in the technology world... Enjoy :)

Pay Attention-YouTube Video

-Ms. "C"

I Lift My Hands

Okay, so this post has nothing to do with my internship, but I felt the need to post this on here anyway. God has really been working on my heart these last several months, and I know that I am following His will by going into education. However, He still tries to get my attention when I am not completely focused on Him. This past week, I was sent home after finding out that I had a 104 temperature. While laying in bed for several days, I have been feeling His constant movement within me... and I think I know why. I have been keeping tabs on a young man from GA who passed away tonight- and to think, he was only 14. Though I don't know the entire story of Michael's illness, I am still moved by his story and the kind words that people had to say on this page.

While reading the comments that this nice people left on Michael's page, I came across a link for a new song that Chris Tomlin has on his newly released CD. Hearing the words play over and over again in my head really showed me that God still desires His people- even those who have professed to be saved. This entire time that I have been feeling God's presence reassured me that He is always there, whether I'm sick, or when I am standing amidst 30 7th grade students. This song really touched me this evening, and I hope it does the same for you.
Chris Tomlin: Lift My Hands

The 2nd Time's the Charm

Today was my second, and final, observation of the semester. This is the observation that I have been dreading for the past couple of weeks, but it was able to quickly sneak up on me. For today's lesson, I decided to fight my inner battles and conduct an entire hands on lesson that revolved around the water cycle. My students have started the weather unit, so I wanted them to grasp a true understanding about where water comes from and how it cycles throughout the Earth and atmosphere.

During my first class (which is inclusion, by the way), I started the game... which quickly fell apart. I wasn't able to get through the first half of the lesson without calling the students together and having a discussion with them. At this point, I was overwhelmed and stressed. I began doubting my lesson and considered asking my OSTE if she could teach for the rest of the time. However, knowing that I was going to be observed during the next class, I began compromising and alternating the lesson to fit the needs of the next set of students. I believe that my nervousness about the whole day got the best of me, but I wasn't going to let it affect the most important day of my semester.

As the first class came to a close, I was able to regain composure and quickly came up with new strategies for the next class. As the new group came in, so did Toni, my internship leader who was going to be taking the notes and reporting back to UNCG.

As the class began, everything...flowed. Without going into too much detail, I can only say that this was the best lesson I have ever taught...and this is only the beginning for me :)

Little changes that I made included having the students group up into smaller groups, rather than large groups. Also, I had the students try the activities without talking- the only thing they could do was snap their fingers or hum. Though my class was unsure of the directions, they soon followed my request and this lesson ran beautifully. In fact, my OSTE told Toni to make sure that I student taught in her classroom my senior year because of how great things have gone.. this made me :)

For those of you who are interested in the lesson I had the students do, go here and enjoy!

-Ms. "C"

Personal Battle

I have been writing a reflection on how to incorporate lessons/activities that promote student motivation, but I have a bug in my ear that is pulling me away from this assignment. I need to take a break and be honest with myself, so I decided to write here on my blog...

So much has been swarming around in my mind as I take in one of the ideal purposes of teaching, but cannot come to grips to accept it. I am fighting a battle that is affected the way that I look at a classroom. This battle has been stressed to us from our instructors throughout the entire intern process here at UNCG, but I still can't accept it as truth and beneficial for my students, so some feedback would be greatly appreciated.

UNCG's teaching program is based on the concept that children learn better with hands-on strategies, rather than sitting through traditional classrooms where teachers lecture for the entire hour and then give homework at the end. Yes, the older concept is boring and is a waste of time for everyone, but I am fighting an inner devil that is telling me hands on approaches are still not enough- the students, in my mind, still need the lectures to learn basic information. This is the battle: I don't know what to do... How can simply giving projects promote the knowledge intake for students if they come into the classroom unaware of the basic information that must be taught to them? Am I wrong to think that hands on assignments are not the only solutions to teaching effectively?

During our internship, we have been taught the skills of incorporating differentiated instruction, which is the formulation of one lesson that focuses on the various learning styles of the students and is able to meet their needs, whether through the lesson, questions, group discussions, etc. Whatever the case may be in regards to the students' ways of learning, this learning style is supposed to meet, if possible, all of those needs. In order to accomplish this task, I must develop various lessons, activities, tests, questions, etc., etc., etc... so much work for one classroom, and this is something that I cannot seem to grasp when I know faculty meetings, lesson planning periods, grade wide discussions, professional development discussions, parent meetings, and last but not least, my personal life require my full fledged attention and presence.

Growing up in the Davie County district, I was very fortunate to have talented instructors who were able to get information across to me. Over time, however, I realized that I do learn better in a structured classroom where we took notes completed homework. Though important, the hands on projects were not the focus of the class, unless it was a challenging science lesson. Because of my own upbringing, I am having a hard time understanding the importance of hands on lessons and the need to have them within each lesson, multiple times during the week. How can I teach something that I personally don't benefit from when learning? It's like me teaching a group of students the importance of auto mechanics... I don't know the topic, so why teach it?

I know I am rambling, but I wanted to give my readers an idea of what I am struggling with... Any opinions?

The Effects of Commercials on Adolescents

For one of my licensure classes this semester, I have been asked to write a quick reflection about the many effects that advertisers, especially those who publicize their products on television, have on the current society, especially for middle school students. At first, I couldn't think of anything that shows on TV that my middle schoolers would be affected by. However, one particular ad came to mind and I was off. Just thinking about the ad infuriates me and seeing this shower gel in my shower at home (which is used by my brother), bothers me even more. As touchy as my reflection may be, it is completely true. For those of you who might get offended, please understand that this was a required assignment for a class. This is my personal opinion and am not deserving of an ridicule from the public eye. To view the entire commercial, click here.

The following is a small excerpt from my paper that I am submitting. Enjoy!

...While observing TV advertisements, one ad comes to mind that is so inappropriate that I am even shocked, but not totally surprised, that it’s on the air. This is a commercial developed by AXE, the company that is responsible for formulating the men’s body wash that has gotten much publicity throughout the years. Though previous ads have held some humor, the most recent ad that was aired earlier this year has been the source of many discussions about morality in our culture.

This most recent commercial deals with athletes complaining about how dirty their “balls” are (in this context, balls were referred to the ball equipment that are used in various sports). However, because this ad is trying to appeal the male society, the term “balls” can be looked at another way. After seeing the commercial, I was disgusted. Not only is the advertisement trying to show that it’s ok for men to strut their stuff in a public manor, it’s going against the values that society holds over the heads of women. I am sure if a company that develops body wash for women came out with an ad that hinted around that fact that women wanted their you-know-what to smell better that the public would be horrified. However, because men still view themselves as the dominant species amongst our culture, the TV companies are going to have no problem posting such commercials on the air for all public viewers, especially the overly hormonal middle school boys who have the special ability to think about the most perverted sayings for every comment made.

Overall, I was very disappointed to see this commercial air on television. This is just another step forward to influence young viewers that it is ok to act out of line, even though the behavior is not completely straightforward. Furthermore, sales are going to spike, not only because a man has run out of soap, but because young teenage boys think they will attract more female pursuers who are only after them because the AXE wash has helped their genital areas smell better...

-Reflection by Katie Castrovinci
ELC 381: The Institution of Education

Today Was THE Day

So, today was THE day. THE day I have been planning for about a week. THE day that consumed my life as I designed lesson plans and activities. This was THE day when I would I have my first observation from my OSTE (On Site Teacher Expert). My OSTE, who is otherwise known as my students' real teacher, has been prepping me for a few weeks for today's class. From passing out papers and grading tests, to teaching the kids how to perform a lab, I have been dreading today...THE DAY! And at 8:30 AM this morning, THE day began.

I was evaluated by my mentor during my entire lesson that I taught for 2 periods. My lesson was about the global changes in the atmosphere, and I informed the students about Global Warming, the Greenhouse effect, and the total effects of UV radiation. During the lesson, I pulled out to good ol' overhead projector and use transparencies to present my notes to my students. To have them follow along, I left blanks in their notes so that they had to follow along and fill in the words as we worked together. After the lesson, I played a review game with the students to see how well they were listening, as well as to see how efficiently I gave the information.

After the two classes ended, I finally sat down with my OSTE to see how well I performed today's task. Going over the notes, Mrs. Felix gave me a... 3 out of 4 :)

Looking through her notes, I saw the comments that retained my strengths as a teacher. Seeing these phrases and descriptions gave me complete hope that I am actually doing the right thing in my life. One comment that stuck out: "You're a natural!" Man, did that put a smile on my face :D

Looking back and seeing how I prepared for THE day, I don't regret anything. Though there are a few changes I would tweak for next time, this entire experience was rewarding and inspiring. Most of all, my students were learning from my lesson that I taught... and that's all that matters.

-Ms. C

Note: The activity that I did with my students at the end was derived from this website. For those of you who are interested in cool science gadgets, check out what I ordered online for my students.

Ms. "C"

A new blog has been long past due. I haven't written since close to the beginning of the semester and right now, I am half way through and getting ready to sign up for Spring 2011's classes. How quickly these past 8 weeks have gone by, but not quick enough. I am constantly on my computer, hacking away at the keys as I come up with yet another paper, assignment, or lesson plan that needs to submitted to the authorities above who are out for my head :)

After Labor Day, I was assigned to start interning at Mendenhall Middle School. Every Monday and Wednesday morning, I arrive promptly at 7:30 AM (*at least, I try arrive on time*), and prepare myself before meeting my first class full of 30, vibrant 7th graders. This semester, I am teaching science and have earned the nickname Ms. "C." As much as I was looking forward to hearing students call me by my entire last name, this title will have to do.

Overall, the experience has been overwhelming. I am teaching two classes that contain opposite personalities and statuses, so it feels like I am teaching two completely different subjects. The students, however, are fun and are somewhat patient with me as I continue to learn (and pronounce) their names. These students have taught me to step away from my safe zone and have allowed me to open up. As obnoxious and out of control they may be sometimes, I still look forward to seeing them every morning and have even gotten to the point where I miss them on weekends. Even more exciting, I haven't had major problems with the kids and am slowly starting to adapt to their needs for learning...

Well, here I am... rambling away and I still have so much to do. Tomorrow I am teaching the entire two classes about global changes in the atmosphere and am developing an activity to go along with it. On top of what I am already doing tomorrow, I am being observed by the students' real teacher for a grade. This should be fun :/

Enjoy your evening, my fellow readers. And as I tell my students at the end of the day: "Make good decisions... or I'll hunt you down"

-Ms. C