Wow! The first day of school was an exciting day for the students and the teachers! I had butterflies in my stomach as I entered the classroom. I took a look around at the work that we had accomplished over the last 2 days. The desks were all lined up; all of the books and materials were in their respective places. Yes, we were ready!
My observation revealed that I was unprepared for the amount of supplies that arrived on the first day. Many of those supplies were delivered by the parents and not the students. Of course each of those parents wanted to speak to the teacher (who most had already met during the open house, just 2 days before). I frantically unpacked each plastic grocery bag and carefully sorted composition books, crayons, notebook paper, boxes of pencils and tissues, 3-ring binders, glue sticks and bottles of hand sanitizer into organized piles. I now know that 24 students times "classroom supplies" equals the top area of 7 student desks! Luckily for us, we had planned for the students to spend the first hour on the carpet (not at a desk); which gave me time to find a better place for all of those materials. Because of this observation, I am lead to prepare a better method of collecting supplies in my classroom. I'm thinking a labeled tote for each item, in an assembly line format, would ease the chaos of that collection process. This is significant because many teachers face this day without a second set of helping hands!
In between my sorting job, I was recording transportation changes. "I'll pick "Billy" up today, since it's the first day of school". It sounds so simple. However, it's a transportation nightmare for a teacher who has already prepared the list of "car riders" and "bus takers"! I have since concluded that an "adult volunteer" in the classroom on the first day of school is an absolute necessity.
I know that the first day is a hard for the students as well. Most are still in "summer vacation mode". Their routines and sleep and eat habits have been disrupted. I learned that it is important to establish the ground rules on the first day, from the first hour. Schedules have to be followed and manners have to be re-taught. I believe the importance of these first day activities lead the way to a successful school year. We spent a significant amount of time discussing and practicing the daily procedures. Math and Comprehension assessments were completed and ability groups were defined so that relevant instruction could begin.
I focused on establishing who I was in the classroom; as a person of authority, to be respected and obeyed; because very soon, I will be the teacher!
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Thursday, August 12, 2010
New Beginnings.......
On one insignificant Wednesday morning in March, 51 years ago, I was born. Ironically, on a Wednesday morning, 6 days from now, I will embark on a new beginning! It took a huge amount of courage and a giant leap of faith,(to some...a decision made by an insane woman in the midst of a mid-life crisis) to leave a good paying and comfortable job to become an unemployed teacher! The University really should consider giving "students" my age, CPL (credit for prior learning) for the real life teaching I have already done...raising 2 children, teaching many lessons in VBS and SS, and many, many Cub Scout activities and Boy Scout Merit Badges. However, the thought of having a classroom of my own, without the experience of this student internship semester, scares me to death! So, I understand the importance of this next step. Even now, I begin to doubt my own ability! How do you get started? What sentence comes after "Welcome to my class"? How do you decide what to teach when? Do you start on page 1 of the book (or is there a book!)? I've spent the last 2 years in methods courses learning "how to...", but for some reason, can't remember a single thing! It's like singing a solo and forgetting the first word....but I know it'll come to me, as soon as the music starts! (or at least I hope it will)
OK....so now that the panic attack is behind me....fasten your seat belts because the next 16 weeks is going to be an incredible ride! The first 8 weeks will be fast and furious as I work deligently on the 21st century teaching project...as it is due, the day before I leave for Kuwait! The last 6 weeks will be spent in a foreign country in an all boy classroom of ELL students! What an adventure!! What an opportunity!! Stay tuned.....here we go..........
OK....so now that the panic attack is behind me....fasten your seat belts because the next 16 weeks is going to be an incredible ride! The first 8 weeks will be fast and furious as I work deligently on the 21st century teaching project...as it is due, the day before I leave for Kuwait! The last 6 weeks will be spent in a foreign country in an all boy classroom of ELL students! What an adventure!! What an opportunity!! Stay tuned.....here we go..........
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Walking in the shoes of an English Language Learner……..
I have a new and deeper understanding of what it must feel like to be an English Language Learner. I recently spent 22 good days (24 total) as a Spanish Language learner in a country that speaks very little English. Simple phrases came easy…hola, como estas, donde esta el bano, cuanto cuesta, gracias, con mucho gusto, no entiendo…..you know those important words that can get you through the day….hello, how are you, where is the bathroom, how much does it cost, thank you, you’re welcome (Costa Rica’s version) and I don’t understand. The vocabulary words are easier to remember when knowing them is crucial to your daily needs!
There were times in those 24 days that I thought I would scream if I didn’t talk to someone in English. There were also times that I wondered if I had a brain at all as I struggled to stay focused and concentrate on what was being said around me. I had a million questions that I would have liked to ask and didn’t because I didn’t have the vocabulary….To make that conversation just took too much effort!!
The 5 students who went on this adventure with 2 professors seriously thought we were some kind of psychological experiment for the University! It was definitely a test of Brian Cambourne’s Conditions for Learning (7 or 8….depending on what website you read). We were “Immersed” in the culture, the language, and the family life. We were saturated with content, context, feelings, sights, sounds and tastes in every aspect of our day. We had “demonstrations” in class, at our family homestays, in restaurants, etc. Many times I resorted to a game of charades with my families so that we could converse! We knew that the teachers at CPI had high “expectations” for our learning…as they sometimes refused to speak any English…insisting that we only spoke Spanish in the classroom. Although, this was very frustrating, this strategy worked. It forced us to use the vocabulary and other resources we had at our fingertips. Problem solving became our “responsibility” as we worked through our language barrier, took charge, and became accountable for our own learning. We approached and passed ZPD’s daily in our language class. I’ll never forget a moment during the last week in Monte Verde, we were having a great conversation with Jackie (our teacher) about losing things….keys specifically….She told this funny, funny story about a time when she locked herself out of her house. We laughed so hard….but the amazing – ah ha – moment was that she told that story completely in Spanish….and I understand what she said!!!! We celebrated those “ah-ha” “approximation” moments almost daily. We also had the opportunity to “practice” what we were learning…sometimes more practice that I actually wanted! We had “feedback” from our teachers and fellow classmates…and support from each other!
I believe that all of Cambourne’s conditions were present and that those principles are applicable to learners of all ages….and all subjects! I learned some things about my own style of learning too! I need to see, hear, write and repeat before I can comprehend. I also need to apply and the content needs to be relevant! When those stipulations were met….the language was easier. I’ve learned some strategies that I will use in my future classroom…..which was the primary reason for my trip!
I loved Costa Rica and could not have picked a better place to go for 24 days! The country is breathtakingly beautiful. The people live simple lives and care deeply for one another. I am inspired by their dedication to preserve the flora, fauna, and wildlife…and their desire to make the whole country a better place to live! I applaud their commitment to be a carbon free country and their commitment to education. There is a “surprise of the day” every day just around the corner in Costa Rica~
There were times in those 24 days that I thought I would scream if I didn’t talk to someone in English. There were also times that I wondered if I had a brain at all as I struggled to stay focused and concentrate on what was being said around me. I had a million questions that I would have liked to ask and didn’t because I didn’t have the vocabulary….To make that conversation just took too much effort!!
The 5 students who went on this adventure with 2 professors seriously thought we were some kind of psychological experiment for the University! It was definitely a test of Brian Cambourne’s Conditions for Learning (7 or 8….depending on what website you read). We were “Immersed” in the culture, the language, and the family life. We were saturated with content, context, feelings, sights, sounds and tastes in every aspect of our day. We had “demonstrations” in class, at our family homestays, in restaurants, etc. Many times I resorted to a game of charades with my families so that we could converse! We knew that the teachers at CPI had high “expectations” for our learning…as they sometimes refused to speak any English…insisting that we only spoke Spanish in the classroom. Although, this was very frustrating, this strategy worked. It forced us to use the vocabulary and other resources we had at our fingertips. Problem solving became our “responsibility” as we worked through our language barrier, took charge, and became accountable for our own learning. We approached and passed ZPD’s daily in our language class. I’ll never forget a moment during the last week in Monte Verde, we were having a great conversation with Jackie (our teacher) about losing things….keys specifically….She told this funny, funny story about a time when she locked herself out of her house. We laughed so hard….but the amazing – ah ha – moment was that she told that story completely in Spanish….and I understand what she said!!!! We celebrated those “ah-ha” “approximation” moments almost daily. We also had the opportunity to “practice” what we were learning…sometimes more practice that I actually wanted! We had “feedback” from our teachers and fellow classmates…and support from each other!
I believe that all of Cambourne’s conditions were present and that those principles are applicable to learners of all ages….and all subjects! I learned some things about my own style of learning too! I need to see, hear, write and repeat before I can comprehend. I also need to apply and the content needs to be relevant! When those stipulations were met….the language was easier. I’ve learned some strategies that I will use in my future classroom…..which was the primary reason for my trip!
I loved Costa Rica and could not have picked a better place to go for 24 days! The country is breathtakingly beautiful. The people live simple lives and care deeply for one another. I am inspired by their dedication to preserve the flora, fauna, and wildlife…and their desire to make the whole country a better place to live! I applaud their commitment to be a carbon free country and their commitment to education. There is a “surprise of the day” every day just around the corner in Costa Rica~
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Day 23 -24 Last weekend in Costa Rica
We left early Saturday morning for the 4 hour ride from Monte Verde to San Jose. What a culture shock! I think we were all overcome by the noise and busy lifestyles of the city! We vistied the National Theatre and the National Museum. Both places were very interesting.
We had dinner at a favorite place....we had been to before! The food was wonderful and we sat around sharing some of our stories of the 3 week adventure. I think Costa Rica has a special place in all of our hearts.....
The country is so beautiful! The people live simple lifestyles; where the phrase of the day is "Pura Vida"....pure life!
Our plane departed at 12:30 Costa Rica time for Fort Lauderdale and our connecting flight landed safely in Myrtle Beach around 9:40. It made for a very long day of traveling. Walking out of the airport was like walking into a sauna...the heat and humidity was oppressive! Yep....we were home! I'm already longing for the cooler temperatures of the cloud forest, the quiet nights, and the fruit drinks!
We had dinner at a favorite place....we had been to before! The food was wonderful and we sat around sharing some of our stories of the 3 week adventure. I think Costa Rica has a special place in all of our hearts.....
The country is so beautiful! The people live simple lifestyles; where the phrase of the day is "Pura Vida"....pure life!
Our plane departed at 12:30 Costa Rica time for Fort Lauderdale and our connecting flight landed safely in Myrtle Beach around 9:40. It made for a very long day of traveling. Walking out of the airport was like walking into a sauna...the heat and humidity was oppressive! Yep....we were home! I'm already longing for the cooler temperatures of the cloud forest, the quiet nights, and the fruit drinks!
Friday, June 4, 2010
Day 22, Viernes, 4 Junio 2010
We had the morning free today so that we could begin the task of packing for the return trip home. I went into town today so that I could pay the departure tax ($26). Today is Helen’s birthday! Allan surprised her with a new pair of tennis shoes this morning in her favorite color…light blue (this is her very first pair of tennis shoes). I gave her a pair of light blue earrings that I found at a local gift shop. Final plans were being made to celebrate her birthday at a local restaurant tonight with all of their friends….of course, the family members will be there as well! So, I’ll be able to end my last night in Monte Verde at a huge birthday party. Unbelievably they are sad that I am leaving! It has been so much fun to be a part of their family these last 2 weeks.
We wrapped up our final day in Spanish class by studying the verbs that are most important. Of course, I will be bringing those workbooks back to the US so that I can continue my language development (and homework)!! We were also treated to a slide show with pictures of our activities….and a certificate of completion…60 hours of Spanish classes….and a small graduation ceremony! It really made all the studying and homework worth it! I highly recommend this program to anyone interested in learning the language…by immersion! Our CPI tour guide (Sonia) has been wonderful….and of course…my hat goes off to Dr Debbie Powell for making this a trip (and learning experience) of a lifetime!!!
We leave at 7 am tomorrow morning for San Jose; where we will spend the weekend. Our plans are to visit the National Museum, Theatre, and do some last minute shopping!
I’m going to miss Monte Verde and the Cloud Forest!!
End of Day 22……. (T-2 to home)
We wrapped up our final day in Spanish class by studying the verbs that are most important. Of course, I will be bringing those workbooks back to the US so that I can continue my language development (and homework)!! We were also treated to a slide show with pictures of our activities….and a certificate of completion…60 hours of Spanish classes….and a small graduation ceremony! It really made all the studying and homework worth it! I highly recommend this program to anyone interested in learning the language…by immersion! Our CPI tour guide (Sonia) has been wonderful….and of course…my hat goes off to Dr Debbie Powell for making this a trip (and learning experience) of a lifetime!!!
We leave at 7 am tomorrow morning for San Jose; where we will spend the weekend. Our plans are to visit the National Museum, Theatre, and do some last minute shopping!
I’m going to miss Monte Verde and the Cloud Forest!!
End of Day 22……. (T-2 to home)
Day 21: Jueves, 3 Junio 2010
We had a slight change in plans today. We had heard that bad weather was on the way from the pacific, so the zipline tour that was scheduled for Friday was moved to today! So……we took a tour through the Canopy of Monte Verde by way of a zipline! What an incredible tour! There are 9 lines; each one a different height and length. All of the lines are above the canopy so that you can see for miles! We were fortunate that we finished the tour before the rain came….about 30 minutes later….and has been raining all day since! We have been so lucky with all of our outdoor activities! Yes…it has rained (after all, it is the rainy season – their winter), but for the most part our activities have been completed in good weather!! There are all kinds of lessons that can be derived from this tour today….as we discussed the merits of “fun” activities and the definition of educable moments! We came up with at least 20 lesson ideas from the very basic discussion of various shades of the color green to the more complex discussion of physics, pulleys, and gravity!
Our class is coming to an end, so we gathered for a while afterwards (and before lunch) to try to wrap up some of our thoughts.
We learned a Spanish song today in class! And had the opportunity to sing and practice some of the verbs that we have been learning this week!
Only 3 more days left in Costa Rica as day 21 ends….
Our class is coming to an end, so we gathered for a while afterwards (and before lunch) to try to wrap up some of our thoughts.
We learned a Spanish song today in class! And had the opportunity to sing and practice some of the verbs that we have been learning this week!
Only 3 more days left in Costa Rica as day 21 ends….
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